Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival

Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival Capturing scenic beauty on the spot. What is Plein Air Painting?
“En plein air” is a French expression meaning “in the open air”.

Nestled on Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy, with the highest tides in the world creating unique and ever-changing shoreline scenery, Parrsboro has become home to Canada’s largest Plein Air Festival each June. Nestled on Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy, with the highest tides in the world creating unique and ever-changing shoreline scenery, Parrsboro has become home to Canada’s largest Plein Air Festival. S

ince 2017, Parrsboro Creative has organized the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival, drawing 30 juried artists annually from across North America to compete in painting the picturesque sea and landscapes the Parrsboro Shore has to offer. It’s part of Parrsboro Creative’s vision of developing the area’s cultural economy through the creation and enhancement of a community or artists and artisans that will rejuvenate the community, once a thriving shipbuilding area. Of course, the festival would not be possible without the support of sponsors ranging from government to private enterprise. Its success has been chronicled in media across North America, reaching thousands of artists, art galleries and art collectors’ organizations across the continent. After a shift in 2020 to an online-only event, and Atlantic-only in 2021 due to COVID-19, PIPAF will be returning to an international model in 2022! It describes the art of outdoor painting, using specific skills to capture landscapes and views in natural light. Plein Air painting requires adaptability to a changing environment and speed in applying painting techniques. Plein air events have a dedicated following among artists who appreciate going to new locations and being challenged by the work of other artists on location. https://www.parrsborocreative.com/pipaf

06/11/2026
A big thank you to RE/MAX County Line Realty for supporting the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival as a valued s...
06/11/2026

A big thank you to RE/MAX County Line Realty for supporting the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival as a valued sponsor!

Helping people find their place in our beautiful region, your team plays an important role in welcoming new residents and showcasing all that Cumberland County has to offer. We’re grateful for your support of PIPAF and our community!

RE/MAX County Line Realty

A big thank you to Glooscap Restaurant & Lounge for supporting the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival as a value...
06/10/2026

A big thank you to Glooscap Restaurant & Lounge for supporting the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival as a valued sponsor!

Whether you’re visiting for the festival or exploring Parrsboro year-round, be sure to stop in and enjoy a great meal and Maritime hospitality. We’re grateful for your support and proud to have you as part of PIPAF!

We’re honoured to welcome Catherine Hillis of Locust Grove, Virginia to PIPAF 2026. A highly accomplished watercolour ar...
06/10/2026

We’re honoured to welcome Catherine Hillis of Locust Grove, Virginia to PIPAF 2026.

A highly accomplished watercolour artist and educator, Catherine continues to earn recognition on the international stage. In 2026, International Artist Magazine will feature a six-page article highlighting her work and artistic journey. Her painting Freefalling was selected for the prestigious American Watercolor Society International Exhibition in 2025, and her work has been published extensively in books and magazines, including the SPLASH series, Watercolor Magazine, PleinAir Magazine, and The Art of Watercolour. Catherine was also invited to teach as part of Watercolor Live in 2025.

Learn more at www.catherinehillis.com

One week until PIPAF! If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our incredible lineup of juried artists. https://pipa...
06/09/2026

One week until PIPAF!

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our incredible lineup of juried artists. https://pipaf.ca/page/45539/the-juried-artists-2026

From June 16–21, 30 talented artists from across North America and beyond will be painting the stunning landscapes of the Parrsboro Shore and Bay of Fundy. We can’t wait to welcome them to PIPAF 2026!

SupportTheArts NovaScotiaArt

Please join us in welcoming Rose daRosa of Miami, Florida to PIPAF 2026. An award-winning plein air painter and adventur...
06/08/2026

Please join us in welcoming Rose daRosa of Miami, Florida to PIPAF 2026.

An award-winning plein air painter and adventurer, Rose earned 3rd Place in the Professional Division at the 2024 Steamboat Springs Plein Air event, with awards judged by renowned artist Susie Baker. She has been selected for the Forgotten Coast Plein Air Quick Paint Exhibition in both 2023 and 2026 and is the creator of the ambitious Plein Air Prius Project—a 2.5-year painting and documentary journey across the American West. Rose is also a recipient of the prestigious Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Award for Draftsmanship.

Learn more at rosedarosa.com

A heartfelt thank you to Harbour View Restaurant for supporting the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival as a valu...
06/07/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Harbour View Restaurant for supporting the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival as a valued sponsor!

While you’re enjoying PIPAF, be sure to stop in for a meal and take in one of the best views in town. We’re grateful for your support and proud to have you as part of this year’s festival!

A warm thank you to Riverview Cottages for supporting the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival as a valued sponsor...
06/06/2026

A warm thank you to Riverview Cottages for supporting the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival as a valued sponsor!

Welcoming visitors to the Fundy shore with comfortable accommodations and stunning views, Riverview Cottages helps make Parrsboro a memorable destination. If you’re visiting for PIPAF, consider making your stay part of the experience. Thank you for your support!

We’re delighted to welcome Doug Geldart of Toronto, Ontario to PIPAF 2026. A respected watercolour artist, Doug served a...
06/05/2026

We’re delighted to welcome Doug Geldart of Toronto, Ontario to PIPAF 2026.

A respected watercolour artist, Doug served as President of the Toronto Watercolour Society from 2020 to 2022 and continues to be active in plein air events, including participation in the Elora Plein Air Event in 2024. He was also a Wild Card Competitor on Landscape Artist of the Year Canada in 2019. Among his many accomplishments, Doug won the Royal Canadian Mint competitions in 2013 and 2014, resulting in the creation of two $10 commemorative coins.

Learn more at www.artistsincanada.com

A huge thank you to NAPA Parrsboro (Richard’s Parts & More) for being a major sponsor of the Parrsboro International Ple...
06/04/2026

A huge thank you to NAPA Parrsboro (Richard’s Parts & More) for being a major sponsor of the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival!

For years, your knowledgeable team and reliable service have helped keep our community moving. We’re grateful for your support of local arts and culture and proud to have you as part of this year’s festival. Thank you for helping make PIPAF possible!

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Parrsboro, NS

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9027282007

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