The second annual Cambridgeshire Plein Air Artist of the Year award was held at Histon Manor recently, attracting more than 100 artists from around the UK.
The event, which took place on Saturday 13 June, raised over £3,000 for the Cambridge Acorn Project, the Manor’s chosen charity for the year.
This latest event brings the total amount raised in 2026 so far by Histon Manor for the children’s charity to more than £13,000.
Vibrant and inspiring
The competition was open to both amateur and professional artists and this year’s event saw an increase in entries, with painters travelling from across the country to take part in what organisers described as “a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere.”
Artists were tasked with capturing the landscape and atmosphere of the grounds of Histon Manor in a variety of styles and media, and a professional judging panel of five, which included acclaimed portrait artist Benjamin Sullivan – who was commissioned to paint an official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II – selected both the award winners and the final exhibition selection.
Selected works from the competition were subsequently exhibited at MODO Gallery in Cambridge alongside works by the late David Hockney.
A ‘creative and supportive day’
The winner of the professional category was AmyLou Jennings; and the emerging artist category winner was Fiona Samson. Highly commended artists were Marcus Walder, Sunil Kalbandi, Kerry Beckett and Irena Massarena.
An online gallery featuring artwork created during the event will be available on the Histon Manor website and many of the pieces will also be available for purchase.
The event was organised by Histon Manor’s Katherine Mann, with support from volunteers. She told HI HUB: “It was wonderful to see such a lovely mix of amateur and professional artists, all sharing a passion for painting outdoors. The atmosphere throughout the day was everything we had hoped for – creative, supportive, friendly and inspiring.
“It was fantastic to see artists from across the country come together and create such a strong sense of community. Thank you to all the volunteers whose hard work on the day helped made the event possible”.
Win an afternoon tea at Histon Manor
Histon Manor is offering a Champagne Afternoon Tea for eight guests in the dining room as one of the top prizes in the Cambridge Acorn Project Summer Raffle.
Tickets are £1 each and can be bought online at Cambridge Acorn Project Summer Raffle 2026, or paper raffle tickets will also be available for sale on the joint Acorn and Histon Manor stall at the Recreation Ground Feast Market on Sunday.
Big Give Small Charities Week
Histon Manor charity for 2026, Cambridge Acorn Project, is also participating in Big Give Small Charities Week. Taking place from 12pm on Monday 22 June to 5pm on Monday 29 June 2026, this one-week campaign will see every donation to the charity doubled.
The charity is aiming to raise £10,000 in one week. This will help the charity provide long-term support for up to 10 families facing significant challenges. Find out more and donate here.
View the gallery of artwork from the Plein Air event here Artists’ Gallery – Plein Air 2026
READ ALSO: Histon Manor announces chosen charity for 2026 | HI HUB
