About Umpqua Plein Air:

Since 2010, Umpqua Valley Arts has hosted a yearly event that celebrates the beautiful and diverse sceneries of Douglas County and the Umpqua Valley. Artists from across the region and beyond register to come capture the beauty of the landscapes that surround us over five days while connecting with other artists. 

From the breathtaking emerald rivers to the abundant farmlands and the beautiful coastline, these locations define our area. Each of these locations have painting spots with beautiful views and compositions. Year after year, artists have returned to these favored locations to capture their ever-changing beauty and explore new areas to love. Umpqua Plein Air offers artists the opportunity to connect with both nature and fellow creatives as they render these beautiful sceneries with their amazing skills.

The Event:

Between August 17th and August 21st, registered artists will come to Douglas County to paint en plein air over five days. Artists then submit up to three pieces made during the week-long event to be displayed in a special exhibit celebrating the event. Artworks are then juried by a professional in the region who includes plein air as part of their practice. The juror selects works that receive the honor of being exhibited in the Hallie Brown Ford Gallery and receve various awards/accolades. The remaining works are shown in the other three galleries to celebrate the artist's hard work.

Awards:

• First Place: $500
• Second Place: $300
• Third Place: $200
• Honorable Mention: Prize TBD

Accolades:

• Best Captured Moment
• Best Seaside
• Best Sky
• Best Streetscape
• Best Umpqua River
• People's Choice
• UVA Staff Choice

The Juror:

Artworks created during the Umpqua Plein Air event are juried, judged, and eligible to receive select awards and accolades to celebrate the artist’s hard work. For the jurying process, UVA invites an artist whose practice includes the art of plein-air painting/drawing and has a strong exhibition record, extensive experience in participating in/winning plein air events, and regional notoriety. 

Alongside their jurying duties, the juror also provides a demo to all registered artists at the end of the paint-out week to give them the chance to learn the techniques and process that is unique to the juror’s own practice.

Please keep an eye out on our website and social media for our Juror Announcement!

July 30th | Juror Talk & Artist Orientation
                  (Virtual: Time TBD)

August 17th | Artist Check-In and Social, 9am Brunch at Umpqua Valley Arts

August 17th - 21st | Umpqua Plein Air 2026 Paint Out

August 22nd | Juror Demonstration + Guided Paint Out
                       (Time and Location TBD)

August 22nd | Umpqua Plein Air 2026 Opening Reception 4pm-7pm
                       (Staff Remarks, Juror Remarks, and Awards at 5:30pm)

EXHIBIT DATES | August 22nd - October 23rd, 2026
                            Open Tues-Fri, 10am-5pm and Saturdays from 10am-3pm

UMPQUA PLEIN AIR RULES:

The Umpqua Plein Air paint-out event takes place within the boundaries of Douglas County. Participating artists are self-guided during the event, but are asked to follow our Umpqua Plein Air rules of entry to be eligible for the exhibition.

The link below will direct you to our rules of entry, which will be an important reference for you before and during the paint out event. Please thoroughly read all rules of entry and confirm that you have read them below.

RULES OF ENTRY