What is the St. George Plein Air Festival?

The St. George Plein Air Festival is a week-long celebration of outdoor painting and community creativity, hosted by ART Provides in partnership with the City of St. George and the St. George Arts Commission. Artists capture the light, color, and spirit of Southern Utah’s desert landscapes and historic downtown.

Dates: April 6–11, 2026

Main Venue: Social Hall · 212 N Main St, St. George

Who can participate?

All artists who enjoy painting outdoors are welcome—professionals, students, and emerging plein-air painters alike.

Where can I paint?

Artists may paint anywhere in Southern Utah. A digital map of suggested locations—including Snow Canyon, Pioneer Park, Red Hills Desert Garden, and historic Main Street—will be linked online and included in your welcome packet.

Is registration open?

Yes! Registration for both the Festival and the Pre-Festival Workshop is now open on our website.

How do I register?

Complete the online registration form and follow the secure payment link. Your spot is confirmed once payment is received.

What if I filled out the form but didn’t complete payment?

Check your email for a follow-up message from our team containing the direct payment link so you can finish registration.

What does my registration include?

• Participation during the official festival week
  
• Canvas stamping and check-in
  
• Eligibility for judging and awards
  
• Access to artist socials, paint-outs, and presentations
  

What is the refund policy?

Refunds are available until February 6, 2026, minus a small processing fee. After that date, fees are non-refundable but may be transferred to another artist with approval.

Special Pre-Festival Workshop – “Painting the Desert Light” with Steve Stauffer

Dates: Fri–Sat, April 3–4, 2026

Kick off the week with a two-day intensive plein-air workshop focused on capturing Southern Utah’s light, texture, and atmosphere.

Open to all levels · Separate registration required · Location provided upon registration

Mon 4/6

7 AM–12 PM · Artist Check-In & Stamping

5–6 PM · Meet & Greet

Tue 4/7

9 AM–12 PM · Community Paint-Out @ Red Hills Desert Garden

1–2 PM · Plein Air Talk with Roland Lee

Wed 4/8

5–7 PM · Nocturne Paint-Out @ Cityview Rooftop Deck

Thu 4/9

Open Painting Day

Fri 4/10

10 AM–4 PM · Artwork Drop-Off @ Social Hall

Sat 4/11 · Exhibit, Reception & Awards

3–6 PM Public Reception 3–4 PM People’s Choice Voting

4 PM Awards Ceremony 5–6 PM Music & Mingling 6–7 PM Artwork Pick-Up

How many pieces may I submit?

Each artist may submit four paintings total: 2 for the main competition, 1 paint-out entry, and 1 mini painting.

Do works need to be created during the festival?

Yes. All submissions must be created plein air during April 6–11 and stamped at check-in.

Where and when do I drop off artwork?

Friday, April 10 · 10 AM–4 PM · Social Hall (212 N Main St)

Framing & Presentation Requirements

All art must be framed and fitted with a wire, ready to hang. Please label each piece on the back using the provided form. Be prepared to make minor hardware repairs if needed during drop-off.

Commission & Payment

Sales are handled through ART Provides. A 40% gallery commission applies to sold works. Artists receive payment within 30 days of sale.

Does ART Provides collect sales tax?

No. ART Provides is a nonprofit organization and does not collect sales tax. Artists are responsible for any tax reporting.

What awards are given?

• Best of Show and Category Awards
  
• Paint-Out and Mini Awards
  
• People’s Choice (Audience Vote)
  
• 
  Artist Choice (Voted by Participating Artists)
  

When are winners announced?

During the Awards Ceremony on Saturday, April 11 at 4 PM in Social Hall.

• All paintings must be done from life during the festival week.
  
• Canvases must be stamped before painting begins.
  
• Artists may paint anywhere in Southern Utah.
  
• Reference photos may be used only for minor finishing touches.
  
• You’re welcome to paint from your car or shade as long as you’re working from life.
  

What should I bring?

• Hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water
  
• Easel and umbrella for shade
  
• Framing supplies and tool kit (for hardware repairs)
  
• Protective covers for transport
  

What’s the weather like in April?

Mild mornings, sunny afternoons, and cool evenings with average highs in the 70s–80s°F and occasional wind—ideal for plein-air painting.

Is parking available?

Yes. Free public parking is available near Social Hall and most paint-out sites. Details will be in your artist packet.

Can the public attend the show and purchase artwork?

Yes! The public exhibit and reception take place Saturday, April 11, 3–6 PM at Social Hall (212 N Main St, St. George). Admission is free, and all artworks on display are available for purchase during the event.

How can I buy a painting?

Sales are handled through ART Provides staff during the reception. Payments may be made by card or check, and shipping arrangements can be coordinated upon request (buyer pays shipping).

Is there an online preview or post-event sale?

No. The exhibit pop-up is the only opportunity to view and purchase artwork created during the festival.

Are prices set by the artists?

Yes. Each artist sets their own retail prices; ART Provides manages the transaction and remits payment to the artist within 30 days of the sale.

Can I volunteer for the festival?

Absolutely! Volunteers help with check-in, canvas stamping, reception hospitality, hanging artwork, and community paint-outs. It’s a great way to connect with artists and support the arts community.

Do volunteers need experience?

No art experience required — just enthusiasm and reliability. We provide orientation before the event.

How do I sign up?

Email info@artprovides.org with the subject line “Volunteer for Plein Air Festival.” You’ll receive a list of available roles and time slots.