2011 Pacific Northwest Plein Air Landscape Painting Competition & Exhibition

Paint-Out, Competition, & Exhibition in the Columbia River Gorge, August 25 – October 2, 2011.

Applicants must submit 6 digital images of their Plein Air artwork and an artist statement through CaFÉ. The entry fee is $25. All applications must be submitted by midnight (Mountain Time) on June 24, 2011. Any resident of the United States and Canada is eligible to apply. Upon acceptance, artwork must have been painted on location (in Plein Air) in the last two years in the Pacific Northwest: British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Northern California, Idaho, or Western Montana. At least 90% of the painting must be completed onsite and outdoors to be considered "Plein Air."

Approximately 35 artists will be selected based on submitted Plein Air images. Selected artists are invited to participate in the Paint-out Event during August 25-29, though participation is not mandatory. Accepted artists may deliver up to 5 pieces, with each accepted artist showing at least 3 pieces. All artwork must be original in concept and executed by the artist within the last two years. No student work under supervision is eligible. No work previously featured in the Columbia Gorge Region will be accepted. Artwork, including frames, shall not exceed 50 inches in either direction with a minimum image size of 2" x 3". Fine art media accepted: Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Pastel. Artwork must be professionally framed and wired for hanging, or presented unframed with at least 1.5" thick canvas or wood edge finished professionally.

Juror Jim Lamb will select top paintings for ribbons, cash awards, and gifts. Award categories include 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place, Artists Choice, Best of Columbia River, Best of Historical, 2 Honorable Mention, and People's Choice Prize. Recipients of juror's awards are automatically invited to participate in 2012 without screening. Work must be FOR SALE and priced with intent to sell. The gallery receives 40% commission; artists receive 60%. All hand-delivered artwork must be delivered to Columbia Art Gallery by Monday, August 29 between noon and 5:00 pm. Notification of screening results will be sent by July 7. Collector's Preview Party & Public Reception is September 2. Exhibition runs September 2 – October 2, 2011. Pick up date is October 3.