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Plein Air in the Parks

The Wyoming Arts Council partners with Wyoming State Parks to hold various arts activities in State Parks across the state throughout the year. Plein Air in the Parks is a painting and drawing competition event that happens twice a year that pairs talented artists with beautiful locations.

What is Plein Air in the Parks?

Started in 2017, the Wyoming Arts Council’s Plein Air in the Parks is a collaborative 5-day long event coordinated by Wyoming State Parks and the Wyoming Arts Council.

These events are open to artists of all ages. This painting and drawing competition pairs talented artists with beautiful locations, while offering cash prizes to top participants.

Other highlights during the events include artist meet and greets, mini-workshops and demonstrations, social meet-ups, and youth-focused art activities. A private judging followed by public reception with an awards show and sale also take place at the end of the event.

Sunday’s Public Awards Ceremony, Reception, and Art Sale

See the artwork created throughout the event, cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award, and purchase artwork from the sale. No admission will be charged to attend the show and sale on Sunday afternoon.

Mark your Calendars! The 2025 Plein Air in the Parks dates have been announced. The first will be at Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, June 27-29, 2025 and the second at Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park near Casper, September 10-14, 2025.

2025 Plein Air in the Parks Save the Dates

Hot Springs State Park: June 27-29, 2025

In Thermopolis, Wyoming

Painter in a wheelchair painting the Teepee Fountain in Hot Springs State ParkEarly Bird Registration for Hot Springs is open until June 13, 2025

Register for Hot Springs Here

 

Public Awards Ceremony, Reception, and Art Sale: Sunday, June 29 – Time and Location TBD

See the artwork created throughout the event, cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award, and purchase artwork from the sale. No admission will be charged to attend the show and sale on Sunday afternoon.

 

 

ABOUT HOT SPRINGS STATE PARK

Over colorful terraces along the Bighorn River at Thermopolis flows water from mineral hot springs. More than 1.8 million gallons flow over the terrace every 24 hours at a constant temperature of 128 degrees Fahrenheit. The park has a free bath house where the water is maintained at 104 degrees for therapeutic bathing. Hot Springs has 6.2 miles of universally accessible trails and hiking trails. It is a full-service park with comfort stations, a volksmarch trail, fishing, and a boat ramp.

The suspension foot bridge across the Bighorn River is commonly called “The Swinging Bridge.” The bridge offers a unique vantage point from which to view the Bighorn River and mineral terrace. Hot Springs State Park has long been known for its beautiful summer flower gardens. Make a point to bring your camera with you and capture the exciting splash of color all summer long.

LODGING/CAMPING NEAR HOT SPRINGS: Hot Springs State Park does not allow camping within the park.

For information about Thermopolis, visit the Thermopolis website. Visit the Hot Springs State Park website for information about things to do and see, amenities, and maps.

Edness K. Wilkins State Park: Sept 10-14, 2025

Near Casper, Wyoming

Details coming soon!

Public Awards Ceremony, Reception, and Art Sale: Sunday, September 14, 2025

See the artwork created throughout the event, cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award, and purchase artwork from the sale. No admission will be charged to attend the show and sale on Sunday afternoon.

Edness K Wilkins State Park LogoABOUT EDNESS K. WILKINS STATE PARK

Nestled beside the North Platte River, Edness K. Wilkins State Park is a nature lover’s paradise. This area, spanning 362 acres, features a range of exciting outdoor activities. Embark on a leisurely stroll on the park’s three miles of paved trails, keep an eye out for over 200 species of birds, take a dip in the swimming pond, or relax on the beach. Other activities include bicycling, horseback riding, boating on the river, and fishing in the river.

How the Event and Contest Works

REGISTRATION

Registration includes up to two entries in the judged competition. Mediums may include but are not limited to oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, and/or graphite.

  • Early Bird – $35
  • Adult Division (Regular and Walk Up) – $50
  • College Student (must present valid ID at stamp-in) – $15
  • Junior Divisions – $5
    • Teen Division (ages 13-18)
    • Youth Division (age 12 and under)

Hot Springs State Park does not charge a day-use fee. You will be given an ID Badge at stamp-in which must be worn for admission and access throughout the weekend. There is no admission fee to attend the Show and Sale on Sunday between 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

ARTIST STAMP-IN

Hot Springs State Park Pavillion (220 Park Street, Thermopolis, WY 82443)

  • Wednesday, September 11th: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday, September 12th: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday, September 13th: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday,September 14th: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

ARTWORK DROP OFF

Artwork to be included in the show and sale must be dropped off and checked in with completed information (see #7 below). Drop-off will occur between 9:00 AM -10:30 AM on Sunday, June 23rd. Artwork not received by 10:30 AM on Sunday will not be judged and will not be included in the sale.

Rules and Guidelines

Rules and Guidelines

RULES AND GUIDELINES

  • Authentication stamp must be visible on the back of artwork. The entire back of the entry must be visible at submission.
  • Artists may work on site between sunrise and sundown.
  • Entries must be created in the pure intent of outdoor, on location, plein air painting. At least 75% of the painting must be produced outdoors in the spirit of plein air within the bounds of Hot Springs State Park.
  • Entries produced using manipulated photographic processes, computer enhanced imagery or other non-plein air means will not be accepted.
  • Registered artists and event attendees agree to respect public lands and historic structures by following the use regulations and any verbal, written or posted rules of the various land management agencies (i.e. obtaining necessary use permits, staying on designated roads and trails, etc.).
  • Up to two (2) stamped entries may be entered into the competition.
  • Artist name, artwork title, medium, age (for youth divisions), and date should be legibly printed on the back of submitted artwork or on a label affixed to the back.
  • The maximum size of the artwork, including framing, should not exceed 30” X 36.”
  • All entries must have wire, hanging hardware, or another means to secure the work for display. Framing may be desired for the sale, but will not be taken into the judges’ consideration. It is highly recommended that pastels, drawings, watercolors, and other works on paper be presented under a mat or glass for their protection.
  • Artists agree to allow Arts in the Parks (State of Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources) permission to use images of their artwork for educational, promotional, and other non-sales purposes.
  • Registrants (or parents/guardians)  will be asked to sign a photo release form at stamp in.

JUNIOR DIVISION EXCEPTIONS

Youth and Teen Divisions can begin working on August 1st and submit work on September 14th from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and September 15th from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM. All other rules and guidelines still apply.

COMMISSION STRUCTURE

All artwork entered into the competition may be listed for sale at the reception and award ceremony. During the reception, artists can sell up to 3 additional works created during the event but not entered in the competition, totaling 5 pieces for sale. Artwork need not be framed. Sales are processed by the staff during the event.

A 25% commission will be retained. This includes any sale of artwork generated during the plein air competition, including direct sales facilitated by artists. 15% of the commission will be donated to the Sagebrush Artisans. 10% of the commission will be put toward the Plein Air in the Parks program for future events.

Cash prizes and checks for the sale of artwork are mailed after the event.

JUDGING AND CASH PRIZES

Judging will be done anonymously. During judging, participating artists and the public will not be permitted into the viewing area where work is displayed. The judging panel is comprised of artists or those with an arts background, representatives from the community, and individuals familiar with Hot Springs State Park. Checks for cash award prizes will be mailed after the event. The below cash awards will be given.

  • Best of Show Cash Award – $1,000.00
  • 2nd – $500.00
  • 3rd – $250.00
  • People’s Choice Award – $250.00

Junior Division Awards

  • Youth (12 and under category and Teen 13 to 18 category to be judged separately)
    • 1st Place – $50 cash award
    • 2nd Place – $35 cash award
    • 3rd Place – $20 cash award

 

WAC Accessibility Statement

The Wyoming Arts Council believes that experiencing the arts should be accessible for all, including people with mental and/or physical disabilities, older adults, military/veterans, people living in institutions and those who lack access to the arts due to geographic isolation, cultural difference and economic hardship.

Governor Mark Gordon
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