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 of $1000 for first, $500 for second, $300 for third, people's choice $100, and honourable mention $100.
We welcome ALL artists, ages 18+, from any level of experience.
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.
Accepted mediums: Oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, ink, colored pencil, charcoal, mixed media.
Surface requirement: Bring your own surface, max size 16” x 20”. Must be stamped and dated by Art Crawl official and wired to hang (no alligators)
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.
Competition: Saturday, July 11, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Exhibition Venue: Amherstburg Freedom Museum - 277 King Street
Check-in: Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 10:30 AM at "the O" - Hotel STRY (70 Murray Street)
Exhibition & Sale: Sunday, July 12, 2026 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum (277 King Street) *Sales are the responsibility of the artist.
Awards Presentation: Sunday, July 12, 2026 from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum (277 King Street)
Pick-Up for Unsold Work: Sunday, July 12, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM *Any work that is not picked-up will be considered a donation.
Art Amherstburg Plein Air Competition Registration
Please review the following rules and regulations before submitting your application:
All artwork must be started and completed outdoors in the areas outlined (map provided-this includes the green areas, open air footprint and starred sites) Saturday, July 11, 2026.
Artists must check in at Hotel STRY at 10:30 AM before beginning, 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 (Amherstburg Freedom Museum, 277 King Street) no later than 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: Demonstrates strong technique, control of the medium and overall presentation of the piece
Composition: A thoughtful, unified arrangement where all elements work together. Strong sense of balance, design, and visual movement.
Harmony: Effective and intentional use of colour with accuracy and vibrancy, and how effectively colours are used to create depth, mood, and overall impact.