Eligibility

The event is open to all artists 18 years and older with plein air experience and experience painting the Grand Canyon from the rim. Please include plein air experience in the résumé that is submitted with your application.

Entry Form, Fee and Deadline

Please submit a completed entry form, a one page résumé (including contact info), three (3) images of your plein air artwork (including at least one Grand Canyon image painted from the Rim) in JPEG format (see following paragraph), and a non-refundable entry fee of $45. All artwork must be submitted in JPEG format; slides and prints will not be accepted. All entries must be received by January 15, 2020.

Image Format

Each artist must submit a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of eight (8) professional-quality images of their plein air artwork in JPEG format with a minimum resolution of 300 DPI. Images should include the title of the piece in the file name. At least one Grand Canyon image painted from the Rim must be included in your submission. In addition, please list the title, dimensions, medium and price of your pieces on the Entry Form.

Selection Process

The Grand Canyon Celebration of Art is an invitational and juried event. A panel of three to five jurors will review all applications and will select four to six artists who, together with returning and invited artists, will comprise the participants in the 2020 event. Notification of acceptance will be emailed to each applicant no later than February 1, 2020.

Specifications for Works Accepted for Exhibition

Studio Submission:  Each participating artist will submit one studio piece for the exhibit.
A professional-quality electronic image of this piece must be submitted by March 31, 2020 for reproduction in the exhibition catalog. Files must be high-resolution (300 dpi when reproduced at 9 x 12 inches).

Plein Air at Grand Canyon: Additional artwork must be completed on site at the Grand Canyon between September 12 and September 19, 2020, and must feature Grand Canyon National Park subject matter. Blank canvases will be “stamped” with an official event insignia beginning on Friday, September 11, 2020 during the artists’ orientation and registration. All completed works must be suitably framed and ready to hang when checked in. D-rings with picture wire or a suitable hanging device must be attached. All participating artists must adhere to the event schedule and participate in the Quick Draw and Auction on September 19, 2020 (exceptions made with the approval of the Event Coordinator).

Number of pieces: Each participating artist will submit a minimum of five (5) plein air paintings which have been produced during the event. Grand Canyon–themed artworks produced prior to the event is allowed for backup display and sale but must be approved by the Event Coordinator prior to submission. 

Sales

This event is a fundraiser for the Grand Canyon Conservancy, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Grand Canyon Conservancy will retain a 50 percent commission on all sales. Payments for work sold will be mailed to the artist on a regular schedule during the exhibition.

Shipment of Unsold Art

Artists are responsible for the cost of returning unsold artwork. All artists must provide FedEx or UPS account numbers for the return of unsold art.

Lodging and Transportation

Reservations and cost of lodging are the responsibility of the artist. Lodging options will be sent to participating artists in their notification packets. Artists are responsible for providing their own transportation to, from and within Grand Canyon National Park.

Awards

• People’s Choice Award (voted on by the public during Quick Draw event)
• Artists’ Choice Award (Artists select one of their peers, based on body of work)
• Best of Show: Studio Painting Award (judged by master juror)
• Best of Show: Plein Air Award (judged by master juror)

Calendar and Deadlines

January 15, 2020– Artist Entry Form postmark deadline

January 2020 – Jury meets

February 1, 2020 – Artist notification emailed

March 31, 2020 – Hi-res image (300 dpi when reproduced at 9 x 12 inches) of studio piece submitted for exhibition catalog

2020 Event Schedule*

Friday, September 11 – Artists arrive for orientation and canvas stamping (afternoon)

September 12-18 – Artists paint onsite (in addition, scheduled public demonstrations in the park)

September 18 – Framed art turned in for hanging (afternoon; exact times to be determined)

Friday, September 18 – All artists paint along rim between Mather Point and Trailview Overlook 

September 19 – Quick Draw event and auction (morning)

September 19 – Collectors’ Preview and Sale Reception (evening)

September 20 – Opening Reception (morning)

Exhibition & Sale through January 18, 2021

*Additional events and/or presentations may be scheduled at a later time.

QUESTIONS?

Contact Kathy Duley

480-277-0458

kduley@grandcanyon.org

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria