Plein air competition

The First Bi-Annual
Charleston
Plein Air Competition

November 4–8, 2026 • Charleston, South Carolina
ENTRY OPEN NOW
Registration Fee
$95
Artist Limit
100 Artists
Divisions
Open & Novice
Deadline
October 11, 2026
JOIN NOW
Join artists from across the country for Charleston's First Bi-Annual Plein Air Competition, a week-long celebration of artistic excellence set against the historic streets, waterfront vistas, gardens, churches, and timeless beauty of Charleston. Presented by the Blair Center for the Arts and Mary Martin Gallery, this premier event offers artists the opportunity to compete for awards, exhibit their work, connect with collectors, participate in the Wet Paint Sale, and gain valuable professional exposure. Open to all paint media.

Competition Categories

Open Division

Designed for all artists who wish to compete for major awards, exhibition opportunities, collector recognition, and professional exposure.

Novice Division

Created for beginning and emerging artists developing their plein air painting skills in a supportive competitive environment with opportunities for recognition, exhibition, and artistic growth.

Competition Details

  • Registration limited to the first 100 artists.
  • Artist check-in, orientation, and canvas stamping at Mary Martin Gallery.
  • Artists must select Open or Novice Division.
  • Oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, pastel, and mixed media accepted.
  • All artwork must be painted on location during the event.
  • Artists may stamp up to three canvases, panels, or papers.
  • Artwork must be a minimum of 8" × 10" and may not exceed 16" × 20" unframed.
  • Artwork must be wired and ready to hang.
  • Gallery-wrapped canvases are acceptable.
  • Artists may submit up to two paintings.
  • All submitted artwork must be for sale.
  • Gallery commission of 20% applies to sales.
  • Outstanding artists may be considered for exhibitions and representation.
  • Wet Paint Sale participation included.

Event Schedule

November 4

Check-In, Orientation, Canvas Stamping & Welcome Reception

November 5–6

Open Painting Throughout Charleston

November 7

Artwork Turn-In, Collector Preview, Judging & Awards Ceremony

November 8

Public Exhibition, Wet Paint Sale & Artwork Pick-Up

Best in Show Award & Career Opportunity

$5,000

Cash Prize • Featured Exhibition • Professional Exposure • Collector Visibility • Future Exhibition Consideration • Potential Gallery Representation

Suggested Painting Locations

Rainbow Row
The Battery
White Point Garden
Waterfront Park & Pineapple Fountain
St. Michael's Church
Church Street
French Quarter District
Colonial Lake

Artist Registration

$95

  • Official competition participation
  • Open or Novice Division entry
  • Eligibility for all awards
  • Canvas & panel stamping
  • Welcome Reception
  • Collector Preview
  • Awards Reception
  • Wet Paint Sale participation
  • Professional marketing exposure

DOWNLOAD COMPETITION RULES


Online Watercolor for Beginners

Always wanted to paint with watercolors but didn’t know where to start? This gentle, encouraging online class is designed especially for beginners.

Why Join This Class?

  • ✨ Perfect for absolute beginners
  • 🎨 Start with the basics
  • 🖌️ Step-by-step guidance
  • 📐 Complete full projects
  • 🤍 Gentle and supportive
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