Art in Bloom: Plein Air 2026
- Deadline
- 3 days left
- Entry fee
- $35
- Award
- $500
- Location
- Dallas, Texas
- Exhibition window
- Jul 17, 2026 → Jul 19, 2026
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About
Artists are invited to create original paintings, drawings, collages, or portable prints on-site at the Dallas Arboretum during a weekend plein air event, with selected works displayed in a public gallery exhibition.
Overview
This summertime plein air event invites regional artists to spend a weekend creating original works across the Dallas Arboretum's 66 acres of lush gardens, water features, and sculptural vignettes. The event takes place during the exhibition Hunt Slonem at the Arboretum: Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies. Selected works will be curated into a public gallery exhibition in August, with a juried Best in Show prize.
Key Dates
- Event: July 17-19, 9am-5pm
- Application deadline: July 16, 2026
- Jury submissions: July 17-19, 10am-12pm
- Exhibition: August-September
Eligibility
- Open to emerging and established regional artists
- Submission limit: 1 artwork per artist
- Must create work on-site July 17-19
Media & Format
- Painting, drawing, mixed media, collage, or portable printmaking
- Works may be completed or refined off-site before submission
- Slonem sculptures may be incorporated but are not required
- No prints of works featuring Slonem sculptures may be sold without permission
Application & Fees
- Application fee: $35 (no additional fees for participation)
- Submit 2 images (4 total maximum)
- 10-12 finalists selected for exhibition
Awards & Recognition
- Best in Show (Juried): $500
- Honorable Mentions (2): $250 each
- Recognition at gallery opening and promotional materials
- All participants receive exposure through public event and reception invitations
On-Site Rules
- Check-in begins 7am Friday, July 17
- Bring all materials, tables, and linens; no umbrellas or pop-up tents allowed
- Set up anywhere in the garden, mindful of pathways
- Water provided throughout the weekend
- All materials must be removed by 5pm each day
- No smoking, vaping, or e-cigarettes anywhere on property
- No pets allowed on Arboretum property
- Electricity not provided; quiet generators only (53-59 dB(A))
- No overnight camping or open flames
- Keep area clean during 9am-5pm hours
Contact Information
- Email: publicevents@dallasarboretum.org
- Phone: 214-515-6605
- Award
- Best in Show (Juried): $500; Optional Honorable Mentions (2): $250 each
- Entries per artist
- Up to 1
- Eligibility
- Emerging and established regional artists may apply.
- Audience
- Regional artists
- Contact
- publicevents@dallasarboretum.org
Aggregated automatically — verify details at the organizer's site.