Plein Air @ Altitude 2026

Fraser Valley Arts announces the 5th Annual Plein Air @ Altitude, taking place Saturday August 23rd through Sunday August 31st, 2026. Previous years have juried artists from across the country, sold over 80 paintings, and featured painting locations at private ranches, Winter Park Resort, Grand Lake, and Rocky Mountain National Park. This year includes an artist-centric program with increased time to meet and socialize with fellow painters.

Plein Air @ Altitude 2026 will feature a selection of private lands for exclusive views, cash prizes for award winners ranging from $2,500 to $500, optional painting dates during other parts of the year including a winter painting location, and the option to submit one studio painting to the show. Community events include evening artist gatherings, a Reception and Gala Open House Saturday evening in downtown Winter Park, a public viewing on Sunday, September 1st, and time with the Featured Artist Judge, Lorenzo Chavez. The event is a fundraiser for Fraser Valley Arts, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Fraser Valley Arts will retain 40 percent of all sales revenue with the artist receiving 60%. Commissioned pieces are permitted at the same rate. Payments for all work sold will be mailed shortly after the exhibition closes.

Artist applications open in January and close on May 1st, 2026, or when capacity is full. Acceptances will be on a rolling basis before the closing date. Plein Air Artists willing to participate in a majority of the main painting week, August 24-31st, are invited to apply. Painting opportunities outside of the fall event are optional. Entry fee is $40.00. Submit 3-5 images of your work.