Join us for a week of creativity and color as 20 nationally acclaimed plein air artists paint the Great Smoky Mountains and the surrounding region. Sign up for emails to be notified when more details are announced.

Become one of the featured artists selected to participate in the 2026 Plein Air Smokies.

• November 20, 2025 – Applications open at onlinejuriedshows.com
• January 25, 2026 – Applications due
• February 20, 2026 – Featured artists and four alternates announced
• September 19-26, 2026 – Required participation event dates

Event awards:

• Best of Show – $4,000 plus an invitation to return in 2027 as a featured artist
• Artists Choice for Body of Work – $4,000
• Best Structure, Best Use of Light, Best Landscape & Best Water – $1,500 each

2026 Judge: Lori Putnam; Juror: Paul Kratter

Proceeds benefit Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, an environmental education center that provides hands-on experiences for people of all ages to connect with nature.

Cover image by Erin Rosolina.