Estes Valley Plein Air Show 2026

The Art Center of Estes Park, established in 1987, invites artists to participate in the Estes Valley Plein Air Show 2026, celebrating "The Art of Plein Air in the Rockies." The event is open to any artist who paints using the plein air technique in oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, or gouache. Participating artists must paint from life, on location; studio work is not allowed.

To be considered for participation, artists must submit 3 digital images representative of their best plein air work and pay a non-refundable $60 jury fee. Entry dates are Friday, January 2, 2026 to Sunday, April 5, 2026, 11:59 p.m. PST through OnlineJuriedShows. A juror will select participants after reviewing digital images during the second week of April. Notification of acceptance or rejection will be communicated by the third week of April 2026.

Accepted artists may submit three plein air paintings (with event stamp), one Nocturne, one Miniature (4x6), and one reserve painting for the exhibition. Paintings may not exceed 18" x 24" prior to framing. All work must be in gallery quality frames, wired and ready for hanging. Paintings must be created during the official painting period of August 20-26 to be eligible for awards. Approximately $11,000 in cash and gift certificates will be awarded. All artwork selected for the show must be hand-delivered to the Art Center of Estes Park, 517 Big Thompson Ave. Unit 201 on Wednesday, August 26 between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibition runs August 29 – September 27, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Sales split: 50% to Art Center of Estes Park and 50% to the artist. Insurance for loss or damage to artwork is the sole responsibility of the participating artist.