On July 10, 30 to 40 artists will be painting plein air in Cambridge. New this year, the public is being invited to watch the painters and to vote for a favorite In-Town painting.

CAMBRIDGE — On July 10, 30 to 40 artists will be seen painting plein air in Cambridge. New this year, the public is being invited to watch the painters and to vote for a favorite In-Town painting.

These painters are among those who have been selected to compete in the week-long Plein Air Easton competition that is produced by the Avalon Foundation. Now in its 11th year, this is the largest juried plein air competition in the United States. This will be the second annual pre-competition paint out in Cambridge.

While painting en plein air (French for “in the open air”) has always attracted artists, it has grown in popularity over the past few years as more and more artists prefer to capture their subject matter in natural light. This works perfectly with the handsome historic buildings, dramatic water views, charming homes, and other eye-catching features of the area.

This year, the public in Cambridge will select a People’s Choice Award. A $500 cash prize will be given to the artist creating the most popular In-Town painting. Presentation of the award will be at the Wet Paint Sale that takes place from noon to 2 p.m. in the 300 block of High Street near the Dorchester Center for the Arts.

Katie Mae’s Country Shoppe, located on Poplar Street in Cambridge and known for its home-cooked foods, has generously offered to provide free lunches for the artists.

WT Hunt Insurance, Downtown Frame of Mine, Sunnyside Shop, RAR Brewing, and the Wednesday Morning Artists are sponsoring the People’s Choice Award.

Brandon Hesson of Cambridge Main Street, Janette Jones of the Dorchester Center for the Arts and Nancy Snyder of the Wednesday Morning Artists have worked to organize this fun event.

Plan to come downtown Friday morning and cast your vote for your favorite In-Town plein air painting.