Cape Ann Plein Air 2026

Cape Ann Plein Air 2026 is the tenth annual week-long plein air painting celebration held in October across Greater Cape Ann, Massachusetts (Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Ipswich). The event will host 35 of the finest plein air artists in the nation competing for over $22,000 in prizes and awards. In celebration of the 10th Anniversary, a $10,000 First Prize will be offered. The work produced will be sold at the end of the week at the Gala and Art Sale.

The top 5 CAPA 2025 prize winners are automatically invited back. The remaining artists will be selected through an online jurying process by renowned plein air painter Mike Hernandez. Up to 10 alternates will be chosen from the applicant pool. Entries are processed by OnlineJuriedShows from January 1 to April 1, 2026. Applicants must submit 3 color images of plein air work from 2024 to present in jpeg format, sRGB color (72 dpi, at least 1920 pixels on the longest side, under 4mb). The entry fee is $60. Selected artists will be notified in mid-April. Complimentary lodging in private homes will be provided for artists from outside the area, with discounted lodging in local hotels and inns also available.

The event runs October 3-11, 2026. Artists must paint en plein air within the five greater Cape Ann communities without the benefit of photography between October 3-10. Participation in the Meet the Artists Reception, Gala Awards and Art Show, and Quick Draw is required, and artists must remain for the duration of the event. Four competition paintings are mandatory; up to 4 additional paintings may be entered for sale (maximum 480 square inches excluding frame). Acceptable mediums include oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, casein, and pastel. All artwork must be framed, wired in the upper third, and ready for hanging. All exhibited artwork must be for sale with artist-set prices. Cape Ann Plein Art retains a 40% commission on all sales.