3rd Annual Brushstrokes and Byways: Autumn’s Palette

Overview

Come paint the diverse beauty of Baker County, Oregon with its glorious mountain ranges, forests, lakes, and cattle ranches. Crossroads Carnegie Art Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and will host a month-long exhibition in November at Crossroads and numerous spaces along Main Street. The First Friday Art Walk on November 6th will mark the opening of the exhibit with live music and award announcements.

Key Dates

• Applications Open: Friday, March 13, 2026
• Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 (11:59 PST)
• Acceptance Notification: By Friday, September 25, 2026
• Event: October 14–18, 2026
• Exhibition Opening: First Friday Art Walk, November 6, 2026

Eligibility

Open to all artists. Artwork submitted must have been created en plein air within designated Baker County communities (Baker City, Sumpter, Haines, Halfway, Richland, Huntington, Unity, and Greenhorn) without the benefit of photography between October 14–18, 2026. All paintings must have the Crossroads Logo stamp on the substrate.

Media & Requirements

• Acceptable mediums: oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, graphite, charcoal, ink, and pastel
• Three original images of plein art work required for application
• All artwork must be framed (D-rings and wired in upper third, no saw-tooth hangers) or stretched canvas (1½" thick, finished edges painted black, D-ring and wire hangable)
• All works on paper must be protected; white or off-white mats recommended
• All exhibited artwork must be for sale; artists set their own prices

Application & Fees

• Entry fee: $45 (non-refundable)
• Submit three original images of plein air work
• Brief bio (up to 250 words)
• Applications via ShowSubmit from March 13–September 15, 2026
• 60 participating artists and 5 alternatives will be selected by jury
• No extensions on deadline

Awards

• Best of Show: $500 (Sponsored by Oregon Trail Electrical Cooperative)
• 1st Place: $300 (Sponsored by Obie and Jackie Simonis)
• 2nd Place: $200 (Sponsored by Eastern Oregon Dental Group)
• Main Street Award: $250 (Sponsored by Baker City Downtown)
• Best Barn Award: $200 (Sponsored by Bill and Be Tiedeman)
• Best Ranch: $200 (Sponsored by Gaia Resources)
• Powder River Award: $200 (Sponsored by Godwin Family)
• Nocturne Award: $200

Sales & Commission

All sales transactions are processed by Crossroads Carnegie Art Center. A 35% commission on all sales is retained to support the organization. Unsold artwork is the artist's responsibility.

What's Included

The application fee includes Quickdraw events, two demos by Bonnie Zahn-Griffith (pastels & Gelli plate printing), goodie bags, welcoming dinner, and parties at Good Bear Ranch.

Lodging Options

• Good Bear Ranch: 7-bedroom cabin at discounted rates (contact Angela Blair)
• La Dolce Vita Properties: 30% off vacation rentals for 3+ nights with coupon code (contact Angela Blair after acceptance)
• Churchill School: Hostel beds available at $38/night
• Historic hotels and other lodging available in Baker City at standard rates