ABOUT
The Bisbee Plein Air Festival returns Thursday, October 10 through Sunday October 13, 2024
Each year artists come to paint Old Bisbee and the surrounding area’s historic architecture, sprawling staircases, charming streets, industrial mining remnants, and colorful homes set amidst the scenic Mule Mountains to compete for $800 in prizes. You also have the opportunity to sell your Festival pieces to the public at the Wet Paint Exhibition and Sale.
We welcome artists at all levels of practice, from first timers to professionals. Our festival is relaxed, fun, and the artists are supportive of each other.
2024 YEAR INCLUDES:
An artist meet and greet on Friday night with a jurors show, the option of group nocturne painting with Sam Poe Gallery as headquarters, A fun quick-painting & drawing drop in at Grassy Park Saturday morning, judging and wet paint sale in the CSP gallery and informal critique session on Sunday morning in the gallery. Canvas stamping will be downtown at RedBone Shop on the corner of Subway St.
More opportunities may be added!
Stay at Object Hotel on Main Street & receive a discount
Here is a great place to stay for the festival!
Object Hotel on Main Street loves supporting the Plein Air Festival.
They have a great offering of a 15% discount to artists registered for Plein Air Festival!
Book your room directly from the Object Hotel website HERE
Make sure to use the coupon code BISBEE AIR when you book!
Central School Project appreciates this sponsorship.
BISBEE PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL 2024 at Central School Project
Thursday October 10 – Sunday Oct 13, 2024
Supported by the Bisbee Foundation and Community Foundation of Southern Arizona and Arizona Commission on the Arts
All Artists must pre-register through Eventbrite!
REGISTRATION FEE
Early Bird registration (until September 12th) $30
Registration after September 12th $35
Cochise College Students $15
Event registration through Eventbrite
If you cannot register online, email us: bisbeecsp@gmail.com
Painting Competition Rules and Regulations
We are limiting the number of painting entries to 3 this year. However, you may get as many canvases stamped as you would like.
Please do not use nicknames or aliases when registering via eventbrite or when you are registering your paintings for the competition.
CANVAS STAMPING REQUIRED: Artists may stamp as many canvases as they wish, but can enter only up to three pieces of work to be judged in the competition and sales gallery.
All canvas stamping is done at RedBone, a vintage clothing store at the corner of Subway Street and Shearer Ave.
Framing is suggested, but not required. Easels for display help too. but not required.
The 2024 Bisbee Plein Air Festival is open to any artist who paints using the plein air technique in oil, watercolor, acrylic, gouache, pastel, or other non-digital media.
All paintings entered in the competition/sale must be done “en plein air” (in the open air where the artist has no control of light or weather) during the event dates in Bisbee city limits. All canvas/paper/boards must be stamped PRIOR to painting. NO unstamped art will be accepted.
Artists must provide their own paint kits and sturdy easel(s) for display during judging and will be responsible for the safety of their paintings.
Framing is suggested, but not required. Easels for display help too, but are not required.
Wet Paint Gallery Show (after judging)
The sales commission is 35% to the Plein Air Fest and 65% to the artist for all sales made during the public receptions.
Artists may paint anywhere in Bisbee, which includes Warren, Lowell, San Jose, et cetera.
Central School Project and associated volunteers assume no responsibility for loss or damage to any work, display or person.
Painting Competition Prizes and Schedule
PRIZES:
$800 in Cash Prizes: 1st $300 | 2nd $200 | 3rd $100 | People’s Choice $100 | 2 Runner ups $50.00 each
All registered artists are entered into a door prize drawing this year!
Jurors and other events to be announced.
SCHEDULE:
Canvas Stamping:
Thursday October 10th from 8 am to 6 pm
Friday October 11th from 8 am to 6 pm
Saturday October 12th from 8 am to Noon
All canvas stamping is done at RedBone, a vintage clothing store at the corner of Subway Street and Shearer Ave
Artists Painting - Thursday October 10 – Saturday October 12th 'til 2 pm
Friday 6:00 - 8:00 pm Artist meet and greet at Central School
Friday 8:00 pm Nocturne painting. Meet at Sam Poe Gallery on Subway Street
Saturday 10:00 - Noon Artists! Drop in at Grassy Park gathering and relaxed art-making with Sam Woolcott
Saturday 1:30 pm Artists may start bringing their paintings to Central School to register them for the competition please get here by 3 at the latest
Saturday 3:00- 4:00 pm Artists leave the building for judging. We will have refreshments outside for you!
Saturday 4:00 pm The show opens to the public. Vote for People’s Choice Award.
Saturday 5:00 pm Awards Ceremony at Central School
Gallery open until 6:00 pm Buy the paintings of Bisbee!
Sunday October 13, 11:00- 1:00 pm Casual artists Critique and another opportunity to buy the art at Central School
Bisbee Plein Air Festival
