The 25th Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival will feature “Artful Harmonies: A Plein Air Celebration” on its second day at St. Clement’s Island Museum, inviting artists to capture the evolving atmosphere of the festival setup. Scheduled for Friday, July 11, 2025, from 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., the event will allow registered artists to paint the scenic riverside grounds as they transition from tranquil morning landscapes to a vibrant hub of stage construction and vendor preparations. The $10 registration fee, with proceeds supporting the museum, encourages artists to contribute to the festival’s milestone anniversary.
Artists will begin selecting their sites at 5:30 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis, setting up their easels to depict the dynamic scene. The museum grounds, nestled along the Potomac River, will provide a picturesque backdrop of serene waters and lush greenery in the early hours. As the day progresses, the area will buzz with activity, offering artists a chance to capture the energy of festival preparations. Participants are responsible for their equipment, supplies, and refreshments, immersing themselves in the creative process amid the festival’s unfolding story.
The plein air event will culminate in the evening with a performance by the U.S. Navy Band – The Commodores, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., allowing artists to add final touches to their work with the public in attendance. The completed artworks will be displayed in the St. Clement’s Island Museum gallery during the festival’s main event on Saturday, where attendees will vote for their favorite piece. The winning artist will receive a prize, with details to be announced.
“The Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival is a celebration of music, food, and community, and this plein air event adds a unique artistic dimension,” said a St. Mary’s County Museum Division representative.
The festival, a signature Mid-Atlantic event since 1999, draws nearly 1,000 jazz enthusiasts annually to St. Mary’s County for its blend of national jazz talent, local seafood, and stunning waterfront views. Expanded to a three-day weekend in 2019 for its 20th anniversary, the festival earned the Maryland Office of Tourism’s “Maximizing Opportunities Award,” the only event in the state to receive this honor.
Proceeds from the plein air event and the broader festival support the Friends of St. Clement’s Island & Piney Point Museums, a non-profit dedicated to preserving historic sites managed by the St. Mary’s County Museum Division. Major partners include the St. Mary’s County Arts Council and Visit St. Mary’s MD, which promote the region’s cultural and tourism offerings. The plein air celebration underscores the festival’s commitment to integrating art, music, and local heritage.
The festival’s setting at St. Clement’s Island Museum enhances its appeal, offering visitors a chance to relax on the scenic lawn while enjoying jazz performances and culinary delights. Known for showcasing Maryland’s Mother County’s seafood, the event highlights local delicacies alongside renowned artists. The plein air event, a new addition for the 25th anniversary, reflects the festival’s evolution while honoring its roots as a community-driven celebration.
Artists participating in the plein air event are expected to find inspiration in combining natural beauty and festival activity. The artworks will reflect the calm of early morning and the excitement of preparations. The public’s role in voting for the winning piece adds an interactive element, engaging festivalgoers in the creative process.
As the festival approaches, the plein air artworks will serve as a tribute to the 25th anniversary, preserving the day’s moments in paint and canvas. The event not only enriches the festival experience but also supports the museum’s mission to foster cultural and historical appreciation in St. Mary’s County.
