Plein Air in the Parks is a collaborative weekend event presented by Wyoming State Parks, the Wyoming Arts Council, and the Lander Art Center.

Taking place Sept. 12-15 at Sinks Canyon State Park, this painting and drawing competition pairs talented artists with beautiful locations, and offers cash prizes to top participants. 

Registration for youth and adult categories is now open and available online a thttps://2019pleinairintheparks.eventbrite.com. Early bird registration is available through Aug. 15 and is $35.00 for artists. Regular and walk up registration after Aug. 15 will be $50.00. A reduced rate for college students is available for $15.00 and a youth division rate for those under the age of 18 is available for $5.00. Artists will have the option of selling pieces produced at the event during the reception. 

Beginning on Sept. 12, participants will first stamp their canvases at the Lander Art Center (224 E. Main St.) or at Sinks Canyon State Park Visitor Center (3079 Sinks Canyon Road). From there artists can look forward to a weekend of outdoor, on location, plein air painting in Sinks Canyon State Park. At least 75% of entered works must be produced outdoors and within the bounds of the park.

“Wyoming State Parks is excited to partner with both the Lander Arts Center and the Wyoming Arts Council to bring this unique and memorable program back to Sinks Canyon State Park again this year. Whether you're an artist or an art lover, this a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty of the canyon," says Chris Floyd, State Parks Regional Manager. "The quality artwork that emerged from the program last year altered our perception of the park.  Seeing Sinks Canyon through the eyes of the artists was like seeing it for the first time all over again."

The competition will be judged anonymously by a panel comprised of those with an arts background, representatives from the community, and individuals familiar with Sinks Canyon State Park. The Best in Show Cash Award will be $1,000, while 2^nd and 3^rd place prizes go for $500 and $250 respectively. The public is invited to attend a reception on Sunday, Sept. 15 and cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award, a $250 cash award and purchase artwork produced during the event. Prizes for youth categories include a cash award and gift cards to the Lander Art Center. 

For full rules and regulations, visit wyoarts.state.wy.us/wac-program/plein-air. 

For more information, contact Rachel Clifton, Wyoming Arts Council, at 307-777-5305 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Jamie Simonson, Sinks Canyon State Park, at 307-332-6333 orThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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