2013 Pacific Northwest Plein Air Exhibition

The 2013 Pacific Northwest Plein Air Exhibition is a paint-out and exhibition held in the Columbia River Gorge from August 30 to September 29, 2013. Applicants must submit 5 digital images of their plein air artwork and an artist statement through CaFÉ. The entry fee is $35, with applications due by midnight Mountain Time on June 15, 2013.

Eligibility is open to any resident of the United States and Canada. Upon acceptance, artwork must have been painted on location (in plein air) within the last two years in the Pacific Northwest region: 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 images. Selected artists are encouraged to participate in the paint-out event during the week prior to the show opening, though participation is not mandatory. Accepted artists may deliver up to 5 pieces, with each artist showing at least 3 pieces.

Artwork must be original in concept and executed by the artist within the last two years. No student work, previously published compositions, or work previously featured in the Columbia Gorge Region will be accepted. Fine art media accepted include oil, acrylic, watercolor, and pastel. Artwork including frames shall not exceed 50 inches in either direction, with a minimum image size of 2" x 3". All work must be professionally framed, wired, and ready for hanging. Work must be for sale and priced with intent to sell; the gallery retains a 40% commission with 60% going to the artist. Hand-delivered artwork must arrive by September 4 at 10 a.m., or may be shipped to Columbia Art Gallery, 215 Cascade Street, Hood River, OR 97031. The exhibition juror is Becky Joy, a nationally known plein air artist. Awards include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, 4 honorable mentions, and category awards for best oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, sky, mountain, water, plus artists' choice and people's choice awards.