Spring is in the air, and we’re excited to kick off this year’s FrOGS Plein Air season. It’s a wonderful time to get outside, enjoy the beauty of the Great Swamp Watershed, and reconnect with familiar faces while welcoming new friends.
For all the painters, sketchers, and photographers amongst you, we have started to schedule numerous Plein Air events through the summer to help inspire your Art Show submissions! Our first event will be Monday, April 27, from 1 to 4 PM at the Patterson Environmental Park (details below). We hope you’ll join us for these creative outings—some held on private properties generously opened just for us—where you can sketch, photograph, paint, or simply take in the landscape.
All works depicting the Great Swamp and its wildlife will be eligible for consideration in the prestigious FrOGS-sponsored Great Swamp Celebration and Art Show on October 17-18, 2026. More Plein Air events will be scheduled as the season unfolds.
Anyone is welcome to submit artwork for the Great Swamp Celebration and Art Show, and if you’re looking for inspiration, we have a full schedule of Plein Air events led by Board member Sharon Nakazato with support from Donna Castelluccio and Doreen O’Connor. Both experienced and aspiring artists are warmly invited to join us.
Below are the dates scheduled so far, with many more to come. Future events will be announced by email and posted here. If wish to receive Plein Air‑related emails from FrOGS, please let us know at info@frogs-ny.org.
Please notify the contact person if you plan to attend. RSVP is required at private sites. If you have any questions about the Plein Air program, please email or message Sharon Nakazato at SharonNakazato@gmail.com (new email) or 845-612-1046.
April 27, Monday, 1 – 4 PM — Patterson Environmental Park Boardwalk. Contact: Donna Castelluccio 845-416-6942. Rain date May 4.
May 5, Tuesday, 9 AM – 1PM — Rick Gilstad’s in Wingdale. Catch bounty of yellow irises. Contact: Doreen O’Connor 914-588-4182. Rain Date May 12.
June 3, Wednesday, 9 AM – 1PM — Sue Hennelly’s in Dover Plains. Contact: Doreen O’Connor 914-588-4182. Rain date June 10.
June 15, Monday, (time TBD), neighbor of Sharon Nakazato’s in Brewster. Contact: Sharon Nakazato 845-612-1046
June 30, Tuesday (9 AM – 1PM) — Bonnie Bray Farm in Brewster. Contact: Doreen O’Connor 914-588-4182.
Highlights of Plein Air Sites
Patterson Environmental Park has great views of The Great Swamp and surrounding woods. Drive right up to the boardwalk. Wander the paths and boardwalk. The wildflowers are coming out and there are a variety of places to set up on the boardwalk and along the shore. Let’s enjoy the farther views before the phragmites gets tall! Be sure to bring bug repellant.
