Sunflower Plein Air Paintout at McKee-Beshers WMA

New date: Saturday, July 30 - please RSVP anew

As you can see in these new images, the sunflowers are blooming at McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area. We therefore are changing the date of our paintout at the Poolesville, Maryland, reserve to this Saturday, July 30.

The weather forecast for Saturday is currently partly cloudy and a high of 84.

• When:  Saturday, July 30, 9 am-5 pm
• Cost: Free with registration
• Where to meet: MAA artists will meet at Field #4 on this map. The field is close to two parking areas.
• Facilities: This is a very wild area, with no facilities per se. This means no benches, restrooms or food/drink. Shade is limited, too. Please plan accordingly.
• What to bring: All art supplies and equipment needed for the day, sun protection, insect repellent, food and drink. 
• What to expect: There are 5 sunflower fields you can choose from. We'll use Field #4 as the main MAA location if you'd like to paint side by side with fellow members, but of course you can choose to paint at any of the five fields. 
• On site contacts for MAA: Our artists will likely be spread out and we won't necessarily have a gathering of everyone. But it would be wonderful if you met up with other artists informally. And we will have on-site contacts in case you need anything. From 9 am-1 pm: Phan (cell: 917-227-5967), from 2-5 pm: Mita (cell: 301-332-5787).
• Rain date:  If the weather is poor, we will cancel altogether and not reschedule. 
• Directions to McKee-Beshers WMA:  From the Capital Beltway, take Exit 39 (River Road) west toward Potomac. Proceed for approximately 11 miles to the intersection of River Road and MD 112, Seneca Road. Turn left and continue on River Road for about 2 1/2 miles. McKee-Beshers WMA will be on your left as you head west on River Road.
• Share your photos! Please share your sunflower pictures on instagram by tagging #maaartists, post photos in our private Facebook group, or send emails with photos to maaartists@gmail.com.

Notes about McKee-Beshers:

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources plants sunflowers each spring to provide a food source for mourning doves, as well as other wildlife species, after the plants mature and dry. This is also a great benefit to plein air painters and photographers, as the rolling fields are a spectacle and will inspire your artistic endeavors.

• McKee-Beshers WMA has no bathroom facilities, no benches and no picnic tables. Please plan accordingly.
• McKee-Beshers WMA is home to ticks, mosquitoes and poison ivy. Long pants, bug spray and close-toed shoes​ are recommended.
• Please note that trails are unmanicured dirt or gravel that can be rough or muddy and may be unsuitable for strollers.
• Destruction or removal of any plants (including sunflowers) is strictly prohibited.
• Parking is only allowed in designated parking areas.
• Do not block gates. Violators may be towed and ticketed.
• Driving is only allowed on main roads (River Road, Hunting Quarter Road, and Sycamore Landing Road).
• Wildlife Management Areas are trash-free. No trash cans are provided. Please take all trash with you.