15th Annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art

Celebration of Art at Grand Canyon National Park is an annual event that includes a week of plein air activity, an online auction, and a public opening that debuts a four-month-long exhibition and sale of participating artists' work. The event provides a vibrant experience for visitors, a venue for artists inspired by the canyon, and a successful fundraiser to benefit a dedicated art venue at the park.

Participating artists must submit one Grand Canyon-themed studio piece for the exhibit, with a professional-quality electronic image (300 dpi at 9 x 12 inches) due by March 31, 2023, for the exhibition catalog. Additional artwork must be completed on-site at the Grand Canyon between September 9-16, 2023, featuring Grand Canyon National Park subject matter. Blank canvases will be stamped with an official event insignia on September 8, 2023. All completed works must be suitably framed and ready to hang. Each participating artist must submit a minimum of five plein air paintings produced during the event, with up to ten additional Grand Canyon-themed artworks allowed for backup display and sale (subject to Event Coordinator approval). All artists must participate in the Paint Out on September 15, 2023, and the online auction (September 1-16, 2023). Paintings for the online auction must be received by August 1, 2023.

The entry fee is $45. Applicants must submit a completed entry form, one-page résumé, and three to eight professional-quality JPEG images (minimum 300 DPI) of plein air artwork, with at least one Grand Canyon image painted from the Rim. All entries must be received by January 14, 2023. The event is open to artists 18 years and older with plein air experience and experience painting the Grand Canyon from the rim. A panel of three to five jurors will select four to six artists. Notification of acceptance will be emailed no later than February 7, 2023. Awards include People's Choice Award, Artists' Choice Award, and Best of Show. The Grand Canyon Conservancy retains a 50% commission on all sales, with payments mailed monthly during the exhibition. Artists are responsible for lodging, transportation, and return shipping costs of unsold artwork. The exhibition runs September 17, 2023, through January 15, 2024.