May 1 2026

Mississippi Riverscapes: Plein Air Art Competition 2026

Mississippi Riverscapes: Plein Air Art Competition 2026

Regional Competition

2 Lock and Dam Way
East Alton, Illinois

Website

Bring your art skills to the Mississippi Riverscapes: Plein Air Art Competition taking place from May 1 - May 31!

This open-air painting and drawing competition invites amateur and professional artists ages 16 and up to capture the beauty of Rivers Project recreation areas throughout the month of May. Participants are encouraged to create their work on-site at one (or all) of eight featured locations, then submit their finished pieces for a juried competition offering regional prizes, an art show, and a month of representation at Mooneyham Art.

All submitted works will also be featured in an exhibit at the National Great Rivers Museum.

Artists may work independently anytime between May 1 and May 31, 2026, beginning with the release of the official map of qualifying locations on May 1. Completed pieces must be submitted to the museum by 5:00 p.m. on May 31.

Winners will be announced during an awards ceremony at the museum on June 14. The exhibit will run from June 15 through August 30, 2026, and artists will have the option to list their work for sale. Participation in the exhibit is required for all submissions.

A one-time, non-refundable $25 entry fee per artist supports the Meeting of the Rivers Foundation and covers all entries, whether an artist submits work from one location or all eight.

“Plein air,” a French term meaning “in the open air,” refers to the practice of creating art entirely outdoors, capturing the natural light and atmosphere of a scene in real time. Originating in the 19th century with the advent of portable paint tubes, this technique remains popular worldwide. In keeping with this tradition, all entries must be completed outdoors at the location depicted.

For full rules, location details, and registration information, visit: https://www.mtrf.org/plein-air-art/!

Upcoming Dates

  • Friday, May 1 2026
  • Saturday, May 2 2026
  • Sunday, May 3 2026
  • Monday, May 4 2026
  • Tuesday, May 5 2026
  • Wednesday, May 6 2026
  • Thursday, May 7 2026
  • Friday, May 8 2026
  • Saturday, May 9 2026
  • Sunday, May 10 2026
  • Monday, May 11 2026
  • Tuesday, May 12 2026
  • Wednesday, May 13 2026
  • Thursday, May 14 2026
  • Friday, May 15 2026
  • Saturday, May 16 2026
  • Sunday, May 17 2026
  • Monday, May 18 2026
  • Tuesday, May 19 2026
  • Wednesday, May 20 2026
  • Thursday, May 21 2026
  • Friday, May 22 2026
  • Saturday, May 23 2026
  • Sunday, May 24 2026
  • Monday, May 25 2026
  • Tuesday, May 26 2026
  • Wednesday, May 27 2026
  • Thursday, May 28 2026
  • Friday, May 29 2026
  • Saturday, May 30 2026
  • Sunday, May 31 2026

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