Plein Air Plus 2021 National Juried Competition

The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts invites artists to participate in the sixth annual "Plein Air Plus" Competition and Exhibition. Approximately 40 artists will be selected to participate in the Paint Out on Long Beach Island during July 1 – August 31, 2021, and exhibit their work in the "Island Life" exhibition from September 18 – October 31, 2021.

The Paint Out spans two months, allowing artists to visit and paint Long Beach Island's scenic seashore environment on their own schedule. Artists can choose the time of day, weather, and varied locations to paint. Finished paintings will be shown in the "Island Life" exhibition, which will feature selected artists' Plein Air works and/or studio paintings developed from their Plein Air studies. All artwork exhibited must be for sale. Two categories are available: Classical "Plein Air" (paintings completed on site without photography) and "Plein Air Plus" (paintings inspired by specific locations, with studies painted outdoors and completed in the artist's studio). Minimum size for "Plus" work is 20" x 24". Each artist receives approximately 3 feet by 4 feet of exhibition space for a total of 4 pieces.

Eligibility is open to all artists 18 years and older in the continental US. Entry fee is $35.00 (non-refundable) for 3 image submissions. Artists must submit 3 images of previous work painted in the past two years; painting media can include oil, acrylic, watercolor, and pastel. Accepted artists will be notified by June 7. Awards include First Prize ($500 for both classical Plein Air and Plein Air Plus categories), Second Prize ($250), Third Prize ($100), and three Honorable Mentions, to be announced September 18. Juror is Kathleen A. Foster, Senior Curator of American Art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The LBIF retains 40% of the retail price of sold work; artists receive payment 45 days after the exhibition closes.