The Thrive Project - Salmon River Valley Plein Air Festival

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Salmon River Valley Plein Air Festival

Watch as artists from across the region bring the beauty of the North Country to life on canvas.This five day festival, The Thrive Project’s signature fundraising event, invites the public to explore, observe, and connect with artists as they capture the beauty of our region: rolling hills, farmland, sparkling streams, and historic sites, all within 30 miles of Malone, New York. More than a celebration of art, the festival honors our region’s landscape, community, and creative spirit while raising essential support for Thrive’s year round arts programming. Organized by The Thrive Project with support from the Downtown Artist Cellar.

SChedule

Days 1–3: September 16–18

Artists Paint Across the Region
Watch as artists capture the beauty of our countryside—rolling hills, farmland, streams, and small-town charm—all within 30 miles of Malone. The public is encouraged to observe, take photos, and engage with artists as they work.

Day 4: Friday, September 19

Festival Preview Party & Awards
Downtown Artist Cellar, 6:00–8:00 PM
Enjoy a first look at the completed artwork, meet the artists, and celebrate this year’s award winners. Awards will be announced at 7:30 PM. The evening includes an artist meet-and-greet, exhibit preview, and light refreshments featuring beer, wine, and small bites. Artists and sponsors attend free as a thank-you for their contributions. Tickets are available online and at the door.

Preview Party Tickets

Day 5: Saturday, September 20

Battle of the Brushes
Downtown, Malone  9:00–11:00 AM
Experience the thrill of a live painting competition as artists race the clock to complete a painting on-site in just two hours. Watch them paint throughout downtown, then gather for judging at 11:15 AM at DAC. Awards will be announced at 12:00 PM. All Battle of the Brushes paintings will be exhibited and available for purchase.

Exhibit, Sale, and Festival  

Downtown Artist Cellar  12 - 3pm

The public is invited to explore and purchase original plein air paintings during the exhibit and sale at the festival. These works capture the unique charm and natural beauty of our region, offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity to collect art created on-site throughout the week. Visitors can meet the artists, learn about their creative process, and hear the stories behind the paintings.

To further engage the community, high school students will write about the landscape paintings as they are being created, capturing the process and inspiration in real time. Their poems will be read aloud on Saturday and displayed during the Preview Party for all to enjoy.

In addition to the art, we’ll have live music, a drum circle, and other interactive activities—making this an unforgettable celebration of art, community, and creativity.

Admission to the final day of the festival is free, and all are welcome to attend.

For Artists:

Paint the landscapes that inspire us. View the prospectus and register to paint.

Prospectus and Artist Registration

For Sponsors:

Support the festival and the arts. Explore sponsorship opportunities and make an impact.

Become a Sponsor