Call Description

The Sedona Plein Air Festival takes place during the best weather period of the year at the height of tourist season and is supported by a group of very experienced and enthusiastic staff and volunteers. Sedona is a sublime environment with stunning beauty, and the Sedona Arts Center has roots going back 67+ years to the founding of Sedona.

As one of oldest continuously running Plein Air Festivals in the western US, we are planning special events in keeping with that longevity. 

The dates of this year’s Festival are October 16-24, 2026.   Please NOTE that this year’s Festival is almost entirely by invitation.  We will have a few slots for juried in artists. 

AWARDS
A minimum of $13,000 in awards will presented throughout the week.  In addition, Guerilla Painter and Golden Artist Colors/Williamsburg Oils and others will provide gift certificates and products.   

If selected to participate:

SALES

Sedona Arts Center will retain a 40% commission on all sales. All entries must be available for purchase and bear a sale price determined by the submitting artist. Payment for artwork sold occurs in the month following the sale. 

Artists’ Schedule as of January 2026

22nd Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival 2026

October 16-24, 2026

• Friday, October 16: Orientation | Canvas Stamping | Photo 8:00 a.m. Registration Opens | 9:00 a.m. Orientation
• Monday, Oct 19: Paint Out at DA Ranch
• Wednesday, Oct 21: Paint Out at Private Residence
• Friday, Oct 23: Artist Awards – Special Guest Judge
• Saturday, Oct 24: Artist Games – optional

Deadline: March 31, 2026

Application Requirements

If selected, your $30 entry fee will be subtracted from the $150 festival participation fee which covers administrative expenses. 

Artists must submit a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 high resolution quality images of their best plein air paintings.  Please include your biography, artist statement, and your relevant plein air painting experience, including festivals you have participated in previously and any awards won. Deadline: March 31, 2026

Eligibility Criteria

Open to professional artists, 18 or older, with plenty of plein air painting experience.