Plein Air: Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue

Registration Dates: October 28 - November 14, 2026

Plein Air: Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue

Photos courtesy of Mark Adler                                                                                     

Please join us at Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue in Mt. Airy, MD on Sunday, November 15, from 10 am - 3 pm for a very special day of plein air painting at a beautiful and peaceful venue with magnificent draft horses (and other farm animals) that you can see up close! Stay for the entire time, including lunch, or just come to paint for a couple of hours in the morning or the afternoon.

About Gentle Giants: Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue is a 501(c)(3) Equine Welfare Organization committed to saving draft and draft cross horses from slaughter, abuse, and neglect. Formed in 2005, it is the largest equine horse rescue in Maryland regularly caring for more than 150 draft horses on its beautiful farm that spans over 400 acres with rolling hills and barns. To read more about Gentle Giants, please click here. 

Location:  17250 Old Frederick Road, Mt. Airy, MD 21771.

NOTE: GPS Destination is 600 Beetz Road, Mt. Airy, MD. Take first driveway on the left and follow the EVENT signs to the Healing Barn.

Directions:

Click here for directions

Cost: Free

If you would like to make a donation to Gentle Giants, you may do so but it is completely voluntary.

Number of registrants: Up to 30  members and their guests (Members may bring 1 guest.)

What to expect: 

Check in at 10 am with Mark Adler in front of the Healing Barn. If you are planning to arrive later than 10 am, please let him know. At check-in, we will go over housekeeping items, including where you can paint outdoors.

After check-in, begin painting!

Gather around 12:30 pm at the Healing Barn for a bring your own lunch. This central location has many beautiful views, as well as horses (you will make a friend or two!). We will eat in an area blocked off from the horses that will have tables and chairs.

Paint out continues after lunch and we will gather at the Healing Barn for a group photo and share our artwork at 2:30 pm.

We must leave Gentle Giants by 3:00 pm.

You will need to sign a liability release form when you check in.

The Healing Barn also has a full restroom you can use.

What to bring: Please bring your standard paints, substrate, easel, stool, medium, drop cloth, hand wipes, sun hat, and bug spray. Or if you just want to sketch, just bring your sketch book! If you are planning to have lunch at Gentle Giants, please bring your own bag lunch.

Getting there: If you'd like to try to find a ride or carpool with other participants, please post a note in our members-only Facebook group.

Parking:  There will be parking near the Healing Barn.

Photos: You might want to take photos of the views and/or the horses to inspire future paintings.

Event Protocol:

• Per Howard County Law:  Smoking is prohibited in all Buildings, Event Tents, Porches, and Balconies and within 25 feet of all historic structures and building entrances. 
• No alcohol can be brought onto or consumed on the property of Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue.  
• Food should only be eaten inside the Healing Room to avoid inappropriate food getting to the animals. 

Rain date:  No rain date.  Event will be held only if it is not raining.

Questions:  If you have any questions or concerns please contact Mark Adler at adlermark@comcast.net or text: (301) 339-4010.

Request:  Please contact Mark Adler at least 24 hours in advance if you have registered and later decide that you cannot attend this event (or cancel your registration on the MAA site).