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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260110T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260910T000000
DTSTAMP:20260915T183509Z
CREATED:20260915T183509Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T183509Z
UID:13490-1768003200-1788998400@achalet.com
SUMMARY:Plein Air Art Competition
DESCRIPTION:Plein Air Art Competition 2026: Dates\, Schedule\, Travel Tips\, and Where to Stay\nQuick Answer\nThe Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition 2026 is Visit Big Bear’s third annual plein air competition and a month-long celebration of outdoor painting across the Big Bear Valley. Artists can create their competition work between September 12 and October 10\, 2026\, with gallery events beginning in September and the main Competition Gallery and awards scheduled for October. \nRegistered artists first complete online registration\, then visit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center at 40824 Big Bear Boulevard to have their painting substrates stamped. The Visitor Center is currently listed as open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Artists may have multiple substrates stamped\, but the competition information says there is one submission per artist for galleries. \nThe main submitted works will be displayed at the Destination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake. Visit Big Bear lists the principal competition awards as $2\,000 for first place\, $1\,500 for second place\, and $500 for third place. The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 18 at 10:00 AM. \nThis event is particularly well suited to an overnight or multi-night Big Bear trip because artists are intentionally given time to explore the valley\, choose landscapes\, return to locations\, and continue developing their work. A Chalet offers cabins in Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City that can serve as a base between painting sessions\, gallery visits\, and other fall activities. \nBrowse A Chalet cabins for your Big Bear art trip. \nPlein Air Art Competition 2026 at a Glance\n\n\n\nEvent\nBig Bear Plein Air Art Competition & Festival of Artist Events\n\n\nOrganizer\nVisit Big Bear\n\n\nCompetition year\n2026 — 3rd annual event\n\n\nCreate period\nSeptember 12-October 10\, 2026\n\n\nArtist registration\nOnline registration required before arrival\n\n\nMaximum artists\n75 participants\n\n\nSubstrate stamping\nBig Bear Lake Visitor Center\n\n\nVisitor Center\n40824 Big Bear Boulevard\, Big Bear Lake\, CA 92315\n\n\nVisitor Center hours\nDaily\, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM\n\n\nCompetition Gallery\nDestination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake\n\n\nMain gallery period\nOctober 14-18\, 2026\n\n\nAwards ceremony\nOctober 18\, 2026 at 10:00 AM\n\n\nMain awards\n1st: $2\,000; 2nd: $1\,500; 3rd: $500\n\n\nPublic gallery access\nPublic invited; artwork available for purchase\n\n\nParking\nNo single competition-wide parking plan is published; follow instructions and posted rules at each location\n\n\n\nVisit Big Bear confirms the September 12-October 10 creation period and lists every day in that period as part of the recurring competition calendar. \nWhat Is the Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition?\nThe Plein Air Art Competition invites artists to create landscapes outdoors in the Big Bear Valley\, working directly from the scenery rather than solely from photographs or studio references. \nWhat distinguishes the Big Bear format is its extended creation period. Artists do not have to arrive on one morning and complete their work under a short time limit. Visit Big Bear gives participants from September 12 through October 10 to explore\, select a location\, paint\, and potentially return to Big Bear to continue their work. \nThat format encourages artists to experience the valley during early fall\, when the character of the landscape can change with light\, weather\, and seasonal conditions. Participants choose their own Big Bear landscape subject rather than being assigned one specific painting location for the main competition. \nFor 2026\, Visit Big Bear has expanded the program with a Festival of Artist Events. Registration in the main competition includes access to the highlighted festival activities\, and artists may choose to participate in one or several. The competition is limited to a maximum of 75 artist participants. \nWhen Is the Plein Air Art Competition 2026?\nThe competition is not a single-day event. Instead\, it unfolds across several phases. \nSeptember 12-October 10: Create\nArtists may visit Big Bear at any point during this period to create their competition work. Before arriving\, participants are instructed to complete online registration. \nAfter reaching Big Bear\, artists must stop at the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center\, 40824 Big Bear Boulevard\, to have their painting substrates stamped. Visit Big Bear says artists can have as many substrates stamped as they wish. Completed competition artwork is then returned to the Visitor Center for storage before the gallery opens. \nOctober 14-18: Competition Gallery\nVisit Big Bear’s dedicated competition page identifies the main gallery and awards period as October 14-18. The event calendar separately shows the Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition Gallery running during this same mid-October period at 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake. \nThe public is invited to view the competition artwork\, and Visit Big Bear states that artwork at the galleries will be available for purchase. \nOctober 18: Awards Ceremony\nThe awards ceremony is scheduled for Sunday\, October 18 at 10:00 AM at the Destination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd. \nWhat Special Artist Events Are Part of the 2026 Festival?\nThe expanded 2026 Festival of Artist Events adds several opportunities beyond the main competition. \nArtist’s Best Work en Plein Air Gallery — September 18-19\nThis gallery gives participating artists another chance to exhibit and sell plein air work. Visit Big Bear lists a $500 Best of Show award for this portion of the festival. \nThe Village Paint-Out — September 19\nA dedicated Paint-Out is scheduled in The Village Big Bear Lake on September 19. This provides a more concentrated event within the broader month-long competition period. \nMoonridge Corridor Paint-Out — October 3\nAnother Paint-Out takes place in the Moonridge Corridor on October 3\, followed by a gallery on October 4. Visit Big Bear lists a separate $500 Best of Show award for this event. \nMain Competition Gallery and Awards — October 14-18\nThe main competition concludes with the complete collection of submitted works and the awards ceremony. The principal prizes currently published are: \n\nFirst Place: $2\,000\nSecond Place: $1\,500\nThird Place: $500\n\nVisit Big Bear lists John Budicin\, Diane Moore\, and Lisa Mozzini-McDill as distinguished judges associated with the 2026 competition. \nHow Do Artists Register and Submit Their Work?\nArtists should begin at the official Big Bear Lake Visitor Center. \nThe currently published process is: \n\nComplete registration online before arriving.\nVisit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center during operating hours.\nHave the painting substrates you may use stamped.\nExplore Big Bear and create the work during the September 12-October 10 competition period.\nReturn the completed competition painting to the Visitor Center.\nSubmitted artwork is stored until the Competition Gallery opens.\n\nVisit Big Bear states that the 2026 competition has a maximum of 75 participating artists and allows one submission per artist for the galleries. \nThe public page reviewed for this guide does not display a clearly stated universal competition registration price in its main event information. Artists should check the live registration form for the current fee and full participation terms rather than relying on a prior year’s price. \nWhere Are the Visitor Center and Competition Gallery?\nBig Bear Lake Visitor Center\n40824 Big Bear Boulevard\nBig Bear Lake\, CA 92315 \nThe Visitor Center is currently listed as open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is the location where artists get substrates stamped and return completed competition paintings. \nDestination Big Bear Event Room\n713 Stocker Rd.\nBig Bear Lake\, CA \nThis is the published location for the Competition Gallery\, the October 18 awards ceremony\, and the public pop-up galleries associated with the festival. \nNo single parking plan covering every competition location is published. Artists and gallery visitors should follow event instructions and posted parking regulations at the Visitor Center\, The Village\, Moonridge\, and the Destination Big Bear Event Room. \nCan Non-Artists Attend the Plein Air Events?\nYes. The competition is not only for participating painters. \nVisit Big Bear specifically invites art enthusiasts\, collectors\, and members of the community to attend the pop-up galleries and view the complete collection of 2026 competition artwork. Artwork will also be available for purchase. \nThat makes the October gallery period a good option for visitors who enjoy art but do not plan to enter the competition themselves. \nA public admission charge for the galleries is not stated on the current competition page. Visitors should check the individual gallery listing closer to their chosen date if admission\, opening hours\, or purchasing procedures are important to their plans. \nWhat Should Artists Bring?\nVisit Big Bear does not publish one universal equipment list because plein air painters work with different media and setups. Participants should therefore prepare according to their own painting method and the outdoor mountain environment. \nA practical artist packing list may include: \n\nYour preferred paints\, brushes\, and painting tools\nMultiple eligible substrates to have stamped at the Visitor Center\nPortable easel or pochade setup\nWater or appropriate painting medium\nSun protection\nWeather-appropriate layers\nWater and snacks\nProtective equipment for transporting wet artwork\nAny personal medications or necessities\n\nBecause artists choose their own locations around Big Bear\, conditions can vary significantly between lakefront areas\, forested locations\, The Village\, and higher-elevation viewpoints. Check the forecast and current access conditions before setting up outdoors. \nHow to Make a Weekend of the Plein Air Art Competition\nDay 1: Arrive\, Register\, and Scout Locations\nComplete online registration before leaving home. After arriving in Big Bear\, check into your cabin and visit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to get your substrates stamped. \nInstead of immediately committing to the first landscape you see\, use part of the afternoon to explore Big Bear Valley and observe how light falls across different areas. \nDay 2: Paint en Plein Air\nStart early enough to work during the light conditions you want to capture. Because the competition gives artists nearly a month to create\, there is no need to treat the trip like a speed-painting contest unless you’re participating in a specific Paint-Out. \nReturning to a cabin between sessions can be useful for organizing supplies\, resting\, eating\, and preparing for another painting period. \nCheck A Chalet cabins for your Plein Air Competition dates. \nReturn for the Gallery or Awards\nArtists do not have to treat the September-October creation period and October gallery as a single continuous stay. Visit Big Bear explicitly allows artists to visit once or return to Big Bear to continue their work. \nYou might therefore plan one trip for painting and another for the Competition Gallery and October 18 awards ceremony. \nWhere to Stay for the Plein Air Art Competition\nBecause the competition spans the Big Bear Valley and important event locations are in Big Bear Lake\, staying in Big Bear Lake or nearby Big Bear City makes practical sense. \nA Chalet currently offers cabins in both destinations\, with properties ranging from smaller two-bedroom stays to larger three- and four-bedroom rentals. Current examples shown in A Chalet’s collection include Heavenly Bay Retreat and Jaybird Cabin with two bedrooms\, Conklin Canopy with three bedrooms\, and Boulder Landing and Rustic Ridge with four bedrooms. \nFor an artist traveling alone or with a partner\, a smaller cabin can provide a straightforward base between painting sessions. Friends participating together may prefer additional bedrooms and common space for organizing the trip. \nIf you need particular features for an art-focused stay—such as parking capacity\, a kitchen\, laundry facilities\, pet permission\, or additional indoor space—verify them on the current individual property listing before booking. Amenities differ by cabin and should not be assumed. \nA multi-night stay may be especially useful for this competition because participants are encouraged to explore the landscape rather than paint against a single-day deadline. \nBrowse current A Chalet Big Bear cabin availability. \nTips for Booking an Art Competition Weekend Cabin\nChoose your competition phase first. A September painting trip\, October 3 Moonridge Paint-Out weekend\, and October 14-18 gallery trip have different schedules. \nComplete artist registration before traveling. Visit Big Bear specifically instructs participants to register online before arriving. \nAllow time for the Visitor Center. Substrates need to be stamped\, and current Visitor Center hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. \nConsider more than one night. One of the main advantages of this competition is the ability to explore different Big Bear landscapes and work without a short painting deadline. \nMatch the cabin to your group. Solo artists and couples may prefer smaller accommodations\, while several artists traveling together can compare multi-bedroom rentals. \nVerify amenities directly. Parking\, kitchens\, pet policies\, and other property features vary across A Chalet’s inventory. \nRecheck event details before your trip. Gallery hours\, registration availability\, and individual festival-event instructions can change. \nFrequently Asked Questions\nWhen Is the Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition 2026?\nArtists can create competition work from September 12 through October 10\, 2026. The main gallery period follows in mid-October\, with the awards ceremony scheduled for October 18 at 10:00 AM. \nWhere Is the Plein Air Art Competition?\nPainting can take place across the Big Bear Valley. Substrate stamping and artwork drop-off are handled through the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center at 40824 Big Bear Boulevard\, while the main Competition Gallery is held at 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake. \nDo Artists Need to Register?\nYes. Visit Big Bear directs artists to complete online registration before arriving. The 2026 competition is limited to a maximum of 75 artist participants. \nWhat Are the 2026 Plein Air Competition Prizes?\nThe main competition awards are currently listed as $2\,000 for first place\, $1\,500 for second place\, and $500 for third place. Separate $500 Best of Show prizes are also listed for certain festival galleries. \nCan the Public Visit the Galleries?\nYes. Visit Big Bear invites the public\, art enthusiasts\, and collectors to attend the galleries. Artwork is expected to be available for purchase. \nWhen Is the Awards Ceremony?\nThe awards ceremony is scheduled for October 18\, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Destination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd. \nWhere Should I Stay for the Plein Air Art Competition?\nBig Bear Lake or nearby Big Bear City is practical because the competition is centered throughout the Big Bear Valley and key administrative and gallery locations are in Big Bear Lake. A Chalet offers cabins of several sizes in the Big Bear area. Browse current A Chalet availability. \nPlan Your Plein Air Art Competition 2026 Getaway With A Chalet\nThe Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition 2026 gives painters something many competitions do not: time. From September 12 through October 10\, registered artists can explore Big Bear\, choose their landscape\, paint\, return to refine their work\, and participate in an expanded schedule of festival events. \nThe 2026 festival includes the Artist’s Best Work gallery on September 18-19\, The Village Paint-Out on September 19\, the Moonridge Paint-Out on October 3\, the Moonridge gallery on October 4\, and the main Competition Gallery and awards activities in mid-October. The awards ceremony is set for October 18 at 10:00 AM. \nArtists should register online before arriving\, visit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center to have substrates stamped\, and verify the latest competition instructions before beginning their work. \nFor a trip built around several painting sessions—or a separate return visit for the gallery and awards—an overnight cabin gives you a comfortable base in the Big Bear Valley instead of forcing the creative process into a single day. \nBrowse A Chalet cabins and plan your Big Bear stay around the Plein Air Art Competition 2026.
URL:https://achalet.com/event/plein-air-art-competition-22/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260210T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260910T000000
DTSTAMP:20260915T183511Z
CREATED:20260915T183511Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T183511Z
UID:13500-1770681600-1788998400@achalet.com
SUMMARY:Plein Air Art Competition
DESCRIPTION:Plein Air Art Competition 2026: Dates\, Schedule\, Travel Tips\, and Where to Stay\nQuick Answer\nThe Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition 2026 is Visit Big Bear’s third annual plein air competition and a month-long celebration of outdoor painting across the Big Bear Valley. Artists can create their competition work between September 12 and October 10\, 2026\, with gallery events beginning in September and the main Competition Gallery and awards scheduled for October. \nRegistered artists first complete online registration\, then visit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center at 40824 Big Bear Boulevard to have their painting substrates stamped. The Visitor Center is currently listed as open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Artists may have multiple substrates stamped\, but the competition information says there is one submission per artist for galleries. \nThe main submitted works will be displayed at the Destination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake. Visit Big Bear lists the principal competition awards as $2\,000 for first place\, $1\,500 for second place\, and $500 for third place. The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 18 at 10:00 AM. \nThis event is particularly well suited to an overnight or multi-night Big Bear trip because artists are intentionally given time to explore the valley\, choose landscapes\, return to locations\, and continue developing their work. A Chalet offers cabins in Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City that can serve as a base between painting sessions\, gallery visits\, and other fall activities. \nBrowse A Chalet cabins for your Big Bear art trip. \nPlein Air Art Competition 2026 at a Glance\n\n\n\nEvent\nBig Bear Plein Air Art Competition & Festival of Artist Events\n\n\nOrganizer\nVisit Big Bear\n\n\nCompetition year\n2026 — 3rd annual event\n\n\nCreate period\nSeptember 12-October 10\, 2026\n\n\nArtist registration\nOnline registration required before arrival\n\n\nMaximum artists\n75 participants\n\n\nSubstrate stamping\nBig Bear Lake Visitor Center\n\n\nVisitor Center\n40824 Big Bear Boulevard\, Big Bear Lake\, CA 92315\n\n\nVisitor Center hours\nDaily\, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM\n\n\nCompetition Gallery\nDestination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake\n\n\nMain gallery period\nOctober 14-18\, 2026\n\n\nAwards ceremony\nOctober 18\, 2026 at 10:00 AM\n\n\nMain awards\n1st: $2\,000; 2nd: $1\,500; 3rd: $500\n\n\nPublic gallery access\nPublic invited; artwork available for purchase\n\n\nParking\nNo single competition-wide parking plan is published; follow instructions and posted rules at each location\n\n\n\nVisit Big Bear confirms the September 12-October 10 creation period and lists every day in that period as part of the recurring competition calendar. \nWhat Is the Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition?\nThe Plein Air Art Competition invites artists to create landscapes outdoors in the Big Bear Valley\, working directly from the scenery rather than solely from photographs or studio references. \nWhat distinguishes the Big Bear format is its extended creation period. Artists do not have to arrive on one morning and complete their work under a short time limit. Visit Big Bear gives participants from September 12 through October 10 to explore\, select a location\, paint\, and potentially return to Big Bear to continue their work. \nThat format encourages artists to experience the valley during early fall\, when the character of the landscape can change with light\, weather\, and seasonal conditions. Participants choose their own Big Bear landscape subject rather than being assigned one specific painting location for the main competition. \nFor 2026\, Visit Big Bear has expanded the program with a Festival of Artist Events. Registration in the main competition includes access to the highlighted festival activities\, and artists may choose to participate in one or several. The competition is limited to a maximum of 75 artist participants. \nWhen Is the Plein Air Art Competition 2026?\nThe competition is not a single-day event. Instead\, it unfolds across several phases. \nSeptember 12-October 10: Create\nArtists may visit Big Bear at any point during this period to create their competition work. Before arriving\, participants are instructed to complete online registration. \nAfter reaching Big Bear\, artists must stop at the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center\, 40824 Big Bear Boulevard\, to have their painting substrates stamped. Visit Big Bear says artists can have as many substrates stamped as they wish. Completed competition artwork is then returned to the Visitor Center for storage before the gallery opens. \nOctober 14-18: Competition Gallery\nVisit Big Bear’s dedicated competition page identifies the main gallery and awards period as October 14-18. The event calendar separately shows the Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition Gallery running during this same mid-October period at 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake. \nThe public is invited to view the competition artwork\, and Visit Big Bear states that artwork at the galleries will be available for purchase. \nOctober 18: Awards Ceremony\nThe awards ceremony is scheduled for Sunday\, October 18 at 10:00 AM at the Destination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd. \nWhat Special Artist Events Are Part of the 2026 Festival?\nThe expanded 2026 Festival of Artist Events adds several opportunities beyond the main competition. \nArtist’s Best Work en Plein Air Gallery — September 18-19\nThis gallery gives participating artists another chance to exhibit and sell plein air work. Visit Big Bear lists a $500 Best of Show award for this portion of the festival. \nThe Village Paint-Out — September 19\nA dedicated Paint-Out is scheduled in The Village Big Bear Lake on September 19. This provides a more concentrated event within the broader month-long competition period. \nMoonridge Corridor Paint-Out — October 3\nAnother Paint-Out takes place in the Moonridge Corridor on October 3\, followed by a gallery on October 4. Visit Big Bear lists a separate $500 Best of Show award for this event. \nMain Competition Gallery and Awards — October 14-18\nThe main competition concludes with the complete collection of submitted works and the awards ceremony. The principal prizes currently published are: \n\nFirst Place: $2\,000\nSecond Place: $1\,500\nThird Place: $500\n\nVisit Big Bear lists John Budicin\, Diane Moore\, and Lisa Mozzini-McDill as distinguished judges associated with the 2026 competition. \nHow Do Artists Register and Submit Their Work?\nArtists should begin at the official Big Bear Lake Visitor Center. \nThe currently published process is: \n\nComplete registration online before arriving.\nVisit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center during operating hours.\nHave the painting substrates you may use stamped.\nExplore Big Bear and create the work during the September 12-October 10 competition period.\nReturn the completed competition painting to the Visitor Center.\nSubmitted artwork is stored until the Competition Gallery opens.\n\nVisit Big Bear states that the 2026 competition has a maximum of 75 participating artists and allows one submission per artist for the galleries. \nThe public page reviewed for this guide does not display a clearly stated universal competition registration price in its main event information. Artists should check the live registration form for the current fee and full participation terms rather than relying on a prior year’s price. \nWhere Are the Visitor Center and Competition Gallery?\nBig Bear Lake Visitor Center\n40824 Big Bear Boulevard\nBig Bear Lake\, CA 92315 \nThe Visitor Center is currently listed as open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is the location where artists get substrates stamped and return completed competition paintings. \nDestination Big Bear Event Room\n713 Stocker Rd.\nBig Bear Lake\, CA \nThis is the published location for the Competition Gallery\, the October 18 awards ceremony\, and the public pop-up galleries associated with the festival. \nNo single parking plan covering every competition location is published. Artists and gallery visitors should follow event instructions and posted parking regulations at the Visitor Center\, The Village\, Moonridge\, and the Destination Big Bear Event Room. \nCan Non-Artists Attend the Plein Air Events?\nYes. The competition is not only for participating painters. \nVisit Big Bear specifically invites art enthusiasts\, collectors\, and members of the community to attend the pop-up galleries and view the complete collection of 2026 competition artwork. Artwork will also be available for purchase. \nThat makes the October gallery period a good option for visitors who enjoy art but do not plan to enter the competition themselves. \nA public admission charge for the galleries is not stated on the current competition page. Visitors should check the individual gallery listing closer to their chosen date if admission\, opening hours\, or purchasing procedures are important to their plans. \nWhat Should Artists Bring?\nVisit Big Bear does not publish one universal equipment list because plein air painters work with different media and setups. Participants should therefore prepare according to their own painting method and the outdoor mountain environment. \nA practical artist packing list may include: \n\nYour preferred paints\, brushes\, and painting tools\nMultiple eligible substrates to have stamped at the Visitor Center\nPortable easel or pochade setup\nWater or appropriate painting medium\nSun protection\nWeather-appropriate layers\nWater and snacks\nProtective equipment for transporting wet artwork\nAny personal medications or necessities\n\nBecause artists choose their own locations around Big Bear\, conditions can vary significantly between lakefront areas\, forested locations\, The Village\, and higher-elevation viewpoints. Check the forecast and current access conditions before setting up outdoors. \nHow to Make a Weekend of the Plein Air Art Competition\nDay 1: Arrive\, Register\, and Scout Locations\nComplete online registration before leaving home. After arriving in Big Bear\, check into your cabin and visit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to get your substrates stamped. \nInstead of immediately committing to the first landscape you see\, use part of the afternoon to explore Big Bear Valley and observe how light falls across different areas. \nDay 2: Paint en Plein Air\nStart early enough to work during the light conditions you want to capture. Because the competition gives artists nearly a month to create\, there is no need to treat the trip like a speed-painting contest unless you’re participating in a specific Paint-Out. \nReturning to a cabin between sessions can be useful for organizing supplies\, resting\, eating\, and preparing for another painting period. \nCheck A Chalet cabins for your Plein Air Competition dates. \nReturn for the Gallery or Awards\nArtists do not have to treat the September-October creation period and October gallery as a single continuous stay. Visit Big Bear explicitly allows artists to visit once or return to Big Bear to continue their work. \nYou might therefore plan one trip for painting and another for the Competition Gallery and October 18 awards ceremony. \nWhere to Stay for the Plein Air Art Competition\nBecause the competition spans the Big Bear Valley and important event locations are in Big Bear Lake\, staying in Big Bear Lake or nearby Big Bear City makes practical sense. \nA Chalet currently offers cabins in both destinations\, with properties ranging from smaller two-bedroom stays to larger three- and four-bedroom rentals. Current examples shown in A Chalet’s collection include Heavenly Bay Retreat and Jaybird Cabin with two bedrooms\, Conklin Canopy with three bedrooms\, and Boulder Landing and Rustic Ridge with four bedrooms. \nFor an artist traveling alone or with a partner\, a smaller cabin can provide a straightforward base between painting sessions. Friends participating together may prefer additional bedrooms and common space for organizing the trip. \nIf you need particular features for an art-focused stay—such as parking capacity\, a kitchen\, laundry facilities\, pet permission\, or additional indoor space—verify them on the current individual property listing before booking. Amenities differ by cabin and should not be assumed. \nA multi-night stay may be especially useful for this competition because participants are encouraged to explore the landscape rather than paint against a single-day deadline. \nBrowse current A Chalet Big Bear cabin availability. \nTips for Booking an Art Competition Weekend Cabin\nChoose your competition phase first. A September painting trip\, October 3 Moonridge Paint-Out weekend\, and October 14-18 gallery trip have different schedules. \nComplete artist registration before traveling. Visit Big Bear specifically instructs participants to register online before arriving. \nAllow time for the Visitor Center. Substrates need to be stamped\, and current Visitor Center hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. \nConsider more than one night. One of the main advantages of this competition is the ability to explore different Big Bear landscapes and work without a short painting deadline. \nMatch the cabin to your group. Solo artists and couples may prefer smaller accommodations\, while several artists traveling together can compare multi-bedroom rentals. \nVerify amenities directly. Parking\, kitchens\, pet policies\, and other property features vary across A Chalet’s inventory. \nRecheck event details before your trip. Gallery hours\, registration availability\, and individual festival-event instructions can change. \nFrequently Asked Questions\nWhen Is the Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition 2026?\nArtists can create competition work from September 12 through October 10\, 2026. The main gallery period follows in mid-October\, with the awards ceremony scheduled for October 18 at 10:00 AM. \nWhere Is the Plein Air Art Competition?\nPainting can take place across the Big Bear Valley. Substrate stamping and artwork drop-off are handled through the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center at 40824 Big Bear Boulevard\, while the main Competition Gallery is held at 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake. \nDo Artists Need to Register?\nYes. Visit Big Bear directs artists to complete online registration before arriving. The 2026 competition is limited to a maximum of 75 artist participants. \nWhat Are the 2026 Plein Air Competition Prizes?\nThe main competition awards are currently listed as $2\,000 for first place\, $1\,500 for second place\, and $500 for third place. Separate $500 Best of Show prizes are also listed for certain festival galleries. \nCan the Public Visit the Galleries?\nYes. Visit Big Bear invites the public\, art enthusiasts\, and collectors to attend the galleries. Artwork is expected to be available for purchase. \nWhen Is the Awards Ceremony?\nThe awards ceremony is scheduled for October 18\, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Destination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd. \nWhere Should I Stay for the Plein Air Art Competition?\nBig Bear Lake or nearby Big Bear City is practical because the competition is centered throughout the Big Bear Valley and key administrative and gallery locations are in Big Bear Lake. A Chalet offers cabins of several sizes in the Big Bear area. Browse current A Chalet availability. \nPlan Your Plein Air Art Competition 2026 Getaway With A Chalet\nThe Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition 2026 gives painters something many competitions do not: time. From September 12 through October 10\, registered artists can explore Big Bear\, choose their landscape\, paint\, return to refine their work\, and participate in an expanded schedule of festival events. \nThe 2026 festival includes the Artist’s Best Work gallery on September 18-19\, The Village Paint-Out on September 19\, the Moonridge Paint-Out on October 3\, the Moonridge gallery on October 4\, and the main Competition Gallery and awards activities in mid-October. The awards ceremony is set for October 18 at 10:00 AM. \nArtists should register online before arriving\, visit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center to have substrates stamped\, and verify the latest competition instructions before beginning their work. \nFor a trip built around several painting sessions—or a separate return visit for the gallery and awards—an overnight cabin gives you a comfortable base in the Big Bear Valley instead of forcing the creative process into a single day. \nBrowse A Chalet cabins and plan your Big Bear stay around the Plein Air Art Competition 2026.
URL:https://achalet.com/event/plein-air-art-competition-23/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260910T000000
DTSTAMP:20260915T183528Z
CREATED:20260915T183528Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T183528Z
UID:13506-1773100800-1788998400@achalet.com
SUMMARY:Plein Air Art Competition
DESCRIPTION:Plein Air Art Competition 2026: Dates\, Schedule\, Travel Tips\, and Where to Stay\nQuick Answer\nThe Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition 2026 is Visit Big Bear’s third annual plein air competition and a month-long celebration of outdoor painting across the Big Bear Valley. Artists can create their competition work between September 12 and October 10\, 2026\, with gallery events beginning in September and the main Competition Gallery and awards scheduled for October. \nRegistered artists first complete online registration\, then visit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center at 40824 Big Bear Boulevard to have their painting substrates stamped. The Visitor Center is currently listed as open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Artists may have multiple substrates stamped\, but the competition information says there is one submission per artist for galleries. \nThe main submitted works will be displayed at the Destination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake. Visit Big Bear lists the principal competition awards as $2\,000 for first place\, $1\,500 for second place\, and $500 for third place. The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 18 at 10:00 AM. \nThis event is particularly well suited to an overnight or multi-night Big Bear trip because artists are intentionally given time to explore the valley\, choose landscapes\, return to locations\, and continue developing their work. A Chalet offers cabins in Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City that can serve as a base between painting sessions\, gallery visits\, and other fall activities. \nBrowse A Chalet cabins for your Big Bear art trip. \nPlein Air Art Competition 2026 at a Glance\n\n\n\nEvent\nBig Bear Plein Air Art Competition & Festival of Artist Events\n\n\nOrganizer\nVisit Big Bear\n\n\nCompetition year\n2026 — 3rd annual event\n\n\nCreate period\nSeptember 12-October 10\, 2026\n\n\nArtist registration\nOnline registration required before arrival\n\n\nMaximum artists\n75 participants\n\n\nSubstrate stamping\nBig Bear Lake Visitor Center\n\n\nVisitor Center\n40824 Big Bear Boulevard\, Big Bear Lake\, CA 92315\n\n\nVisitor Center hours\nDaily\, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM\n\n\nCompetition Gallery\nDestination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake\n\n\nMain gallery period\nOctober 14-18\, 2026\n\n\nAwards ceremony\nOctober 18\, 2026 at 10:00 AM\n\n\nMain awards\n1st: $2\,000; 2nd: $1\,500; 3rd: $500\n\n\nPublic gallery access\nPublic invited; artwork available for purchase\n\n\nParking\nNo single competition-wide parking plan is published; follow instructions and posted rules at each location\n\n\n\nVisit Big Bear confirms the September 12-October 10 creation period and lists every day in that period as part of the recurring competition calendar. \nWhat Is the Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition?\nThe Plein Air Art Competition invites artists to create landscapes outdoors in the Big Bear Valley\, working directly from the scenery rather than solely from photographs or studio references. \nWhat distinguishes the Big Bear format is its extended creation period. Artists do not have to arrive on one morning and complete their work under a short time limit. Visit Big Bear gives participants from September 12 through October 10 to explore\, select a location\, paint\, and potentially return to Big Bear to continue their work. \nThat format encourages artists to experience the valley during early fall\, when the character of the landscape can change with light\, weather\, and seasonal conditions. Participants choose their own Big Bear landscape subject rather than being assigned one specific painting location for the main competition. \nFor 2026\, Visit Big Bear has expanded the program with a Festival of Artist Events. Registration in the main competition includes access to the highlighted festival activities\, and artists may choose to participate in one or several. The competition is limited to a maximum of 75 artist participants. \nWhen Is the Plein Air Art Competition 2026?\nThe competition is not a single-day event. Instead\, it unfolds across several phases. \nSeptember 12-October 10: Create\nArtists may visit Big Bear at any point during this period to create their competition work. Before arriving\, participants are instructed to complete online registration. \nAfter reaching Big Bear\, artists must stop at the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center\, 40824 Big Bear Boulevard\, to have their painting substrates stamped. Visit Big Bear says artists can have as many substrates stamped as they wish. Completed competition artwork is then returned to the Visitor Center for storage before the gallery opens. \nOctober 14-18: Competition Gallery\nVisit Big Bear’s dedicated competition page identifies the main gallery and awards period as October 14-18. The event calendar separately shows the Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition Gallery running during this same mid-October period at 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake. \nThe public is invited to view the competition artwork\, and Visit Big Bear states that artwork at the galleries will be available for purchase. \nOctober 18: Awards Ceremony\nThe awards ceremony is scheduled for Sunday\, October 18 at 10:00 AM at the Destination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd. \nWhat Special Artist Events Are Part of the 2026 Festival?\nThe expanded 2026 Festival of Artist Events adds several opportunities beyond the main competition. \nArtist’s Best Work en Plein Air Gallery — September 18-19\nThis gallery gives participating artists another chance to exhibit and sell plein air work. Visit Big Bear lists a $500 Best of Show award for this portion of the festival. \nThe Village Paint-Out — September 19\nA dedicated Paint-Out is scheduled in The Village Big Bear Lake on September 19. This provides a more concentrated event within the broader month-long competition period. \nMoonridge Corridor Paint-Out — October 3\nAnother Paint-Out takes place in the Moonridge Corridor on October 3\, followed by a gallery on October 4. Visit Big Bear lists a separate $500 Best of Show award for this event. \nMain Competition Gallery and Awards — October 14-18\nThe main competition concludes with the complete collection of submitted works and the awards ceremony. The principal prizes currently published are: \n\nFirst Place: $2\,000\nSecond Place: $1\,500\nThird Place: $500\n\nVisit Big Bear lists John Budicin\, Diane Moore\, and Lisa Mozzini-McDill as distinguished judges associated with the 2026 competition. \nHow Do Artists Register and Submit Their Work?\nArtists should begin at the official Big Bear Lake Visitor Center. \nThe currently published process is: \n\nComplete registration online before arriving.\nVisit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center during operating hours.\nHave the painting substrates you may use stamped.\nExplore Big Bear and create the work during the September 12-October 10 competition period.\nReturn the completed competition painting to the Visitor Center.\nSubmitted artwork is stored until the Competition Gallery opens.\n\nVisit Big Bear states that the 2026 competition has a maximum of 75 participating artists and allows one submission per artist for the galleries. \nThe public page reviewed for this guide does not display a clearly stated universal competition registration price in its main event information. Artists should check the live registration form for the current fee and full participation terms rather than relying on a prior year’s price. \nWhere Are the Visitor Center and Competition Gallery?\nBig Bear Lake Visitor Center\n40824 Big Bear Boulevard\nBig Bear Lake\, CA 92315 \nThe Visitor Center is currently listed as open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is the location where artists get substrates stamped and return completed competition paintings. \nDestination Big Bear Event Room\n713 Stocker Rd.\nBig Bear Lake\, CA \nThis is the published location for the Competition Gallery\, the October 18 awards ceremony\, and the public pop-up galleries associated with the festival. \nNo single parking plan covering every competition location is published. Artists and gallery visitors should follow event instructions and posted parking regulations at the Visitor Center\, The Village\, Moonridge\, and the Destination Big Bear Event Room. \nCan Non-Artists Attend the Plein Air Events?\nYes. The competition is not only for participating painters. \nVisit Big Bear specifically invites art enthusiasts\, collectors\, and members of the community to attend the pop-up galleries and view the complete collection of 2026 competition artwork. Artwork will also be available for purchase. \nThat makes the October gallery period a good option for visitors who enjoy art but do not plan to enter the competition themselves. \nA public admission charge for the galleries is not stated on the current competition page. Visitors should check the individual gallery listing closer to their chosen date if admission\, opening hours\, or purchasing procedures are important to their plans. \nWhat Should Artists Bring?\nVisit Big Bear does not publish one universal equipment list because plein air painters work with different media and setups. Participants should therefore prepare according to their own painting method and the outdoor mountain environment. \nA practical artist packing list may include: \n\nYour preferred paints\, brushes\, and painting tools\nMultiple eligible substrates to have stamped at the Visitor Center\nPortable easel or pochade setup\nWater or appropriate painting medium\nSun protection\nWeather-appropriate layers\nWater and snacks\nProtective equipment for transporting wet artwork\nAny personal medications or necessities\n\nBecause artists choose their own locations around Big Bear\, conditions can vary significantly between lakefront areas\, forested locations\, The Village\, and higher-elevation viewpoints. Check the forecast and current access conditions before setting up outdoors. \nHow to Make a Weekend of the Plein Air Art Competition\nDay 1: Arrive\, Register\, and Scout Locations\nComplete online registration before leaving home. After arriving in Big Bear\, check into your cabin and visit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to get your substrates stamped. \nInstead of immediately committing to the first landscape you see\, use part of the afternoon to explore Big Bear Valley and observe how light falls across different areas. \nDay 2: Paint en Plein Air\nStart early enough to work during the light conditions you want to capture. Because the competition gives artists nearly a month to create\, there is no need to treat the trip like a speed-painting contest unless you’re participating in a specific Paint-Out. \nReturning to a cabin between sessions can be useful for organizing supplies\, resting\, eating\, and preparing for another painting period. \nCheck A Chalet cabins for your Plein Air Competition dates. \nReturn for the Gallery or Awards\nArtists do not have to treat the September-October creation period and October gallery as a single continuous stay. Visit Big Bear explicitly allows artists to visit once or return to Big Bear to continue their work. \nYou might therefore plan one trip for painting and another for the Competition Gallery and October 18 awards ceremony. \nWhere to Stay for the Plein Air Art Competition\nBecause the competition spans the Big Bear Valley and important event locations are in Big Bear Lake\, staying in Big Bear Lake or nearby Big Bear City makes practical sense. \nA Chalet currently offers cabins in both destinations\, with properties ranging from smaller two-bedroom stays to larger three- and four-bedroom rentals. Current examples shown in A Chalet’s collection include Heavenly Bay Retreat and Jaybird Cabin with two bedrooms\, Conklin Canopy with three bedrooms\, and Boulder Landing and Rustic Ridge with four bedrooms. \nFor an artist traveling alone or with a partner\, a smaller cabin can provide a straightforward base between painting sessions. Friends participating together may prefer additional bedrooms and common space for organizing the trip. \nIf you need particular features for an art-focused stay—such as parking capacity\, a kitchen\, laundry facilities\, pet permission\, or additional indoor space—verify them on the current individual property listing before booking. Amenities differ by cabin and should not be assumed. \nA multi-night stay may be especially useful for this competition because participants are encouraged to explore the landscape rather than paint against a single-day deadline. \nBrowse current A Chalet Big Bear cabin availability. \nTips for Booking an Art Competition Weekend Cabin\nChoose your competition phase first. A September painting trip\, October 3 Moonridge Paint-Out weekend\, and October 14-18 gallery trip have different schedules. \nComplete artist registration before traveling. Visit Big Bear specifically instructs participants to register online before arriving. \nAllow time for the Visitor Center. Substrates need to be stamped\, and current Visitor Center hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. \nConsider more than one night. One of the main advantages of this competition is the ability to explore different Big Bear landscapes and work without a short painting deadline. \nMatch the cabin to your group. Solo artists and couples may prefer smaller accommodations\, while several artists traveling together can compare multi-bedroom rentals. \nVerify amenities directly. Parking\, kitchens\, pet policies\, and other property features vary across A Chalet’s inventory. \nRecheck event details before your trip. Gallery hours\, registration availability\, and individual festival-event instructions can change. \nFrequently Asked Questions\nWhen Is the Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition 2026?\nArtists can create competition work from September 12 through October 10\, 2026. The main gallery period follows in mid-October\, with the awards ceremony scheduled for October 18 at 10:00 AM. \nWhere Is the Plein Air Art Competition?\nPainting can take place across the Big Bear Valley. Substrate stamping and artwork drop-off are handled through the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center at 40824 Big Bear Boulevard\, while the main Competition Gallery is held at 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake. \nDo Artists Need to Register?\nYes. Visit Big Bear directs artists to complete online registration before arriving. The 2026 competition is limited to a maximum of 75 artist participants. \nWhat Are the 2026 Plein Air Competition Prizes?\nThe main competition awards are currently listed as $2\,000 for first place\, $1\,500 for second place\, and $500 for third place. Separate $500 Best of Show prizes are also listed for certain festival galleries. \nCan the Public Visit the Galleries?\nYes. Visit Big Bear invites the public\, art enthusiasts\, and collectors to attend the galleries. Artwork is expected to be available for purchase. \nWhen Is the Awards Ceremony?\nThe awards ceremony is scheduled for October 18\, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Destination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd. \nWhere Should I Stay for the Plein Air Art Competition?\nBig Bear Lake or nearby Big Bear City is practical because the competition is centered throughout the Big Bear Valley and key administrative and gallery locations are in Big Bear Lake. A Chalet offers cabins of several sizes in the Big Bear area. Browse current A Chalet availability. \nPlan Your Plein Air Art Competition 2026 Getaway With A Chalet\nThe Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition 2026 gives painters something many competitions do not: time. From September 12 through October 10\, registered artists can explore Big Bear\, choose their landscape\, paint\, return to refine their work\, and participate in an expanded schedule of festival events. \nThe 2026 festival includes the Artist’s Best Work gallery on September 18-19\, The Village Paint-Out on September 19\, the Moonridge Paint-Out on October 3\, the Moonridge gallery on October 4\, and the main Competition Gallery and awards activities in mid-October. The awards ceremony is set for October 18 at 10:00 AM. \nArtists should register online before arriving\, visit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center to have substrates stamped\, and verify the latest competition instructions before beginning their work. \nFor a trip built around several painting sessions—or a separate return visit for the gallery and awards—an overnight cabin gives you a comfortable base in the Big Bear Valley instead of forcing the creative process into a single day. \nBrowse A Chalet cabins and plan your Big Bear stay around the Plein Air Art Competition 2026.
URL:https://achalet.com/event/plein-air-art-competition-24/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260410T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260910T000000
DTSTAMP:20260915T183528Z
CREATED:20260915T183528Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T183528Z
UID:13510-1775779200-1788998400@achalet.com
SUMMARY:Plein Air Art Competition
DESCRIPTION:Plein Air Art Competition 2026: Dates\, Schedule\, Travel Tips\, and Where to Stay\nQuick Answer\nThe Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition 2026 is Visit Big Bear’s third annual plein air competition and a month-long celebration of outdoor painting across the Big Bear Valley. Artists can create their competition work between September 12 and October 10\, 2026\, with gallery events beginning in September and the main Competition Gallery and awards scheduled for October. \nRegistered artists first complete online registration\, then visit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center at 40824 Big Bear Boulevard to have their painting substrates stamped. The Visitor Center is currently listed as open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Artists may have multiple substrates stamped\, but the competition information says there is one submission per artist for galleries. \nThe main submitted works will be displayed at the Destination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake. Visit Big Bear lists the principal competition awards as $2\,000 for first place\, $1\,500 for second place\, and $500 for third place. The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 18 at 10:00 AM. \nThis event is particularly well suited to an overnight or multi-night Big Bear trip because artists are intentionally given time to explore the valley\, choose landscapes\, return to locations\, and continue developing their work. A Chalet offers cabins in Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City that can serve as a base between painting sessions\, gallery visits\, and other fall activities. \nBrowse A Chalet cabins for your Big Bear art trip. \nPlein Air Art Competition 2026 at a Glance\n\n\n\nEvent\nBig Bear Plein Air Art Competition & Festival of Artist Events\n\n\nOrganizer\nVisit Big Bear\n\n\nCompetition year\n2026 — 3rd annual event\n\n\nCreate period\nSeptember 12-October 10\, 2026\n\n\nArtist registration\nOnline registration required before arrival\n\n\nMaximum artists\n75 participants\n\n\nSubstrate stamping\nBig Bear Lake Visitor Center\n\n\nVisitor Center\n40824 Big Bear Boulevard\, Big Bear Lake\, CA 92315\n\n\nVisitor Center hours\nDaily\, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM\n\n\nCompetition Gallery\nDestination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake\n\n\nMain gallery period\nOctober 14-18\, 2026\n\n\nAwards ceremony\nOctober 18\, 2026 at 10:00 AM\n\n\nMain awards\n1st: $2\,000; 2nd: $1\,500; 3rd: $500\n\n\nPublic gallery access\nPublic invited; artwork available for purchase\n\n\nParking\nNo single competition-wide parking plan is published; follow instructions and posted rules at each location\n\n\n\nVisit Big Bear confirms the September 12-October 10 creation period and lists every day in that period as part of the recurring competition calendar. \nWhat Is the Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition?\nThe Plein Air Art Competition invites artists to create landscapes outdoors in the Big Bear Valley\, working directly from the scenery rather than solely from photographs or studio references. \nWhat distinguishes the Big Bear format is its extended creation period. Artists do not have to arrive on one morning and complete their work under a short time limit. Visit Big Bear gives participants from September 12 through October 10 to explore\, select a location\, paint\, and potentially return to Big Bear to continue their work. \nThat format encourages artists to experience the valley during early fall\, when the character of the landscape can change with light\, weather\, and seasonal conditions. Participants choose their own Big Bear landscape subject rather than being assigned one specific painting location for the main competition. \nFor 2026\, Visit Big Bear has expanded the program with a Festival of Artist Events. Registration in the main competition includes access to the highlighted festival activities\, and artists may choose to participate in one or several. The competition is limited to a maximum of 75 artist participants. \nWhen Is the Plein Air Art Competition 2026?\nThe competition is not a single-day event. Instead\, it unfolds across several phases. \nSeptember 12-October 10: Create\nArtists may visit Big Bear at any point during this period to create their competition work. Before arriving\, participants are instructed to complete online registration. \nAfter reaching Big Bear\, artists must stop at the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center\, 40824 Big Bear Boulevard\, to have their painting substrates stamped. Visit Big Bear says artists can have as many substrates stamped as they wish. Completed competition artwork is then returned to the Visitor Center for storage before the gallery opens. \nOctober 14-18: Competition Gallery\nVisit Big Bear’s dedicated competition page identifies the main gallery and awards period as October 14-18. The event calendar separately shows the Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition Gallery running during this same mid-October period at 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake. \nThe public is invited to view the competition artwork\, and Visit Big Bear states that artwork at the galleries will be available for purchase. \nOctober 18: Awards Ceremony\nThe awards ceremony is scheduled for Sunday\, October 18 at 10:00 AM at the Destination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd. \nWhat Special Artist Events Are Part of the 2026 Festival?\nThe expanded 2026 Festival of Artist Events adds several opportunities beyond the main competition. \nArtist’s Best Work en Plein Air Gallery — September 18-19\nThis gallery gives participating artists another chance to exhibit and sell plein air work. Visit Big Bear lists a $500 Best of Show award for this portion of the festival. \nThe Village Paint-Out — September 19\nA dedicated Paint-Out is scheduled in The Village Big Bear Lake on September 19. This provides a more concentrated event within the broader month-long competition period. \nMoonridge Corridor Paint-Out — October 3\nAnother Paint-Out takes place in the Moonridge Corridor on October 3\, followed by a gallery on October 4. Visit Big Bear lists a separate $500 Best of Show award for this event. \nMain Competition Gallery and Awards — October 14-18\nThe main competition concludes with the complete collection of submitted works and the awards ceremony. The principal prizes currently published are: \n\nFirst Place: $2\,000\nSecond Place: $1\,500\nThird Place: $500\n\nVisit Big Bear lists John Budicin\, Diane Moore\, and Lisa Mozzini-McDill as distinguished judges associated with the 2026 competition. \nHow Do Artists Register and Submit Their Work?\nArtists should begin at the official Big Bear Lake Visitor Center. \nThe currently published process is: \n\nComplete registration online before arriving.\nVisit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center during operating hours.\nHave the painting substrates you may use stamped.\nExplore Big Bear and create the work during the September 12-October 10 competition period.\nReturn the completed competition painting to the Visitor Center.\nSubmitted artwork is stored until the Competition Gallery opens.\n\nVisit Big Bear states that the 2026 competition has a maximum of 75 participating artists and allows one submission per artist for the galleries. \nThe public page reviewed for this guide does not display a clearly stated universal competition registration price in its main event information. Artists should check the live registration form for the current fee and full participation terms rather than relying on a prior year’s price. \nWhere Are the Visitor Center and Competition Gallery?\nBig Bear Lake Visitor Center\n40824 Big Bear Boulevard\nBig Bear Lake\, CA 92315 \nThe Visitor Center is currently listed as open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is the location where artists get substrates stamped and return completed competition paintings. \nDestination Big Bear Event Room\n713 Stocker Rd.\nBig Bear Lake\, CA \nThis is the published location for the Competition Gallery\, the October 18 awards ceremony\, and the public pop-up galleries associated with the festival. \nNo single parking plan covering every competition location is published. Artists and gallery visitors should follow event instructions and posted parking regulations at the Visitor Center\, The Village\, Moonridge\, and the Destination Big Bear Event Room. \nCan Non-Artists Attend the Plein Air Events?\nYes. The competition is not only for participating painters. \nVisit Big Bear specifically invites art enthusiasts\, collectors\, and members of the community to attend the pop-up galleries and view the complete collection of 2026 competition artwork. Artwork will also be available for purchase. \nThat makes the October gallery period a good option for visitors who enjoy art but do not plan to enter the competition themselves. \nA public admission charge for the galleries is not stated on the current competition page. Visitors should check the individual gallery listing closer to their chosen date if admission\, opening hours\, or purchasing procedures are important to their plans. \nWhat Should Artists Bring?\nVisit Big Bear does not publish one universal equipment list because plein air painters work with different media and setups. Participants should therefore prepare according to their own painting method and the outdoor mountain environment. \nA practical artist packing list may include: \n\nYour preferred paints\, brushes\, and painting tools\nMultiple eligible substrates to have stamped at the Visitor Center\nPortable easel or pochade setup\nWater or appropriate painting medium\nSun protection\nWeather-appropriate layers\nWater and snacks\nProtective equipment for transporting wet artwork\nAny personal medications or necessities\n\nBecause artists choose their own locations around Big Bear\, conditions can vary significantly between lakefront areas\, forested locations\, The Village\, and higher-elevation viewpoints. Check the forecast and current access conditions before setting up outdoors. \nHow to Make a Weekend of the Plein Air Art Competition\nDay 1: Arrive\, Register\, and Scout Locations\nComplete online registration before leaving home. After arriving in Big Bear\, check into your cabin and visit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to get your substrates stamped. \nInstead of immediately committing to the first landscape you see\, use part of the afternoon to explore Big Bear Valley and observe how light falls across different areas. \nDay 2: Paint en Plein Air\nStart early enough to work during the light conditions you want to capture. Because the competition gives artists nearly a month to create\, there is no need to treat the trip like a speed-painting contest unless you’re participating in a specific Paint-Out. \nReturning to a cabin between sessions can be useful for organizing supplies\, resting\, eating\, and preparing for another painting period. \nCheck A Chalet cabins for your Plein Air Competition dates. \nReturn for the Gallery or Awards\nArtists do not have to treat the September-October creation period and October gallery as a single continuous stay. Visit Big Bear explicitly allows artists to visit once or return to Big Bear to continue their work. \nYou might therefore plan one trip for painting and another for the Competition Gallery and October 18 awards ceremony. \nWhere to Stay for the Plein Air Art Competition\nBecause the competition spans the Big Bear Valley and important event locations are in Big Bear Lake\, staying in Big Bear Lake or nearby Big Bear City makes practical sense. \nA Chalet currently offers cabins in both destinations\, with properties ranging from smaller two-bedroom stays to larger three- and four-bedroom rentals. Current examples shown in A Chalet’s collection include Heavenly Bay Retreat and Jaybird Cabin with two bedrooms\, Conklin Canopy with three bedrooms\, and Boulder Landing and Rustic Ridge with four bedrooms. \nFor an artist traveling alone or with a partner\, a smaller cabin can provide a straightforward base between painting sessions. Friends participating together may prefer additional bedrooms and common space for organizing the trip. \nIf you need particular features for an art-focused stay—such as parking capacity\, a kitchen\, laundry facilities\, pet permission\, or additional indoor space—verify them on the current individual property listing before booking. Amenities differ by cabin and should not be assumed. \nA multi-night stay may be especially useful for this competition because participants are encouraged to explore the landscape rather than paint against a single-day deadline. \nBrowse current A Chalet Big Bear cabin availability. \nTips for Booking an Art Competition Weekend Cabin\nChoose your competition phase first. A September painting trip\, October 3 Moonridge Paint-Out weekend\, and October 14-18 gallery trip have different schedules. \nComplete artist registration before traveling. Visit Big Bear specifically instructs participants to register online before arriving. \nAllow time for the Visitor Center. Substrates need to be stamped\, and current Visitor Center hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. \nConsider more than one night. One of the main advantages of this competition is the ability to explore different Big Bear landscapes and work without a short painting deadline. \nMatch the cabin to your group. Solo artists and couples may prefer smaller accommodations\, while several artists traveling together can compare multi-bedroom rentals. \nVerify amenities directly. Parking\, kitchens\, pet policies\, and other property features vary across A Chalet’s inventory. \nRecheck event details before your trip. Gallery hours\, registration availability\, and individual festival-event instructions can change. \nFrequently Asked Questions\nWhen Is the Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition 2026?\nArtists can create competition work from September 12 through October 10\, 2026. The main gallery period follows in mid-October\, with the awards ceremony scheduled for October 18 at 10:00 AM. \nWhere Is the Plein Air Art Competition?\nPainting can take place across the Big Bear Valley. Substrate stamping and artwork drop-off are handled through the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center at 40824 Big Bear Boulevard\, while the main Competition Gallery is held at 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake. \nDo Artists Need to Register?\nYes. Visit Big Bear directs artists to complete online registration before arriving. The 2026 competition is limited to a maximum of 75 artist participants. \nWhat Are the 2026 Plein Air Competition Prizes?\nThe main competition awards are currently listed as $2\,000 for first place\, $1\,500 for second place\, and $500 for third place. Separate $500 Best of Show prizes are also listed for certain festival galleries. \nCan the Public Visit the Galleries?\nYes. Visit Big Bear invites the public\, art enthusiasts\, and collectors to attend the galleries. Artwork is expected to be available for purchase. \nWhen Is the Awards Ceremony?\nThe awards ceremony is scheduled for October 18\, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Destination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd. \nWhere Should I Stay for the Plein Air Art Competition?\nBig Bear Lake or nearby Big Bear City is practical because the competition is centered throughout the Big Bear Valley and key administrative and gallery locations are in Big Bear Lake. A Chalet offers cabins of several sizes in the Big Bear area. \nPlan Your Plein Air Art Competition 2026 Getaway With A Chalet\nThe Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition 2026 gives painters something many competitions do not: time. From September 12 through October 10\, registered artists can explore Big Bear\, choose their landscape\, paint\, return to refine their work\, and participate in an expanded schedule of festival events. \nThe 2026 festival includes the Artist’s Best Work gallery on September 18-19\, The Village Paint-Out on September 19\, the Moonridge Paint-Out on October 3\, the Moonridge gallery on October 4\, and the main Competition Gallery and awards activities in mid-October. The awards ceremony is set for October 18 at 10:00 AM. \nArtists should register online before arriving\, visit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center to have substrates stamped\, and verify the latest competition instructions before beginning their work. \nFor a trip built around several painting sessions—or a separate return visit for the gallery and awards—an overnight cabin gives you a comfortable base in the Big Bear Valley instead of forcing the creative process into a single day. \nBrowse A Chalet cabins and plan your Big Bear stay around the Plein Air Art Competition 2026.
URL:https://achalet.com/event/plein-air-art-competition-25/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260510T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260910T000000
DTSTAMP:20260915T183529Z
CREATED:20260915T183529Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T183529Z
UID:13511-1778371200-1788998400@achalet.com
SUMMARY:Plein Air Art Competition
DESCRIPTION:Plein Air Art Competition 2026: Dates\, Schedule\, Travel Tips\, and Where to Stay\nQuick Answer\nThe Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition 2026 is Visit Big Bear’s third annual plein air competition and a month-long celebration of outdoor painting across the Big Bear Valley. Artists can create their competition work between September 12 and October 10\, 2026\, with gallery events beginning in September and the main Competition Gallery and awards scheduled for October. \nRegistered artists first complete online registration\, then visit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center at 40824 Big Bear Boulevard to have their painting substrates stamped. The Visitor Center is currently listed as open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Artists may have multiple substrates stamped\, but the competition information says there is one submission per artist for galleries. \nThe main submitted works will be displayed at the Destination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake. Visit Big Bear lists the principal competition awards as $2\,000 for first place\, $1\,500 for second place\, and $500 for third place. The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 18 at 10:00 AM. \nThis event is particularly well suited to an overnight or multi-night Big Bear trip because artists are intentionally given time to explore the valley\, choose landscapes\, return to locations\, and continue developing their work. A Chalet offers cabins in Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City that can serve as a base between painting sessions\, gallery visits\, and other fall activities. \nBrowse A Chalet cabins for your Big Bear art trip. \nPlein Air Art Competition 2026 at a Glance\n\n\n\nEvent\nBig Bear Plein Air Art Competition & Festival of Artist Events\n\n\nOrganizer\nVisit Big Bear\n\n\nCompetition year\n2026 — 3rd annual event\n\n\nCreate period\nSeptember 12-October 10\, 2026\n\n\nArtist registration\nOnline registration required before arrival\n\n\nMaximum artists\n75 participants\n\n\nSubstrate stamping\nBig Bear Lake Visitor Center\n\n\nVisitor Center\n40824 Big Bear Boulevard\, Big Bear Lake\, CA 92315\n\n\nVisitor Center hours\nDaily\, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM\n\n\nCompetition Gallery\nDestination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake\n\n\nMain gallery period\nOctober 14-18\, 2026\n\n\nAwards ceremony\nOctober 18\, 2026 at 10:00 AM\n\n\nMain awards\n1st: $2\,000; 2nd: $1\,500; 3rd: $500\n\n\nPublic gallery access\nPublic invited; artwork available for purchase\n\n\nParking\nNo single competition-wide parking plan is published; follow instructions and posted rules at each location\n\n\n\nVisit Big Bear confirms the September 12-October 10 creation period and lists every day in that period as part of the recurring competition calendar. \nWhat Is the Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition?\nThe Plein Air Art Competition invites artists to create landscapes outdoors in the Big Bear Valley\, working directly from the scenery rather than solely from photographs or studio references. \nWhat distinguishes the Big Bear format is its extended creation period. Artists do not have to arrive on one morning and complete their work under a short time limit. Visit Big Bear gives participants from September 12 through October 10 to explore\, select a location\, paint\, and potentially return to Big Bear to continue their work. \nThat format encourages artists to experience the valley during early fall\, when the character of the landscape can change with light\, weather\, and seasonal conditions. Participants choose their own Big Bear landscape subject rather than being assigned one specific painting location for the main competition. \nFor 2026\, Visit Big Bear has expanded the program with a Festival of Artist Events. Registration in the main competition includes access to the highlighted festival activities\, and artists may choose to participate in one or several. The competition is limited to a maximum of 75 artist participants. \nWhen Is the Plein Air Art Competition 2026?\nThe competition is not a single-day event. Instead\, it unfolds across several phases. \nSeptember 12-October 10: Create\nArtists may visit Big Bear at any point during this period to create their competition work. Before arriving\, participants are instructed to complete online registration. \nAfter reaching Big Bear\, artists must stop at the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center\, 40824 Big Bear Boulevard\, to have their painting substrates stamped. Visit Big Bear says artists can have as many substrates stamped as they wish. Completed competition artwork is then returned to the Visitor Center for storage before the gallery opens. \nOctober 14-18: Competition Gallery\nVisit Big Bear’s dedicated competition page identifies the main gallery and awards period as October 14-18. The event calendar separately shows the Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition Gallery running during this same mid-October period at 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake. \nThe public is invited to view the competition artwork\, and Visit Big Bear states that artwork at the galleries will be available for purchase. \nOctober 18: Awards Ceremony\nThe awards ceremony is scheduled for Sunday\, October 18 at 10:00 AM at the Destination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd. \nWhat Special Artist Events Are Part of the 2026 Festival?\nThe expanded 2026 Festival of Artist Events adds several opportunities beyond the main competition. \nArtist’s Best Work en Plein Air Gallery — September 18-19\nThis gallery gives participating artists another chance to exhibit and sell plein air work. Visit Big Bear lists a $500 Best of Show award for this portion of the festival. \nThe Village Paint-Out — September 19\nA dedicated Paint-Out is scheduled in The Village Big Bear Lake on September 19. This provides a more concentrated event within the broader month-long competition period. \nMoonridge Corridor Paint-Out — October 3\nAnother Paint-Out takes place in the Moonridge Corridor on October 3\, followed by a gallery on October 4. Visit Big Bear lists a separate $500 Best of Show award for this event. \nMain Competition Gallery and Awards — October 14-18\nThe main competition concludes with the complete collection of submitted works and the awards ceremony. The principal prizes currently published are: \n\nFirst Place: $2\,000\nSecond Place: $1\,500\nThird Place: $500\n\nVisit Big Bear lists John Budicin\, Diane Moore\, and Lisa Mozzini-McDill as distinguished judges associated with the 2026 competition. \nHow Do Artists Register and Submit Their Work?\nArtists should begin at the official Big Bear Lake Visitor Center and complete the linked registration before traveling to Big Bear. \nThe currently published process is: \n\nComplete registration online before arriving.\nVisit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center during operating hours.\nHave the painting substrates you may use stamped.\nExplore Big Bear and create the work during the September 12-October 10 competition period.\nReturn the completed competition painting to the Visitor Center.\nSubmitted artwork is stored until the Competition Gallery opens.\n\nVisit Big Bear states that the 2026 competition has a maximum of 75 participating artists and allows one submission per artist for the galleries. \nThe public page reviewed for this guide does not display a clearly stated universal competition registration price in its main event information. Artists should check the live registration form for the current fee and full participation terms rather than relying on a prior year’s price. \nWhere Are the Visitor Center and Competition Gallery?\nBig Bear Lake Visitor Center\n40824 Big Bear Boulevard\nBig Bear Lake\, CA 92315 \nThe Visitor Center is currently listed as open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is the location where artists get substrates stamped and return completed competition paintings. \nDestination Big Bear Event Room\n713 Stocker Rd.\nBig Bear Lake\, CA \nThis is the published location for the Competition Gallery\, the October 18 awards ceremony\, and the public pop-up galleries associated with the festival. \nNo single parking plan covering every competition location is published. Artists and gallery visitors should follow event instructions and posted parking regulations at the Visitor Center\, The Village\, Moonridge\, and the Destination Big Bear Event Room. \nCan Non-Artists Attend the Plein Air Events?\nYes. The competition is not only for participating painters. \nVisit Big Bear specifically invites art enthusiasts\, collectors\, and members of the community to attend the pop-up galleries and view the complete collection of 2026 competition artwork. Artwork will also be available for purchase. \nThat makes the October gallery period a good option for visitors who enjoy art but do not plan to enter the competition themselves. \nA public admission charge for the galleries is not stated on the current competition page. Visitors should check the individual gallery listing closer to their chosen date if admission\, opening hours\, or purchasing procedures are important to their plans. \nWhat Should Artists Bring?\nVisit Big Bear does not publish one universal equipment list because plein air painters work with different media and setups. Participants should therefore prepare according to their own painting method and the outdoor mountain environment. \nA practical artist packing list may include: \n\nYour preferred paints\, brushes\, and painting tools\nMultiple eligible substrates to have stamped at the Visitor Center\nPortable easel or pochade setup\nWater or appropriate painting medium\nSun protection\nWeather-appropriate layers\nWater and snacks\nProtective equipment for transporting wet artwork\nAny personal medications or necessities\n\nBecause artists choose their own locations around Big Bear\, conditions can vary significantly between lakefront areas\, forested locations\, The Village\, and higher-elevation viewpoints. Check the forecast and current access conditions before setting up outdoors. \nHow to Make a Weekend of the Plein Air Art Competition\nDay 1: Arrive\, Register\, and Scout Locations\nComplete online registration before leaving home. After arriving in Big Bear\, check into your cabin and visit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to get your substrates stamped. \nInstead of immediately committing to the first landscape you see\, use part of the afternoon to explore Big Bear Valley and observe how light falls across different areas. \nDay 2: Paint en Plein Air\nStart early enough to work during the light conditions you want to capture. Because the competition gives artists nearly a month to create\, there is no need to treat the trip like a speed-painting contest unless you’re participating in a specific Paint-Out. \nReturning to a cabin between sessions can be useful for organizing supplies\, resting\, eating\, and preparing for another painting period. \nCheck A Chalet cabins for your Plein Air Competition dates. \nReturn for the Gallery or Awards\nArtists do not have to treat the September-October creation period and October gallery as a single continuous stay. Visit Big Bear explicitly allows artists to visit once or return to Big Bear to continue their work. \nYou might therefore plan one trip for painting and another for the Competition Gallery and October 18 awards ceremony. \nWhere to Stay for the Plein Air Art Competition\nBecause the competition spans the Big Bear Valley and important event locations are in Big Bear Lake\, staying in Big Bear Lake or nearby Big Bear City makes practical sense. \nA Chalet currently offers cabins in both destinations\, with properties ranging from smaller two-bedroom stays to larger three- and four-bedroom rentals. Current examples shown in A Chalet’s collection include Heavenly Bay Retreat and Jaybird Cabin with two bedrooms\, Conklin Canopy with three bedrooms\, and Boulder Landing and Rustic Ridge with four bedrooms. \nFor an artist traveling alone or with a partner\, a smaller cabin can provide a straightforward base between painting sessions. Friends participating together may prefer additional bedrooms and common space for organizing the trip. \nIf you need particular features for an art-focused stay—such as parking capacity\, a kitchen\, laundry facilities\, pet permission\, or additional indoor space—verify them on the current individual property listing before booking. Amenities differ by cabin and should not be assumed. \nA multi-night stay may be especially useful for this competition because participants are encouraged to explore the landscape rather than paint against a single-day deadline. \nBrowse current A Chalet Big Bear cabin availability. \nTips for Booking an Art Competition Weekend Cabin\nChoose your competition phase first. A September painting trip\, October 3 Moonridge Paint-Out weekend\, and October 14-18 gallery trip have different schedules. \nComplete artist registration before traveling. Visit Big Bear specifically instructs participants to register online before arriving. \nAllow time for the Visitor Center. Substrates need to be stamped\, and current Visitor Center hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. \nConsider more than one night. One of the main advantages of this competition is the ability to explore different Big Bear landscapes and work without a short painting deadline. \nMatch the cabin to your group. Solo artists and couples may prefer smaller accommodations\, while several artists traveling together can compare multi-bedroom rentals. \nVerify amenities directly. Parking\, kitchens\, pet policies\, and other property features vary across A Chalet’s inventory. \nRecheck event details before your trip. Gallery hours\, registration availability\, and individual festival-event instructions can change. \nFrequently Asked Questions\nWhen Is the Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition 2026?\nArtists can create competition work from September 12 through October 10\, 2026. The main gallery period follows in mid-October\, with the awards ceremony scheduled for October 18 at 10:00 AM. \nWhere Is the Plein Air Art Competition?\nPainting can take place across the Big Bear Valley. Substrate stamping and artwork drop-off are handled through the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center at 40824 Big Bear Boulevard\, while the main Competition Gallery is held at 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake. \nDo Artists Need to Register?\nYes. Visit Big Bear directs artists to complete online registration before arriving. The 2026 competition is limited to a maximum of 75 artist participants. \nWhat Are the 2026 Plein Air Competition Prizes?\nThe main competition awards are currently listed as $2\,000 for first place\, $1\,500 for second place\, and $500 for third place. Separate $500 Best of Show prizes are also listed for certain festival galleries. \nCan the Public Visit the Galleries?\nYes. Visit Big Bear invites the public\, art enthusiasts\, and collectors to attend the galleries. Artwork is expected to be available for purchase. \nWhen Is the Awards Ceremony?\nThe awards ceremony is scheduled for October 18\, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Destination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd. \nWhere Should I Stay for the Plein Air Art Competition?\nBig Bear Lake or nearby Big Bear City is practical because the competition is centered throughout the Big Bear Valley and key administrative and gallery locations are in Big Bear Lake. A Chalet offers cabins of several sizes in the Big Bear area. Browse current A Chalet availability. \nPlan Your Plein Air Art Competition 2026 Getaway With A Chalet\nThe Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition 2026 gives painters something many competitions do not: time. From September 12 through October 10\, registered artists can explore Big Bear\, choose their landscape\, paint\, return to refine their work\, and participate in an expanded schedule of festival events. \nThe 2026 festival includes the Artist’s Best Work gallery on September 18-19\, The Village Paint-Out on September 19\, the Moonridge Paint-Out on October 3\, the Moonridge gallery on October 4\, and the main Competition Gallery and awards activities in mid-October. The awards ceremony is set for October 18 at 10:00 AM. \nArtists should register online before arriving\, visit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center to have substrates stamped\, and verify the latest competition instructions before beginning their work. \nFor a trip built around several painting sessions—or a separate return visit for the gallery and awards—an overnight cabin gives you a comfortable base in the Big Bear Valley instead of forcing the creative process into a single day. \nBrowse A Chalet cabins and plan your Big Bear stay around the Plein Air Art Competition 2026.
URL:https://achalet.com/event/plein-air-art-competition-26/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260610T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260910T000000
DTSTAMP:20260910T165138Z
CREATED:20260910T165138Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T165138Z
UID:13515-1781049600-1788998400@achalet.com
SUMMARY:Plein Air Art Competition
DESCRIPTION:Plein Air Art Competition 2026: Dates\, Schedule\, Travel Tips\, and Where to Stay\nQuick Answer\nThe Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition 2026 is Visit Big Bear’s third annual plein air competition and a month-long celebration of outdoor painting across the Big Bear Valley. Artists can create their competition work between September 12 and October 10\, 2026\, with gallery events beginning in September and the main Competition Gallery and awards scheduled for October. \nRegistered artists first complete online registration\, then visit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center at 40824 Big Bear Boulevard to have their painting substrates stamped. The Visitor Center is currently listed as open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Artists may have multiple substrates stamped\, but the competition information says there is one submission per artist for galleries. \nThe main submitted works will be displayed at the Destination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake. Visit Big Bear lists the principal competition awards as $2\,000 for first place\, $1\,500 for second place\, and $500 for third place. The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 18 at 10:00 AM. \nThis event is particularly well suited to an overnight or multi-night Big Bear trip because artists are intentionally given time to explore the valley\, choose landscapes\, return to locations\, and continue developing their work. A Chalet offers cabins in Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City that can serve as a base between painting sessions\, gallery visits\, and other fall activities. \nBrowse A Chalet cabins for your Big Bear art trip. \nPlein Air Art Competition 2026 at a Glance\n\n\n\nEvent\nBig Bear Plein Air Art Competition & Festival of Artist Events\n\n\nOrganizer\nVisit Big Bear\n\n\nCompetition year\n2026 — 3rd annual event\n\n\nCreate period\nSeptember 12-October 10\, 2026\n\n\nArtist registration\nOnline registration required before arrival\n\n\nMaximum artists\n75 participants\n\n\nSubstrate stamping\nBig Bear Lake Visitor Center\n\n\nVisitor Center\n40824 Big Bear Boulevard\, Big Bear Lake\, CA 92315\n\n\nVisitor Center hours\nDaily\, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM\n\n\nCompetition Gallery\nDestination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake\n\n\nMain gallery period\nOctober 14-18\, 2026\n\n\nAwards ceremony\nOctober 18\, 2026 at 10:00 AM\n\n\nMain awards\n1st: $2\,000; 2nd: $1\,500; 3rd: $500\n\n\nPublic gallery access\nPublic invited; artwork available for purchase\n\n\nParking\nNo single competition-wide parking plan is published; follow instructions and posted rules at each location\n\n\n\nVisit Big Bear confirms the September 12-October 10 creation period and lists every day in that period as part of the recurring competition calendar. \nWhat Is the Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition?\nThe Plein Air Art Competition invites artists to create landscapes outdoors in the Big Bear Valley\, working directly from the scenery rather than solely from photographs or studio references. \nWhat distinguishes the Big Bear format is its extended creation period. Artists do not have to arrive on one morning and complete their work under a short time limit. Visit Big Bear gives participants from September 12 through October 10 to explore\, select a location\, paint\, and potentially return to Big Bear to continue their work. \nThat format encourages artists to experience the valley during early fall\, when the character of the landscape can change with light\, weather\, and seasonal conditions. Participants choose their own Big Bear landscape subject rather than being assigned one specific painting location for the main competition. \nFor 2026\, Visit Big Bear has expanded the program with a Festival of Artist Events. Registration in the main competition includes access to the highlighted festival activities\, and artists may choose to participate in one or several. The competition is limited to a maximum of 75 artist participants. \nWhen Is the Plein Air Art Competition 2026?\nThe competition is not a single-day event. Instead\, it unfolds across several phases. \nSeptember 12-October 10: Create\nArtists may visit Big Bear at any point during this period to create their competition work. Before arriving\, participants are instructed to complete online registration. \nAfter reaching Big Bear\, artists must stop at the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center\, 40824 Big Bear Boulevard\, to have their painting substrates stamped. Visit Big Bear says artists can have as many substrates stamped as they wish. Completed competition artwork is then returned to the Visitor Center for storage before the gallery opens. \nOctober 14-18: Competition Gallery\nVisit Big Bear’s dedicated competition page identifies the main gallery and awards period as October 14-18. The event calendar separately shows the Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition Gallery running during this same mid-October period at 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake. \nThe public is invited to view the competition artwork\, and Visit Big Bear states that artwork at the galleries will be available for purchase. \nOctober 18: Awards Ceremony\nThe awards ceremony is scheduled for Sunday\, October 18 at 10:00 AM at the Destination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd. \nWhat Special Artist Events Are Part of the 2026 Festival?\nThe expanded 2026 Festival of Artist Events adds several opportunities beyond the main competition. \nArtist’s Best Work en Plein Air Gallery — September 18-19\nThis gallery gives participating artists another chance to exhibit and sell plein air work. Visit Big Bear lists a $500 Best of Show award for this portion of the festival. \nThe Village Paint-Out — September 19\nA dedicated Paint-Out is scheduled in The Village Big Bear Lake on September 19. This provides a more concentrated event within the broader month-long competition period. \nMoonridge Corridor Paint-Out — October 3\nAnother Paint-Out takes place in the Moonridge Corridor on October 3\, followed by a gallery on October 4. Visit Big Bear lists a separate $500 Best of Show award for this event. \nMain Competition Gallery and Awards — October 14-18\nThe main competition concludes with the complete collection of submitted works and the awards ceremony. The principal prizes currently published are: \n\nFirst Place: $2\,000\nSecond Place: $1\,500\nThird Place: $500\n\nVisit Big Bear lists John Budicin\, Diane Moore\, and Lisa Mozzini-McDill as distinguished judges associated with the 2026 competition. \nHow Do Artists Register and Submit Their Work?\nArtists should begin at the official Visit Big Bear Lake Visitor Center. \nThe currently published process is: \n\nComplete registration online before arriving.\nVisit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center during operating hours.\nHave the painting substrates you may use stamped.\nExplore Big Bear and create the work during the September 12-October 10 competition period.\nReturn the completed competition painting to the Visitor Center.\nSubmitted artwork is stored until the Competition Gallery opens.\n\nVisit Big Bear states that the 2026 competition has a maximum of 75 participating artists and allows one submission per artist for the galleries. \nThe public page reviewed for this guide does not display a clearly stated universal competition registration price in its main event information. Artists should check the live registration form for the current fee and full participation terms rather than relying on a prior year’s price. \nWhere Are the Visitor Center and Competition Gallery?\nBig Bear Lake Visitor Center\n40824 Big Bear Boulevard\nBig Bear Lake\, CA 92315 \nThe Visitor Center is currently listed as open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is the location where artists get substrates stamped and return completed competition paintings. \nDestination Big Bear Event Room\n713 Stocker Rd.\nBig Bear Lake\, CA \nThis is the published location for the Competition Gallery\, the October 18 awards ceremony\, and the public pop-up galleries associated with the festival. \nNo single parking plan covering every competition location is published. Artists and gallery visitors should follow event instructions and posted parking regulations at the Visitor Center\, The Village\, Moonridge\, and the Destination Big Bear Event Room. \nCan Non-Artists Attend the Plein Air Events?\nYes. The competition is not only for participating painters. \nVisit Big Bear specifically invites art enthusiasts\, collectors\, and members of the community to attend the pop-up galleries and view the complete collection of 2026 competition artwork. Artwork will also be available for purchase. \nThat makes the October gallery period a good option for visitors who enjoy art but do not plan to enter the competition themselves. \nA public admission charge for the galleries is not stated on the current competition page. Visitors should check the individual gallery listing closer to their chosen date if admission\, opening hours\, or purchasing procedures are important to their plans. \nWhat Should Artists Bring?\nVisit Big Bear does not publish one universal equipment list because plein air painters work with different media and setups. Participants should therefore prepare according to their own painting method and the outdoor mountain environment. \nA practical artist packing list may include: \n\nYour preferred paints\, brushes\, and painting tools\nMultiple eligible substrates to have stamped at the Visitor Center\nPortable easel or pochade setup\nWater or appropriate painting medium\nSun protection\nWeather-appropriate layers\nWater and snacks\nProtective equipment for transporting wet artwork\nAny personal medications or necessities\n\nBecause artists choose their own locations around Big Bear\, conditions can vary significantly between lakefront areas\, forested locations\, The Village\, and higher-elevation viewpoints. Check the forecast and current access conditions before setting up outdoors. \nHow to Make a Weekend of the Plein Air Art Competition\nDay 1: Arrive\, Register\, and Scout Locations\nComplete online registration before leaving home. After arriving in Big Bear\, check into your cabin and visit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to get your substrates stamped. \nInstead of immediately committing to the first landscape you see\, use part of the afternoon to explore Big Bear Valley and observe how light falls across different areas. \nDay 2: Paint en Plein Air\nStart early enough to work during the light conditions you want to capture. Because the competition gives artists nearly a month to create\, there is no need to treat the trip like a speed-painting contest unless you’re participating in a specific Paint-Out. \nReturning to a cabin between sessions can be useful for organizing supplies\, resting\, eating\, and preparing for another painting period. \nCheck A Chalet cabins for your Plein Air Competition dates. \nReturn for the Gallery or Awards\nArtists do not have to treat the September-October creation period and October gallery as a single continuous stay. Visit Big Bear explicitly allows artists to visit once or return to Big Bear to continue their work. \nYou might therefore plan one trip for painting and another for the Competition Gallery and October 18 awards ceremony. \nWhere to Stay for the Plein Air Art Competition\nBecause the competition spans the Big Bear Valley and important event locations are in Big Bear Lake\, staying in Big Bear Lake or nearby Big Bear City makes practical sense. \nA Chalet currently offers cabins in both destinations\, with properties ranging from smaller two-bedroom stays to larger three- and four-bedroom rentals. Current examples shown in A Chalet’s collection include Heavenly Bay Retreat and Jaybird Cabin with two bedrooms\, Conklin Canopy with three bedrooms\, and Boulder Landing and Rustic Ridge with four bedrooms. \nFor an artist traveling alone or with a partner\, a smaller cabin can provide a straightforward base between painting sessions. Friends participating together may prefer additional bedrooms and common space for organizing the trip. \nIf you need particular features for an art-focused stay—such as parking capacity\, a kitchen\, laundry facilities\, pet permission\, or additional indoor space—verify them on the current individual property listing before booking. Amenities differ by cabin and should not be assumed. \nA multi-night stay may be especially useful for this competition because participants are encouraged to explore the landscape rather than paint against a single-day deadline. \nBrowse current A Chalet Big Bear cabin availability. \nTips for Booking an Art Competition Weekend Cabin\nChoose your competition phase first. A September painting trip\, October 3 Moonridge Paint-Out weekend\, and October 14-18 gallery trip have different schedules. \nComplete artist registration before traveling. Visit Big Bear specifically instructs participants to register online before arriving. \nAllow time for the Visitor Center. Substrates need to be stamped\, and current Visitor Center hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. \nConsider more than one night. One of the main advantages of this competition is the ability to explore different Big Bear landscapes and work without a short painting deadline. \nMatch the cabin to your group. Solo artists and couples may prefer smaller accommodations\, while several artists traveling together can compare multi-bedroom rentals. \nVerify amenities directly. Parking\, kitchens\, pet policies\, and other property features vary across A Chalet’s inventory. \nRecheck event details before your trip. Gallery hours\, registration availability\, and individual festival-event instructions can change. \nFrequently Asked Questions\nWhen Is the Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition 2026?\nArtists can create competition work from September 12 through October 10\, 2026. The main gallery period follows in mid-October\, with the awards ceremony scheduled for October 18 at 10:00 AM. \nWhere Is the Plein Air Art Competition?\nPainting can take place across the Big Bear Valley. Substrate stamping and artwork drop-off are handled through the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center at 40824 Big Bear Boulevard\, while the main Competition Gallery is held at 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake. \nDo Artists Need to Register?\nYes. Visit Big Bear directs artists to complete online registration before arriving. The 2026 competition is limited to a maximum of 75 artist participants. \nWhat Are the 2026 Plein Air Competition Prizes?\nThe main competition awards are currently listed as $2\,000 for first place\, $1\,500 for second place\, and $500 for third place. Separate $500 Best of Show prizes are also listed for certain festival galleries. \nCan the Public Visit the Galleries?\nYes. Visit Big Bear invites the public\, art enthusiasts\, and collectors to attend the galleries. Artwork is expected to be available for purchase. \nWhen Is the Awards Ceremony?\nThe awards ceremony is scheduled for October 18\, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Destination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd. \nWhere Should I Stay for the Plein Air Art Competition?\nBig Bear Lake or nearby Big Bear City is practical because the competition is centered throughout the Big Bear Valley and key administrative and gallery locations are in Big Bear Lake. A Chalet offers cabins of several sizes in the Big Bear area. Browse current A Chalet availability. \nPlan Your Plein Air Art Competition 2026 Getaway With A Chalet\nThe Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition 2026 gives painters something many competitions do not: time. From September 12 through October 10\, registered artists can explore Big Bear\, choose their landscape\, paint\, return to refine their work\, and participate in an expanded schedule of festival events. \nThe 2026 festival includes the Artist’s Best Work gallery on September 18-19\, The Village Paint-Out on September 19\, the Moonridge Paint-Out on October 3\, the Moonridge gallery on October 4\, and the main Competition Gallery and awards activities in mid-October. The awards ceremony is set for October 18 at 10:00 AM. \nArtists should register online before arriving\, visit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center to have substrates stamped\, and verify the latest competition instructions before beginning their work. \nFor a trip built around several painting sessions—or a separate return visit for the gallery and awards—an overnight cabin gives you a comfortable base in the Big Bear Valley instead of forcing the creative process into a single day. \nBrowse A Chalet cabins and plan your Big Bear stay around the Plein Air Art Competition 2026.
URL:https://achalet.com/event/plein-air-art-competition/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260710T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260910T000000
DTSTAMP:20260915T183440Z
CREATED:20260915T183440Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T183440Z
UID:13519-1783641600-1788998400@achalet.com
SUMMARY:Plein Air Art Competition
DESCRIPTION:Plein Air Art Competition 2026: Dates\, Schedule\, Travel Tips\, and Where to Stay\nQuick Answer\nThe Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition 2026 is Visit Big Bear’s third annual plein air competition and a month-long celebration of outdoor painting across the Big Bear Valley. Artists can create their competition work between September 12 and October 10\, 2026\, with gallery events beginning in September and the main Competition Gallery and awards scheduled for October. \nRegistered artists first complete online registration\, then visit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center at 40824 Big Bear Boulevard to have their painting substrates stamped. The Visitor Center is currently listed as open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Artists may have multiple substrates stamped\, but the competition information says there is one submission per artist for galleries. \nThe main submitted works will be displayed at the Destination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake. Visit Big Bear lists the principal competition awards as $2\,000 for first place\, $1\,500 for second place\, and $500 for third place. The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 18 at 10:00 AM. \nThis event is particularly well suited to an overnight or multi-night Big Bear trip because artists are intentionally given time to explore the valley\, choose landscapes\, return to locations\, and continue developing their work. A Chalet offers cabins in Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City that can serve as a base between painting sessions\, gallery visits\, and other fall activities. \nBrowse A Chalet cabins for your Big Bear art trip. \nPlein Air Art Competition 2026 at a Glance\n\n\n\nEvent\nBig Bear Plein Air Art Competition & Festival of Artist Events\n\n\nOrganizer\nVisit Big Bear\n\n\nCompetition year\n2026 — 3rd annual event\n\n\nCreate period\nSeptember 12-October 10\, 2026\n\n\nArtist registration\nOnline registration required before arrival\n\n\nMaximum artists\n75 participants\n\n\nSubstrate stamping\nBig Bear Lake Visitor Center\n\n\nVisitor Center\n40824 Big Bear Boulevard\, Big Bear Lake\, CA 92315\n\n\nVisitor Center hours\nDaily\, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM\n\n\nCompetition Gallery\nDestination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake\n\n\nMain gallery period\nOctober 14-18\, 2026\n\n\nAwards ceremony\nOctober 18\, 2026 at 10:00 AM\n\n\nMain awards\n1st: $2\,000; 2nd: $1\,500; 3rd: $500\n\n\nPublic gallery access\nPublic invited; artwork available for purchase\n\n\nParking\nNo single competition-wide parking plan is published; follow instructions and posted rules at each location\n\n\n\n  \nVisit Big Bear confirms the September 12-October 10 creation period and lists every day in that period as part of the recurring competition calendar. \nWhat Is the Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition?\nThe Plein Air Art Competition invites artists to create landscapes outdoors in the Big Bear Valley\, working directly from the scenery rather than solely from photographs or studio references. \nWhat distinguishes the Big Bear format is its extended creation period. Artists do not have to arrive on one morning and complete their work under a short time limit. Visit Big Bear gives participants from September 12 through October 10 to explore\, select a location\, paint\, and potentially return to Big Bear to continue their work. \nThat format encourages artists to experience the valley during early fall\, when the character of the landscape can change with light\, weather\, and seasonal conditions. Participants choose their own Big Bear landscape subject rather than being assigned one specific painting location for the main competition. \nFor 2026\, Visit Big Bear has expanded the program with a Festival of Artist Events. Registration in the main competition includes access to the highlighted festival activities\, and artists may choose to participate in one or several. The competition is limited to a maximum of 75 artist participants. \nWhen Is the Plein Air Art Competition 2026?\nThe competition is not a single-day event. Instead\, it unfolds across several phases. \nSeptember 12-October 10: Create\nArtists may visit Big Bear at any point during this period to create their competition work. Before arriving\, participants are instructed to complete online registration. \nAfter reaching Big Bear\, artists must stop at the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center\, 40824 Big Bear Boulevard\, to have their painting substrates stamped. Visit Big Bear says artists can have as many substrates stamped as they wish. Completed competition artwork is then returned to the Visitor Center for storage before the gallery opens. \nOctober 14-18: Competition Gallery\nVisit Big Bear’s dedicated competition page identifies the main gallery and awards period as October 14-18. The event calendar separately shows the Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition Gallery running during this same mid-October period at 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake. \nThe public is invited to view the competition artwork\, and Visit Big Bear states that artwork at the galleries will be available for purchase. \nOctober 18: Awards Ceremony\nThe awards ceremony is scheduled for Sunday\, October 18 at 10:00 AM at the Destination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd. \nWhat Special Artist Events Are Part of the 2026 Festival?\nThe expanded 2026 Festival of Artist Events adds several opportunities beyond the main competition. \nArtist’s Best Work en Plein Air Gallery — September 18-19\nThis gallery gives participating artists another chance to exhibit and sell plein air work. Visit Big Bear lists a $500 Best of Show award for this portion of the festival. \nThe Village Paint-Out — September 19\nA dedicated Paint-Out is scheduled in The Village Big Bear Lake on September 19. This provides a more concentrated event within the broader month-long competition period. \nMoonridge Corridor Paint-Out — October 3\nAnother Paint-Out takes place in the Moonridge Corridor on October 3\, followed by a gallery on October 4. Visit Big Bear lists a separate $500 Best of Show award for this event. \nMain Competition Gallery and Awards — October 14-18\nThe main competition concludes with the complete collection of submitted works and the awards ceremony. The principal prizes currently published are: \n\nFirst Place: $2\,000\nSecond Place: $1\,500\nThird Place: $500\n\nVisit Big Bear lists John Budicin\, Diane Moore\, and Lisa Mozzini-McDill as distinguished judges associated with the 2026 competition. \nHow Do Artists Register and Submit Their Work?\nArtists should begin at the official Visit Big Bear Lake Visitor Center. \nThe currently published process is: \n\nComplete registration online before arriving.\nVisit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center during operating hours.\nHave the painting substrates you may use stamped.\nExplore Big Bear and create the work during the September 12-October 10 competition period.\nReturn the completed competition painting to the Visitor Center.\nSubmitted artwork is stored until the Competition Gallery opens.\n\nVisit Big Bear states that the 2026 competition has a maximum of 75 participating artists and allows one submission per artist for the galleries. \nThe public page reviewed for this guide does not display a clearly stated universal competition registration price in its main event information. Artists should check the live registration form for the current fee and full participation terms rather than relying on a prior year’s price. \nWhere Are the Visitor Center and Competition Gallery?\nBig Bear Lake Visitor Center\n40824 Big Bear Boulevard\nBig Bear Lake\, CA 92315 \nThe Visitor Center is currently listed as open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is the location where artists get substrates stamped and return completed competition paintings. \nDestination Big Bear Event Room\n713 Stocker Rd.\nBig Bear Lake\, CA \nThis is the published location for the Competition Gallery\, the October 18 awards ceremony\, and the public pop-up galleries associated with the festival. \nNo single parking plan covering every competition location is published. Artists and gallery visitors should follow event instructions and posted parking regulations at the Visitor Center\, The Village\, Moonridge\, and the Destination Big Bear Event Room. \nCan Non-Artists Attend the Plein Air Events?\nYes. The competition is not only for participating painters. \nVisit Big Bear specifically invites art enthusiasts\, collectors\, and members of the community to attend the pop-up galleries and view the complete collection of 2026 competition artwork. Artwork will also be available for purchase. \nThat makes the October gallery period a good option for visitors who enjoy art but do not plan to enter the competition themselves. \nA public admission charge for the galleries is not stated on the current competition page. Visitors should check the individual gallery listing closer to their chosen date if admission\, opening hours\, or purchasing procedures are important to their plans. \nWhat Should Artists Bring?\nVisit Big Bear does not publish one universal equipment list because plein air painters work with different media and setups. Participants should therefore prepare according to their own painting method and the outdoor mountain environment. \nA practical artist packing list may include: \n\nYour preferred paints\, brushes\, and painting tools\nMultiple eligible substrates to have stamped at the Visitor Center\nPortable easel or pochade setup\nWater or appropriate painting medium\nSun protection\nWeather-appropriate layers\nWater and snacks\nProtective equipment for transporting wet artwork\nAny personal medications or necessities\n\nBecause artists choose their own locations around Big Bear\, conditions can vary significantly between lakefront areas\, forested locations\, The Village\, and higher-elevation viewpoints. Check the forecast and current access conditions before setting up outdoors. \nHow to Make a Weekend of the Plein Air Art Competition\nDay 1: Arrive\, Register\, and Scout Locations\nComplete online registration before leaving home. After arriving in Big Bear\, check into your cabin and visit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to get your substrates stamped. \nInstead of immediately committing to the first landscape you see\, use part of the afternoon to explore Big Bear Valley and observe how light falls across different areas. \nDay 2: Paint en Plein Air\nStart early enough to work during the light conditions you want to capture. Because the competition gives artists nearly a month to create\, there is no need to treat the trip like a speed-painting contest unless you’re participating in a specific Paint-Out. \nReturning to a cabin between sessions can be useful for organizing supplies\, resting\, eating\, and preparing for another painting period. \nCheck A Chalet cabins for your Plein Air Competition dates. \nReturn for the Gallery or Awards\nArtists do not have to treat the September-October creation period and October gallery as a single continuous stay. Visit Big Bear explicitly allows artists to visit once or return to Big Bear to continue their work. \nYou might therefore plan one trip for painting and another for the Competition Gallery and October 18 awards ceremony. \nWhere to Stay for the Plein Air Art Competition\nBecause the competition spans the Big Bear Valley and important event locations are in Big Bear Lake\, staying in Big Bear Lake or nearby Big Bear City makes practical sense. \nA Chalet currently offers cabins in both destinations\, with properties ranging from smaller two-bedroom stays to larger three- and four-bedroom rentals. Current examples shown in A Chalet’s collection include Heavenly Bay Retreat and Jaybird Cabin with two bedrooms\, Conklin Canopy with three bedrooms\, and Boulder Landing and Rustic Ridge with four bedrooms. \nFor an artist traveling alone or with a partner\, a smaller cabin can provide a straightforward base between painting sessions. Friends participating together may prefer additional bedrooms and common space for organizing the trip. \nIf you need particular features for an art-focused stay—such as parking capacity\, a kitchen\, laundry facilities\, pet permission\, or additional indoor space—verify them on the current individual property listing before booking. Amenities differ by cabin and should not be assumed. \nA multi-night stay may be especially useful for this competition because participants are encouraged to explore the landscape rather than paint against a single-day deadline. \nBrowse current A Chalet Big Bear cabin availability. \nTips for Booking an Art Competition Weekend Cabin\nChoose your competition phase first. A September painting trip\, October 3 Moonridge Paint-Out weekend\, and October 14-18 gallery trip have different schedules. \nComplete artist registration before traveling. Visit Big Bear specifically instructs participants to register online before arriving. \nAllow time for the Visitor Center. Substrates need to be stamped\, and current Visitor Center hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. \nConsider more than one night. One of the main advantages of this competition is the ability to explore different Big Bear landscapes and work without a short painting deadline. \nMatch the cabin to your group. Solo artists and couples may prefer smaller accommodations\, while several artists traveling together can compare multi-bedroom rentals. \nVerify amenities directly. Parking\, kitchens\, pet policies\, and other property features vary across A Chalet’s inventory. \nRecheck event details before your trip. Gallery hours\, registration availability\, and individual festival-event instructions can change. \nFrequently Asked Questions\nWhen Is the Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition 2026?\nArtists can create competition work from September 12 through October 10\, 2026. The main gallery period follows in mid-October\, with the awards ceremony scheduled for October 18 at 10:00 AM. \nWhere Is the Plein Air Art Competition?\nPainting can take place across the Big Bear Valley. Substrate stamping and artwork drop-off are handled through the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center at 40824 Big Bear Boulevard\, while the main Competition Gallery is held at 713 Stocker Rd.\, Big Bear Lake. \nDo Artists Need to Register?\nYes. Visit Big Bear directs artists to complete online registration before arriving. The 2026 competition is limited to a maximum of 75 artist participants. \nWhat Are the 2026 Plein Air Competition Prizes?\nThe main competition awards are currently listed as $2\,000 for first place\, $1\,500 for second place\, and $500 for third place. Separate $500 Best of Show prizes are also listed for certain festival galleries. \nCan the Public Visit the Galleries?\nYes. Visit Big Bear invites the public\, art enthusiasts\, and collectors to attend the galleries. Artwork is expected to be available for purchase. \nWhen Is the Awards Ceremony?\nThe awards ceremony is scheduled for October 18\, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Destination Big Bear Event Room\, 713 Stocker Rd. \nWhere Should I Stay for the Plein Air Art Competition?\nBig Bear Lake or nearby Big Bear City is practical because the competition is centered throughout the Big Bear Valley and key administrative and gallery locations are in Big Bear Lake. A Chalet offers cabins of several sizes in the Big Bear area. Browse current A Chalet availability. \nPlan Your Plein Air Art Competition 2026 Getaway With A Chalet\nThe Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition 2026 gives painters something many competitions do not: time. From September 12 through October 10\, registered artists can explore Big Bear\, choose their landscape\, paint\, return to refine their work\, and participate in an expanded schedule of festival events. \nThe 2026 festival includes the Artist’s Best Work gallery on September 18-19\, The Village Paint-Out on September 19\, the Moonridge Paint-Out on October 3\, the Moonridge gallery on October 4\, and the main Competition Gallery and awards activities in mid-October. The awards ceremony is set for October 18 at 10:00 AM. \nArtists should register online before arriving\, visit the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center to have substrates stamped\, and verify the latest competition instructions before beginning their work. \nFor a trip built around several painting sessions—or a separate return visit for the gallery and awards—an overnight cabin gives you a comfortable base in the Big Bear Valley instead of forcing the creative process into a single day. \nBrowse A Chalet cabins and plan your Big Bear stay around the Plein Air Art Competition 2026.
URL:https://achalet.com/event/plein-air-art-competition-15/
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