Plein Air in the Parks
Statewide Celebration of Outdoor Art
Plein Air in the Parks is a multi-day outdoor painting and artmaking event hosted by the Wyoming Arts Council in partnership with Wyoming State Parks. Open to artists of all ages and skill levels, the program invites participants to create work on location inspired by Wyoming’s state park landscapes.
Since launching in 2018, Plein Air in the Parks has grown into a statewide celebration of visual art, outdoor recreation, and community engagement. Locations rotate each year, offering new scenery and opportunities to connect with different parks and communities across Wyoming.
In addition to the artmaking competition, the event may include artist-led workshops, informal gatherings, and a public art show and sale.
What to Expect
- Artmaking Competition: Open to all ages and skill levels, with cash awards for top entries
- Artist Activities: Workshops, meetups, and opportunities to connect with other artists
- Public Art Show & Sale: A free, community event where visitors can view and purchase artwork created during the event and vote for the People’s Choice Award
Public Awards and Art Sale
The event concludes with a public awards presentation and art sale, typically held on the final day of the event in partnership with a local arts organization.
Community members are invited to attend this free event to view artwork created during the week, meet participating artists, vote for the People’s Choice Award, and purchase artwork on display.
During the judging period, the exhibit area is closed to both participating artists and the public. The jury panel typically includes artists or arts professionals, community representatives, and individuals familiar with the host park.
A total of $2,000 in cash prizes is awarded, including Best of Show, Second Place, Third Place, and the People’s Choice Award.
Explore the Plein Air Online Gallery
Explore artwork created during the most recent Plein Air in the Parks event through this interactive online gallery featuring participating artists and their work.
2026 Plein Air in the Parks: Guernsey State Park
June 24–28, 2026
Guernsey State Park | Guernsey, Wyoming
2026 Registration and Fees
Registration includes up to two entries in the judged competition and covers park entry fees for participating locations.
- Early Bird (May 31, 2026) – $35
- Adult (Regular/Walk-Up) – $50
- College Student – $15
Reception, Show, and Sale
The event will conclude with a public reception at the Guernsey State Park Museum:
Sunday, June 28, 2026
3–5 p.m.
Guests can meet participating artists, view completed work, and purchase artwork. Cash prizes will be awarded by guest jurors, and a People’s Choice Award will be selected by attendees.
Registration
Artists and attendees can register or learn more through Eventbrite.
Please note: Guernsey State Park does charge a daily entrance fee which is waved with your event registration. Artist ID badges must be worn throughout the event for access.
What Is “Stamp-In”?
If you’re new to plein air events, the term “stamp-in” simply refers to the process used to ensure all artwork is created during the event.
At the start of the event, artists bring blank canvases, paper, or other surfaces to be officially stamped by event staff. This stamp confirms that the artwork was started on-site during Plein Air in the Parks.
How It Works
- Artwork submission
Up to two stamped pieces may be entered into the juried competition. At least 75% of each artwork must be created outdoors, on-site, during the event. - Start with a blank surface
Surfaces must be blank at the time of stamping. Toned or primed backgrounds are allowed, but no sketching or painting in advance. - Keep the stamp visible
The stamp is placed on the back of the surface and must remain visible when the artwork is submitted. - Stamping timeline
Surfaces may be stamped beginning on the first day of the event. Artists may stamp multiple surfaces.
How the Competition Works
Contest Rules and Guidelines
- Artwork Guidelines
- Artwork must be created outdoors (at least 75%) within the park boundaries.
- Only stamped works are eligible.
- Digital manipulation and non-plein air methods are not allowed.
- Artwork must be display-ready (wired or with hanging hardware).
- Maximum framed size: 30″ x 36″
- Artists may submit up to 2 entries.
- Additional artworks (up to 3) created during the event may also be sold.
Sales & Commission Structure
- Artists may offer their work for sale during the Sunday art show.
- Up to 5 pieces can be sold (2 competition entries + 3 non-judged works)
- A 25% commission applies to all sales
- 15% supports our local non-profit partner
- 10% supports future Plein Air in the Parks events
- All sales are processed by event staff. Artists receive checks following the event.
Judging and Awards
- Judging is conducted anonymously by a panel of artists, park representatives, and arts professionals. The public is not allowed in the viewing area during judging.
- Adult Division Awards
- Best of Show – $1,000
- Second Place – $500
- Third Place – $250
- People’s Choice – $250
- Adult Division Awards
