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Paint the Town – Alpharetta Plein Air

May 6-10, 2025

Once again with the support of our partners Alpharetta Arts & Culture, Awesome Alpharetta and Arts Alpharetta will host Paint the Town 2025, Alpharetta’s Plein Air Competition from May 6 through May 10.

This annual “plein air” event draws artists from all around the southeast to paint live scenes from life in our fair city all week. The event culminates on Saturday, May 10 with an evening awards ceremony and reception at the Alpharetta Arts Center that evening. The exhibit will remain on display through June 7, 2025.

The call for artists is open now! To register, learn more, or become a sponsor, please visit Arts Alpharetta.


Paint The Town Exhibit
May 10–June 7
Alpharetta Arts Center
Open during business hours

Artworks created during the 5-day competition will be on display for view and purchase through June 7, 2025, at the Alpharetta Arts Center. Come early as buyers will scoop up their favorite paintings. Don’t miss out!

Proceeds from the event will directly fund two Arts Alpharetta initiatives: the ongoing public art program and “Take Out Art” which supplies free art kits to students under the guidance of local school counselors in our community.

Learn More


Paint the Town | 2025 Awards Ceremony and Reception
May 10, 2025
5:00-7:00 pm
Alpharetta Arts Center

In partnership with Alpharetta’s Recreation, Parks and Cultural Services division, Arts Alpharetta hosts a gallery reception and awards ceremony, capping off the 5-day plein air painting competition. Categories include varied skill levels, and Quick Paint, and Art in the Dark, where artists paint at night to capture dramatic lighting in our lovely city. Light food and beverage served. Live music and free to the public.

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Paint the Town | 2025 Quick Draw Awards Ceremony
May 9, 2025
Alpharetta City Center

On Friday, May 9, Paint the Town artists will gather around City Center and points close by to start and finish a painting in only 2 hours from 9:00–11:00 am. All must start and stop on the honor system to then gather on the Town Green by 11:30 am, with easels set up for display. Juror and professional plein air artist and instructor, Brenda Pinnick will judge artworks across 3 categories: novice, intermediate, and professional. Prizes will be awarded First through Third, with possible Honorable Mentions. The public is welcome to watch the artists and judge at work, and see who is recognized. All paintings will return to the Alpharetta Arts Center for the PTT 2025 exhibit, available for view and purchase. All artists must register to participate. Public is invited to observe for free.

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Paint the Town | 2025 Art in the Dark
May 6, 2025
6:30 until Dark
Alpharetta City Center and all around town

Tuesday evening, May 6, beginning approximately at 6:30 pm, Paint the Town artists will set up around City Center and all around town to prepare their paintings for “Art in the Dark,” where artists depict night scenes in our city. They work to get the sketches complete, prepare colors, and begin to apply the first blocks of color. But once the sun sets and our city lights up, they will capture the vibrancy of our town at night. These nocturnal paintings will be judged in a separate category this year at the Alpharetta Arts Center. They will be on display for viewing and purchasing at the reception on May 10 from 5:00–7:00 pm. All artists must register to compete, but the public is welcome to watch the artists at work!

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Paint the Town – Plein Air Hotel Information
(Ask for the Plein Air rate)

Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta | $159–$199
 5750 Windward Pkwy., Alpharetta, GA 30005 | 770-754-9600

Comfort Inn Alpharetta/Atlanta North | $89
5455 Windward Pkwy. W, Alpharetta, GA 30004 | 470-273-6604

Even Hotel Alpharetta/Avalon Area | $89–$99
2715 Old Milton Pkwy., Alpharetta, GA 30004 | 770-869-2546

Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta/Alpharetta | $135
11385 Haynes Bridge Rd., Alpharetta, GA 30009 | 770-663-4000

Hilton Alpharetta/Atlanta | $140–$150
5775 Windward Pkwy., Alpharetta, GA 30009 | 678-240-9222

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alpharetta/Windward Parkway | $84
12505 Innovation Way, Alpharetta, GA 30004 | 678-339-0505

Home2Home Suites by Hilton | $144
12075 Morris Rd., Alpharetta, GA 30005 | 470-479-6699

Hyatt Place Atlanta/Alpharetta/North Point Mall | $89
7500 North Point Pkwy., Alpharetta, GA 30022 | 770-594-8788

Sonesta ES Suites Atlanta/Alpharetta/Windward Parkway | $109
5465 Windward Pkwy., Alpharetta, GA 30009 | 770-664-0664