Plein Air Competition
Elle Perez
Robert Fuerer
Each year, Bountiful Davis Art Center invites Utah artists to step outdoors and embrace the plein air tradition—capturing the essence of place, light, and atmosphere directly from life. This juried competition encourages artists of all levels to immerse themselves in nature, translating fleeting moments into enduring works of art.
Olivia Glascock
2026 Prizes include $250 for first place adult in honor of America's 250th birthday
2026 Theme:
Painting the Great West
In celebration of America 250, the Bountiful Davis Art Center invites artists of all ages and skill levels to participate in this year’s plein air painting event in Mueller Park Canyon. Rooted in the tradition of painting “in the open air,” this gathering offers an opportunity to engage directly with the landscapes that continue to shape the identity of the American West.​​
2026 Juror: Jess Booth
Jes Booth is a Utah-based artist whose paper-based sculptures reflect a deep connection to the natural world, transforming ephemeral elements into enduring structures. Her work combines craft techniques and materials from nature to highlight the healing aspects of these types of practices as a way to engage with meditative rituals. Through engaging with the ritual of craft, the objects become an artifact of meditation. She earned a BFA in Sculpture with a minor in Art History from Utah Valley University in 2020 and an MFA in Sculpture Intermedia Design from the University of Utah in 2024.
Artists of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate in this year’s plein air competition, welcoming everyone from beginners to experienced painters to take part in a shared outdoor painting experience.
Registration is limited to ensure that every participant has the opportunity to exhibit their work in BDAC’s Underground Gallery.
The registration fee is $20 for adults (ages 17+) and $15 for youth, with adult registration including a complimentary BDAC Artist Membership. Proceeds support artist awards and ongoing programming at the Bountiful Davis Art Center.
Cash prizes will be awarded in first, second and third place in the adult and kids' categories. $250 goes to the 1st place in the adult category in celebration of America 250.
Open to All Utah Artists
All artwork must be created and/or referenced in 2026 at Mueller Park Canyon as part of this plein air event.
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Registration is required.
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Artwork is not to exceed 22 inches on the longest side.
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Artwork should be ready to hang upon delivery, with
D-rings and wire preffered -
One piece may be submitted per artist
