Plein Air Paint Out at Princeton Battlefield
Schedule
Sun Jun 14 2026 at 08:00 am to 05:30 pm
UTC-04:00Location
Arts Council of Princeton | Princeton, NJ
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Calling all artists — leave the four walls of the studio behind and experience the freedom of making art in a powerfully expansive setting. This plein-air painting opportunity is presented by the Arts Council in partnership with the Princeton Battlefield Society. During this special Paint Out held in celebration of the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, we invite artists of all skill levels to capture the grounds of the Princeton Battlefield State Park on their canvas.
Just minutes from downtown Princeton, this historic battlefield allows you to walk in the footsteps of Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and General Hugh Mercer, and explore the legacy of the Battle of Princeton.
In addition to its sweeping grounds, painters may be inspired by Battlefield landmarks:
• Built in 1772, the Thomas Clarke House is the only surviving structure from the Battle of Princeton. It stood at the center of the conflict and served as a field hospital where both American and British soldiers—including General Hugh Mercer—were treated for their wounds.
• The Mercer Oak has long been a symbol of the Battle of Princeton, standing near the spot where General Hugh Mercer was mortally wounded. Tradition holds that Mercer, refusing to surrender, was struck down near this tree, becoming a hero of the Revolution. The tree collapsed from old age in March 2000. An offspring grown from an acorn of the Mercer Oak in 1981 now thrives next to the large stump of the original tree.
• Standing tall at the battlefield’s edge, the Colonnade is a solemn tribute to the sacrifices made here. Originally part of a 19th-century mansion designed by architect Thomas Ustick Walter (who also designed the U.S. Capitol dome), the Colonnade was moved to its current location in 1956 as a memorial to fallen soldiers.
• The artist with the piece deemed Best in Show will be awarded a solo exhibition in the Arts Council’s Siegal Gallery. First runner up will receive a cash prize of $100, and second runner up will be awarded $50.
How it works:
Interested artists should use this link to sign up for the Paint Out:
https://tinyurl.com/5ab8mzsw
• A $25 registration fee supports our work to produce creative community programming.
• Artists are responsible for providing all set-up and supplies needed to create their piece.
• Artists will work from 9am to 4pm before displaying their work in an open-air exhibition, free and open to the public. Invite your friends and family to enjoy strolling from easel to easel.
• Works may be available for sale. ACP will receive a 25% commission from any artwork sold.
• Participants should dress comfortably and, if necessary, plan for weather by bringing sunscreen, sun hats, etc. Bring plenty of water and snacks, if desired.
• In the event of rain, the Paint Out will be canceled. Please stay tuned to the email you used to register for any important messages from the organizers.
The Princeton Battlefield State Park is located at 500 Mercer Street, Princeton, NJ.
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Where is it happening?
Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ 08542-3204, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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