From left: Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism Director Cassandra Vanhooser; Talbot County Tourism Manager Kristen Goller, Avalon Foundation Plein Air Easton Coordinator Marie Nuthall, and Avalon Foundation Director of Finance & Operations Jessica Bellis accepted the Transactional Opportunities Award at the 2024 Maryland Tourism Awards. This recognition, presented during the 43rd Annual Maryland Tourism & Travel Summit in Harford County acknowledges the significant impact of the Plein Air Easton Competition and Arts Festival on local tourism and economic growth.
Easton, MD - The Avalon Foundation, in collaboration with the Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism, has been awarded the Transactional Opportunities Award at the 2024 Maryland Tourism Awards. This recognition, presented during the 43rd Annual Maryland Tourism & Travel Summit in Harford County acknowledges the significant impact of the Plein Air Easton Competition and Arts Festival on local tourism and economic growth.
Plein Air Easton is celebrated as the largest and most prestigious outdoor painting competition in the United States and has become a cornerstone of Talbot County’s cultural and economic landscape. The festival’s innovative programming — including painting demonstrations, interactive workshops, the Meet the Artist Party, and Small Painting Sunday —attracts some 6,000 to 8,000 visitors annually, resulting in a more than 30% increase in visitor spending across the hospitality, dining, and retail sectors.
“This award underscores the collaborative spirit that defines our community,” said Cassandra Vanhooser, director of Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism. “By working together, we’ve elevated Plein Air Easton to new heights, showcasing Easton as a vibrant cultural destination.”
Jessica Bellis, director of finance and operations of the Avalon Foundation added that winning this statewide award underscores the Avalon Foundation’s exceptional impact on Talbot County’s economy, showcasing Plein Air Easton’s ability to attract significant visitor engagement and economic growth through its world-class event.
“Talbot County and its communities provide the perfect setting for Plein Air Easton and many other events and experiences for locals and guests alike,” says Bellis. “This recognition just further solidifies our commitment as a premier tourism destination in Maryland.”
The Maryland Tourism Awards, presented by the Maryland Department of Commerce Office of Tourism Development and the Maryland Tourism Development Board, honor excellence in expanding Maryland’s tourism market, generating overnight stays, leveraging partnerships, and promoting the state as a must-see destination.
Other honorees include Maryland’s Coast, Worcester County for the Market Expansion Award; Charles County Recreation, Parks and Tourism for the Maximizing Opportunities Award; and Allegany County and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce for the Leveraging Partnerships Award.
For more information on Plein Air Easton and its contributions to Talbot County’s tourism, visit www.pleinaireaston.com.
The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.
Business owners and managers are encouraged to receive the department’s Talbot Works newsletter and breaking business news by subscribing at www.talbotworks.org. The department can also be reached at 410-770-8058 or by visiting their office at 215 Bay Street, Easton, Md.
