Estes Valley Plein Air 2026
The 2026 event will take place August 20-25, with the show opening August 28 and running through September 28
Every August, renowned artists from across the country gather in Estes Park for this remarkable event. These juried and invited artists have a limited timeframe to create their works "en plein air," a French term that means "in open air." They paint on-site in Rocky Mountain National Park and within a 50-mile radius of Estes Valley. In addition to the main event, there are special activities such as a poster/postcard and wine label contest, a nocturne paint-out opportunity, a miniature contest, a group paint-out, an educational program, and a Quick Paint at Riverside Plaza where artists must finish their paintings within a set time limit before they are auctioned to the public.
The artworks created during the EVPA are showcased at a gala opening and awards ceremony at the Art Center of Estes Park, where they will be available for sale for a month, drawing in numerous art collectors and plein air enthusiasts.
Approximately $5,000 in cash and gift certificates will be awarded.
This juried show is open to any artist using oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, or gouache. If you are interested in participating in the show, click here to apply. Link to apply https://www.OnlineJuriedShows.com/Default.aspx?OJSID=58791 For more information about the show, email pleinair@artcenterofestes.com
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
August 20-25: Estes Valley Plein Air Paint Out
EVPA artists paint on location within a 50-mile radius of Estes Park, including Rocky Mountain National Park.
Thursday, August 20 - Friday, August 21: Estes Valley Plein Air Registration
EVPA participants will need to register and get panels stamped.
Saturday, August 22: Estes Valley Quick Paint & Auction
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Riverside Plaza, downtown Estes Park.
Artist registration begins at 8:00 a.m.;
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. EVPA artists are invited to attend a get together meal at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 880 MacGregor Ave. Artists are encouraged to do a nocturne painting afterwards.
Tuesday, August 25 Group Paint Out:
7 a.m -4 p.m. MacGregor Ranch
7:00 a.m. Meet at the Ranch
Wednesday, August 26: Art Turn In Day
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. EVPA artists are to turn in their three main entries, one nocturne painting, one miniature and one reserve for a total of 6 paintings.
Thursday, August 27: Exhibit Hanging
Thursday, August 27 & Friday, August 28: Free Days
Join other artist sto paint at your favorite locations for fun.
Friday, August 28: Estes Valley Plein Air Gala Opening Day
Gala Reception 5–7 p.m. Awards at 6:00 p.m. All artwork is for sale.
August 29 – September 27: Estes Valley Plein Air Sale and Exhibition
Art Center 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. All artwork is for sale.
September 28: EVPA artists pick up unsold artwork
Art Center – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
September 29: Art Center delivers artwork to shipper to return to artist
