Wet Paint Festival statement

Wet Paint Festival statement

​Wet Paint Festival 2025 – Plein Air Painting at Gallery North

As a plein air painter and art educator, I seek to capture the quiet movements of nature and the untold stories within a space.
To me, the Wet Paint Festival is more than a painting event—it is a celebration of connection between community, place, and creative presence.
For the 2025 festival, I plan to focus on the historic Merritt Hawkins House, the meandering forest trails, and the beautiful school grounds that invite reflection and movement.
I hope that as I paint on-site, my presence becomes a quiet invitation—showing that art can be both visible and accessible.
The sound of children nearby, the light filtering through trees, and even a passing breeze—these are the true collaborators in each piece I create during this event.
Through this moment, I wish to offer a window into how nature and art can meet in a living, breathing form.

The Wet Paint Festival is an annual outdoor celebration of art and community on Long Island, New York.
Now entering its 21st year in 2025, the festival brings together plein air painters from across the region to capture the unique charm of Long Island’s historical landmarks and natural beauty--on-site and in real time.
This year, participating artists are invited to paint around the historic Merritt Hawkins House and the surrounding grounds of Nassakeag Elementary School in Setauket.
​
These locations offer a rich and inspiring landscape—from the timeless architecture of the Hawkins House, to winding forest trails, open fields, and community green spaces—all ideal for plein air painting.
Throughout the event, visitors are encouraged to observe the artists at work, learn about local history and ecology, and experience the creative process firsthand.
Artworks completed during the festival will be featured in a public exhibition held at the Reboli Center for Art and History, further connecting the artists’ work with the local community.

The Wet Paint Festival serves as a meaningful bridge between art and community. By inviting artists to create on-site amid local nature and historic landmarks, it transforms the act of painting into a public, interactive experience. Families and children witness creativity in action, making art more accessible and alive. The event also preserves the beauty and identity of the region through the eyes of artists, highlighting the value of local culture through visual storytelling.

Join the 2025 Wet Paint Festival at Gallery North, where artists paint live on-site at Merritt Hawkins House and Nassakeag Elementary School. Discover plein air art, local history, and community through creative celebration.

As a local artist and art educator passionate about nature and light, I aim to capture the spirit of the landscape and its quiet stories. Through expressive brushwork and color, I reflect local history and emotion, creating work that connects with viewers on a heartfelt level. I look forward to celebrating the joy of painting outdoors during this festival. annakoh.com