Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters Association
Upcoming Events
Sunflowers in bloom at McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area, Poolesville, MDSat, Jul 25McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area
Group Critiques at Threshold Gallery: First MondaysMultiple DatesMon, Aug 031035 Benfield Blvd suite 1
Paint Out at Quiet Waters Park, AnnapolisFri, Aug 07Quiet Waters Park
Riley’s Lock (lock 24) Pain t Out - on the C&O canal, Poolesville, MDSat, Aug 08Rileys Lock
2026 Annual Show ReceptionSat, Sep 1910400 Cross Fox Ln
Paint Out at Newport Farm, Berlin, MDSat, Oct 171 Meadow St
2026 MAPAPA Annual MeetingSat, Nov 07Stonehouse - Long Reach Community Associ
About MAPAPA
The Mid Atlantic Plein Air Painters Association (MAPAPA) is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community of outdoor painters since 2003. Our organization offers exclusive access to inspiring locations, educational opportunities, and resources tailored to both novice and professional artists, aiming to elevate the standard of plein air painting in the Mid Atlantic region.
Our Legacy
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Founders of Paint Annapolis
MAPAPA Founding Members started the Paint Annapolis event in 2001, a hallmark event for local plein air painters. MAPAPA was later established as a non-profit in 2003 and continues as an active group today - our commitment to artistic excellence and education endures.
Since 2014, Maryland Federation of Art (MFA) has managed the Paint Annapolis Event, carrying on the annual tradition of painting the town, and growing the competition to what it is today, with multiple award events and receptions.
Meet some of our Signature members
Crystal Moll - Oils
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MAPAPA Member Since 2009
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Owner Crystal Moll Gallery Baltimore, MD
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Paints mostly cityscapes and works directly from life, on location in the plein air tradition.
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Associate Member, Oil Painters of America.
Michael Kotarba - Watercolor
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MAPAPA Member Since 2009
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Paints mostly landscapes directly from life, on location in the plein air tradition.
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Associate Member, American Watercolor Society
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Signature Member, Baltimore Watercolor Society.
Beth Bathe - Water Mixable Oils
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MAPAPA Member Since 2011
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Beth uses water mixable oil colors in thin washes with a limited tonalist palette.
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Signature Member, American Society of Marine Artists
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Associate member of Society of Animal Artists, Salmagundi Club, Oil Painters of America (OPA), Outdoor Painters Society (OPS), National Acrylic and Oil Painters Society (NOAPS) Susquehanna Valley Plein Air Painters (SVPAP)
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Faculty for Plein Air Convention 2025, 2026 and faculty for Art School Life with Eric Rhoads.
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In February 2016 she participated in the Plein Air Magazine Invitational trip to Cuba, and has also plein air painted in China.
What our members say
“Since joining in 2018, MAPAPA has enriched my painting practice through community, shared knowledge, and memorable paint-outs. I’ve learned new techniques, explored new locations, and built meaningful friendships."
Chris Rapa, MAPAPA Member
“The inclusion of plein air in my painting practice has accelerated my growth exponentially over the past few years. MAPAPA provides opportunities for members to exhibit their artwork, connect with other local artists, and gain confidence painting in public spaces."
Amanda, MAPAPA Vice President
"Joining MAPAPA was an awesome way to meet other plein air artists in the area, and explore new, inspiring locations to paint. There's always a new plein air event coming up thanks to MAPAPA!"
Jon, MAPAPA Member
Get in touch
We welcome inquiries about our organization and upcoming events. Reach out to us to learn more about how you can join our community of plein air painters.