Richeson Gallery is committed to serving the artist community through providing high quality art events.
We are thrilled to bring you our 3rd annual Richeson Plein Air Competition.
Inspired by the historic Fox River Valley, artists will have the opportunity to capture everything
from industrial hot spots to natural wonders.
Event Guidelines
All Paintings must be created within the map boundaries, outdoors, in the spirit of plein air. Studio paintings are prohibited.
Artists must be respectful of the natural landscape and hosting communities. Artists are responsible for the removal and clean-up of all materials.
No artworks created during classes or workshops held during Richeson Plein Air 2026 are eligible for competition.
All work must be completed between 9am, Thursday, September 10th and 11am, Friday September 18th. Artwork
substrates are required to be stamped at Richeson Gallery during stamping hours listed above to be eligible for competition.
A minimum of 95% of the painting must be created on site within the boundaries laid out by the map received at check-in. Minimal offsite touch ups are allowed.
Competition eligible paintings can be turned as early as 10am, Wednesday, September 16th, 2026, and no later than 11am Friday, September 18th, 2026. Paintings turned in after this time will be ineligible for judging.
Paintings will be disqualified: if the artist is found working from a photo, tablet or phone or painting outside the boundaries.
2026 Dates & Times
- Event: September 10th-18th
- Competition Registration: Open to the first 30 artists
- Art Reception: September 18th 5:30-7 (Awards at 6)
Check In & Stamping Times
Stamping will occur at the following locations on the following dates.
Address: Richeson School of Art & Gallery 557 Marcella St. Kimberly WI 54136
- Thursday 9/10 10a-4p
- Friday, 9/11, 10a-4p
- Saturday, 9/12, 10a-12p
- Sunday, 9/13 – Gallery Closed
- Monday, 9/14, 10a-4p
- Tuesday, 9/15, 10a-4p
- Wednesday, 9/16, 10a-4p
- Thursday, 9/17, 10a-4p
Entry Fees per piece:
- Competition Level: $50
- Community Level: $30
- Artists registering for the Competition Category will be eligible for awards and art sales.
- Competition Awards sponsored by Jack Richeson & Co:
- The Community Category is an opportunity for artists interested in Plein Air events to learn about the process through education and immersion. Get accustomed to Plein Air events without the pressure of competing and learn about the wonderful community of Plein Air painters.
Artists in both categories will receive the following benefits:
- Jack Richeson & Co. Swag Bag
- Exclusive Richeson Plein Air invitations to events such as paint outs, the artist Meet & Greet, and reception.
- Exclusive Richeson Gallery art supply discounts
- Discounts on classes scheduled during the event.
A formal reception and awards ceremony will be held on Friday, September 18th 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Richeson Gallery. An artist Meet & Greet for paid participating artists will begin at 5pm.
Register online using the link below or in person at the Richeson Gallery.
Competition Awards
- Best in Show – $750 Cash
- 1st Place – $250 Cash and a $250 Certificate for art materials from Jack Richeson & Co.
- 2nd Place – $150 Cash and a $150 Certificate for art materials from Jack Richeson & Co.
- 3rd Place – $200 Certificate for art materials from Jack Richeson & Co.
- Artists’ Choice Best Body of Work – $100 Certificate for art materials from Jack Richeson & Co.