Plein Air Outing: The Sunflowers Fields of McKee-Beshers

Spend the morning painting en plein air with fellow MAA members among the SUNFLOWERS at the renowned McKee-Beshers WMA, less than 30 minutes from Rockville.  We are hoping by this date the sunflowers will be bloomed; however, mother-nature is the only one who knows for certain.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources - Wildlife and Heritage Service plants sunflowers each spring on the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The primary purpose for planting sunflowers on wildlife management areas is 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.

Please note McKee-Beshers WMA has no bathroom facilities, no benches, and no picnic tables. 

McKee-Beshers WMA is also home to ticks, mosquitoes and poison ivy. Long pants and shoes are recommended.  Please plan accordingly.

Cost: Free with registration.

Time: We've set the outing for 9:30 am-2 pm . If you'd like more painting time, you can arrive earlier.

Getting There:  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.

Rain date: If the weather is poor, we’ll postpone.  Rain date TBD.

Contact: MAA's John MacArthur will be on site and will serve as our coordinator if you need anything. Email John with questions at macarthurgroup@gmail.com.