Tremont recently had the joy of hosting Plein Air Smokies 2025, a full week of artists, nature, community, and creative energy unfolding across the Smokies. From September 20-27, artists traveled the trails, ridges, and riverbanks of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding areas, carrying easels, palettes, and fresh eyes.
In total, 19 nationally acclaimed plein air artists were invited to participate in this year’s event: Olena Babak, Carla Bosch, Krystal Brown, John Caggiano, Henry Coe, Vlad Duchev, Bill Farnsworth, John Guernsey, Shelby Keefe, Kimberly Kennard, John Lasater, Susan Lynn, Chuck Marshall, Charles Newman, Kathie Odom, Jeremy Sams, Richard Sneary, Richie Vios, Dawn Whitelaw.
Over the course of several days, the artists dispersed into beloved settings such as Walker Valley, Elkmont, and Cades Cove, as well as other hidden nooks of the Smokies, capturing the ephemeral light and shifting skies. We also hosted free public painting demonstrations at Tremont and the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, offering a front-row seat to the creative process in action. Visitors were able to meet their favorite artists, ask questions, and learn from their expertise. These sessions offered a special kind of immersion: seeing a painting emerge before your eyes, in real time, set against familiar forest and stream vistas.
As the week drew to a close, we shifted the stage to Knoxville for the Collectors’ Celebration & Gallery Sale. On Friday evening, Tremont supporters and art lovers gathered at District Gallery to preview and purchase the week’s work, mingle with the artists, and celebrate their efforts. This year’s judge, Charlie Hunter, evaluated submissions across several categories – a tough job among so many talented artists!
Plein Air Smokies 2025 Winners
Best of Show: Kathie Odom
Shucks | Oil | 15″x24″
Best Landscape: Carla Bosch
Sponsored by Greenstalk Landscapes
Welcome to the Loop | Acrylic | 10″x30″
Best Structure: Richard Sneary
Sponsored by F.E. Trainer Construction
Spence Cabin | Watercolor | 12″x20″
Best Use of Light: Susan Lynn
River Dance | Watercolor | 8″x16″
Best Water: Vlad Duchev
The Hidden Fall | Oil | 20″x20″
Artists’ Choice: John Guernsey
Selected by the Featured Artists based on body of work. Pictured right: Blue House at Elkmont | Acrylic | 12″x16″
Quick Draw Shines in Sequoyah Hills
The final day of Plein Air Smokies brought artists and art lovers together for the popular Quick Draw competition, held at the beautiful Sequoyah Hills Park in Knoxville. With easels dotting the greenways and river views as inspiration, the atmosphere buzzed with energy as both seasoned and first-time participants raced against the clock to capture the morning light.
More than 60 artists entered the Open Division, each creating an original plein air painting before noon. When time was called, paintings were framed, displayed, and judged in two categories: the Featured Artist Division and the Open Division. The event drew a lively crowd of spectators and collectors who cheered on the artists, admired the fresh works, and celebrated the creative spirit that defines Plein Air Smokies.
Charlie Hunter once again had the challenging task of selecting winners from a field of remarkable works. Olena Babak earned First Place in the Featured Artist Division, while Lisa Engle claimed First Place in the Open Division, securing an invitation to return as a Featured Artist in 2026.
Quick Draw Best of Show (Featured Artist): Olena Babak
Quick Draw Best of Show (Open Division): Lisa Engle
How Plein Air Smokies Fuels Tremont’s Mission
Plein Air Smokies reflects Tremont’s mission to connect people and nature through immersive learning experiences in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Each year, Tremont engages children, families, and adults in hands-on programs that inspire curiosity, creativity, and care for the natural world. Hosting this event is a natural extension of that work – the artists’ work captures the essence of what Tremont strives to cultivate: awareness, reflection, and a deepened sense of place.
Beyond celebrating art, Plein Air Smokies directly supports Tremont’s mission. We’re thrilled to share that this event netted over $65,000 to support Tremont’s environmental education programs, scholarships, and community initiatives that enable more people to form meaningful connections with nature. Every painting purchased and every sponsorship received contributes to the future of outdoor learning in the Smokies.
Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this work: Toyota Knoxville, Lexus of Knoxville, Anakeesta, Dogwood Cabins, Realty Executives, Wagner Family of Wines, Empire Distributors, F.E. Trainer Construction, Greenstalk Landscapes, Peaceful Side Social, Company Distilling, Adam White, and an anonymous donor who supported our education day with local high schools at Tremont.
See You in 2026!
Save the date for the next Plein Air Smokies: September 19-26, 2026. Applications for Featured Artists will open at OnlineJuriedShows.com on November 20, 2025, and close on January 25, 2026. Sign up for emails from Tremont to be notified when more event details are announced.
