Heart of the River Plein Air Gala
June 13, 2026
5:00pm ~ 9:00pm
Dress up and step out at the most elegant event of the summer!
Join us for the culmination of the week-long plein air competition for the spectacular Gala at the Fine Arts Museum of Gloucester!
Enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while you browse each artist’s five competition paintings before the excitement begins. Upon arrival, Patrons will make a lottery draw to determine the order of the fast-paced and exciting art sale.
The highlight of the evening is the unveiling of 150 stunning Plein Air paintings, created throughout the week by gifted artists who captured the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
Become a Patron to enter a lottery ahead of the general public for the first pick of these breathtaking works. The excitement builds as names are drawn, with each winner stepping forward to claim their chosen masterpiece.
This event is free for 2026 Patron Ticket holders. Individual Gala tickets may also be purchased.
Additionally, Patrons are invited to the exclusive Patron Preview Party scheduled for Thursday, June 11th, where you will have the chance to enjoy (and purchase!) a special sneak peek of some of the remarkable paintings before the highly anticipated Gala opening!
Just the Facts!
5:00pm ~ Gala Begins
7:00pm ~ Awards Presentation
7:30pm Patron’s Lottery Begins
9pm ~ Gala Ends
Directions to the Fine Arts Museum of Gloucester
A Premier Evening of Art and Elegance
Put on your finest attire and walk up our red-carpeted steps while enjoying a glass of prosecco to view the Heart of the River Collection. Our 2026 Plein Air artists have selected their five finest works from the week to enter into the competition. Over $27,000 is a stake for the artists. Awards include Best in Show, Best New Artist, and Best Virginia Artist, among others. The museum will be decked out in its most glamorous attire and ready for you to select your favorite painting! Will you agree with the Judge? What lottery number will you have?
“The arts are a celebration of life.”
— Michael Douglas