Tuesday, September 9, 2025–9:30 a.m.
-News Release-
The Georgia’s Rome Office of Tourism invites artists of all skill levels to participate in the 2nd Annual Plein Air Showcase of Georgia’s Rome, taking place on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Held during Downtown Rome’s lively Fiddlin’ Fest, this one-day plein air painting event celebrates creativity, community, and the vibrant energy of Downtown Rome.
Artists will paint outdoors throughout the day, capturing the natural light, movement, and festive atmosphere of the event. The showcase is open to artists working in oil, acrylic, watercolor, and, new this year, pastel (oil and chalk).
New Features & Prizes
Thanks to generous sponsorships from Hardy Realty and the Rome Area Council for the Arts (RACA), several exciting additions are coming to this year’s event:
- Wet Paint Sale located inside the festival area, hosted at Hardy on Broad – 100% of proceeds go directly to the artists
- Total of $600 in cash prizes, including awards dedicated to beginner and first-time plein air artists
- Live plein air painting demonstration by professional artist, Rachel Eichholtz
Prize Categories Include:
- First Place – $200
- Second Place – $150
- Third Place – $100
- Honorable Mention – $50
- RACA Beginner Artist Recognitions – $100 total
Special Guest Artist & Live Demo
We’re thrilled to welcome professional artist Rachel Eichholtz as this year’s guest judge. Following the awards ceremony, Rachel will lead a live plein air painting demonstration, showcasing techniques for quickly capturing light and mood on canvas. Festival attendees and participating artists are invited to watch, ask questions, and learn from her process.
Beginner Plein Air Workshop with Rachel Eichholtz
In the weeks leading up to the event, Rachel will host a Beginner Plein Air Workshop on Saturday, September 27 at the Town Green. This fun, casual session is open to all skill levels and is perfect for those curious about plein air painting. To learn more and register for the workshop, visit RomeGeorgia.org/PleinAir
Event Day Details
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Check-In: 8:00 a.m. at Hardy on Broad (440 Broad St.)
Submission Deadline & Wet Paint Sale Begins: Noon at Hardy on Broad
Live Plein Air Painting Demonstration: 1:30 p.m.
Entry Fee: $25
Surface Guidelines: Canvas, canvas board, or quality cover-weight paper (max size 12” x 16”)
How to Register
Space is limited! Register early at:
For questions, contact:
Kristi Kent
706-295-5576
kkent@romega.us
About the Organizers
Georgia’s Rome Office of Tourism is the official destination and sports marketing organization of Rome and Floyd County, Ga. Georgia’s Rome mission is to strengthen the economic prosperity of the community through tourism development by attracting leisure travelers, conventions, meetings, film, sports, and events. For more information, visit RomeGeorgia.org.
