Image credit: Laura Gable – Reflections of Autumn’s Glow 2026 En Plein Air Competition Official Prospectus Stand-Alone Event during the Wallowa Valley Arts Festival Call to Artists The Josephy Center for Arts & Culture (JCAC) invites plein air artists to apply for the 2026 En Plein Air Competition, presented in collaboration with the 43rd Annual Wallowa Valley Arts Festival. This juried competition is open to the first 50 artists to register and takes place during one of Eastern Oregon’s premier arts events. Artists will spend five days painting on location throughout Wallowa County, capturing the dramatic landscapes, historic towns, and rural beauty of the region. With over $3,500 in awards, the competition celebrates fresh, original plein air work created during the event. Painting begins Saturday, September 12, with completed works exhibited in the Josephy Center’s new upstairs gallery. A Friday Quick Hang on September 18 leads directly into the Opening Night Reception and Awards Ceremony at 7 PM, marking the official debut of both the En Plein Air exhibition and the Wallowa Valley Arts Festival. The weekend continues with free public gallery hours, a lively Quick Draw event featuring food and live music, and strong community engagement. Participating artists are also invited to contribute to the popular Small Works Show, running Friday evening through Sunday at 2 PM, offering additional sales opportunities and collector access. Plein air artists from near and far are encouraged to join this reimagined celebration of art, landscape, and creative community in the heart of the Wallowa Valley. Competition Overview Saturday – Sunday September 12-20, 2026 Josephy Center for Arts & Culture 403 N. Main St., Joseph, OR 97846 Entry Fee: $50 Capacity: Limited to 50 artists Eligibility: Open to all plein air artists. Participants must complete at least two (2) and up to four (4) paintings during the competition on stamped blank surfaces. This juried competition is open to the first 50 artists to register. Include a brief bio or artist statement (150 words max). Artwork Requirements Maximum size: 16 × 20 inches Must be framed, wall-ready, and for sale All work must be completed during the event timeframe Important Notes (Please Read) All accepted artwork must be for sale Prices are final after submission Please factor framing, printing, shipping, and commission Commission: 30% on Exhibit Sales & Quick Draw 50% on Small Works Sale (optional) For complete rules and policies, refer to the full prospectus below. For information on the Wallowa Valley Arts Festival click HERE! —————————— Key Dates & Schedule – 2026 Friday, May 1 | 12:00 AM PDT Registration Opens Friday, July 31 | 11:59 PM PDT Registration Closes (or when 50 artists are accepted) Saturday, September 12 | 10 AM–5 PM En Plein Air Check-In & Kickoff • Stamping of blank surfaces • Artist packet pickup • Loan agreement signing Friday, Septem...
A gathering place for the arts and culture in Joseph, Oregon
