June 13-20

From an artist’s perspective, Berks County is uniquely multi-faceted. You can find some of practically anything here: bustling urban areas, rolling Amish farmlands. Waterways, forests, parks and valleys of inspiring natural splendor. Beautifully preserved historical structures, vestiges of a national industrial powerhouse.

Our thanks to juror Lon Brauer for selecting 30 outstanding artists, from 9 states, to spend the week of June 13-19 capturing the beauty, character and heritage of Berks County on canvas. Their artwork will be unveiled at the Patrons' Preview & Awards Presentation on June 19, and to the public at West Reading's "Art on the Avenue" festival on Saturday, June 20.

Announcing the artists of
PLEIN AIR WEST READING 2026

Lissa Abrams, Stevenson MD
Gregory Blue, West Chester PA
Melissa Carroll, Lancaster PA
Nanci Charpentier, Baton Rouge LA
Patsy Cooner, Standardsville VA
Ann Crostic, Baltimore MD
Lori Cusick, Dallas TX
Lea Doise, Keswick VA
Eliner Tryon Elgin, Bel Air MD
David Finnell, Charlottesville VA

Paul Gallo, Middletown PA
Tarryl Gabel, Poughkeepsie, NY
Erin Gill, Bethlehem PA
Cindy Harris, Bloomfield NY
Donna Hazen-Nance, Broomall PA
William Hendricks, Alexandria VA
Jane Knighton, Glenwood MD
Jim Laurino, Litchfield CT
Helene Mazur, Princeton NJ
Mary Ann Mengel, Hamburg PA

Fran Parzanese, Reading PA
Marilyn Rose, West Caldwell NJ
Sabrina Schmidt, Chalmette LA
Robert Seabourne, Reading PA
Russell Slocum, Wyomissing PA
Erika Stearly, Kutztown PA
Aaron Thompson, Reading PA
Patricia Valens, Cornwall on Hudson NY
Rachel Van Wylen, Ardmore PA
Valentina Yannotti, Canandaigua NY

Artist profiles, sponsors, awards and new dimensions for this year's competition will be announced in April.

meet THE juror

Want to be part of the picture? Amateurs and pros alike are invited to check out the new
OPEN CATEGORY
In addition to the juried artists, another 30 artists from the community will be selected by lottery to participate, exhibit and potentially sell their art.

PAWR2026 open