The Indian River Arts & Culture Council, in cooperation with the Indian River Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce the first annual Plein-Air Painting Contest. Artists of all experience levels are invited to capture Indian River at the beginning of peak fall color season.
Event Dates
Painting must be created from sunrise on Friday, October 9 to sunset on Sunday October 11.
Registration
Registration is required and costs $50. Registrations will be accepted through Wednesday, October 7, 2026. All canvases must be stamped before October 9, 2026. Please call 231-238-9325 to request a registration packet or packets can be picked up at the Indian River Resort Region Chamber of Commerce, 3435 S. Straits Hwy., Indian River, MI 49749.
Suggested Painting Locations
- Cross in the Woods National Shrine
- Indian River Golf Club
- Indian River Chamber of Commerce Building
- Indian River Green Dock
- DeVoe Beach
- Veterans Pier
- Hackwood Camp along the Sturgeon River
- Wildwood Hills Pathway
- Topinabee Board Walk
- Andreas Nature Preserve (Bridge)
Prizes
- $500 cash prize
- $300 art supply gift card
- $200 art supply gift card
- Public Choice Award
Display and Public Choice Voting
All submissions will be displayed at the Indian River Chamber of Commerce during the week of October 12-17, 2026. Public Choice voting will take place throughout the display week. Other locations may be hosting submissions for viewing. Those locations will be announced as they become available.
Awards Celebration
The awards celebration will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Awards and a reception celebrating this annual Plein Air Contest will be held on October 18, 2026, midafternoon at a location in Indian River and yet to be determined.
Feel free to contact 231-238-9325 with any questions.
