2020 Santa Fe Plein Air Fiesta

The 2020 Santa Fe Plein Air Fiesta is a juried paint-out competition and show. Fifty juried artists will have four days to paint en plein air the unique subjects of the southwest, including colorful rock formations, cobalt skies, and meandering adobe walls. The event culminates in a two-week exhibition at Sorrel Sky Gallery, located in the heart of Santa Fe.

Artists must submit 3 images of sample works for jury consideration. All submitted work must be at least 80% completed en plein air within the past two years (painted January 2018 or later). Work must be original and not done under the guidance of an instructor. The entry fee is $45.00 (non-refundable). Jury notification will be emailed by January 25, 2020. Accepted artists must become artist members of PAPNM (annual membership fee $40.00) and pay a participation fee of $75.00 within 10 calendar days of acceptance.

Accepted artists must create two plein air works during the event, eligible for awards, plus one additional studio or plein air work of any subject matter for exhibition. All work must be sturdily framed or gallery wrapped and ready to hang. Minimum price point is $500 for all hung work. Each dimension (length and width) of any work, including frame, shall not exceed 26 inches, except competition plein air works larger than 26 inches framed may be hung as a single work not exceeding 36" x 48" framed. Artists receive 50% of sales price, Sorrel Sky Gallery receives 40%, and PAPNM receives 10%. Over $10,000 in cash and merchandise will be awarded, with at least 15 awards presented. Top awards include Best of Show ($2,500), Second Place ($1,500), and Third Place ($1,000). Judge of awards is Joe Anna Arnett. Jurors of selection are Richard Prather, Lee McVey, and Brienne Brown. A separate workshop by Joe Anna Arnett, "Still Life, en Plein Air," is available March 16-17 for $300 (minimum 7, maximum 10 artists).