Art Amherstburg Plein Air Competition Registration

Art Amherstburg is proud to host the first-ever Plein Air Competition at the Amherstburg Art Crawl. Artists from across Ontario who enjoy creating outdoors are invited to take part in this two-day public event on Saturday, July 11, 2026 and Sunday, July 12, 2026.

The event includes a timed 5-hour competition, cash prizes, and an honourable mention. This is a chance for both artists and the public to engage in a creative celebration of nature and community in the heart of Amherstburg.

Artists will create work within the Amherstburg Art Crawl footprint. A map will be provided.

Be inspired by Amherstburg’s heritage, gardens, and riverfront. The public will be able to view works in progress, attend the exhibition, and purchase original artwork.

Space is limited to 30 participants.
Registration fee: $10
Registration opens: May 1, 2026
Applications close: July 10, 2026 at midnight, or when capacity is reached.

Event Schedule
Competition: Saturday, July 11, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Check-in: Saturday, July 11, 2026 | 10:30 AM at Hotel STRY
Exhibition & Sale: Sunday, July 12, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Awards Presentation: Sunday, July 12, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Pick-Up for Unsold Work: Sunday, July 12, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Exhibition Venue: To be announced

Please review the following before submitting your application:

All artwork must be started and completed outdoors within the Amherstburg Art Crawl footprint on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

  • Artists must check in at Hotel STRY at 10:30 AM and have their blank support stamped by an event volunteer. Unstamped artwork will not be accepted.

  • Transparent or opaque underpainting is permitted, but no 3D textures or pre-drawn elements.

  • Artwork must not exceed 20 inches on the longest side. No diptychs.

  • Artists must bring all of their own materials.

  • No photo references allowed.

  • Participants must be registered before check-in.

  • Artists may submit up to 2 paintings.

  • Artists are strongly encouraged to wear their lanyards while painting.

  • Finished artwork must be delivered to the exhibit venue by 5:00 PM on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

  • All artwork must have the artist’s name clearly marked on the back and be wired for hanging. Works not properly wired will not be hung.

  • Surface requirement: bring your own surface, maximum size 16” x 20”, stamped and dated by an official, and wired to hang. No alligator hangers.

Judging Criteria: Craftsmanship, Composition and Harmony