Mississippi Riverscapes: The 2025 Rivers Project Plein Air Art Competition

This contest is an open-air painting and drawing competition at US Army Corps of Engineers Rivers Project recreation areas throughout the month of June, open to all amateur and professional artists ages 16+. Draw or paint the scenery in-person at one (or all) of 8 featured Rivers Project Recreation Areas, then submit completed works to be included in a juried art competition for regional and cash prizes, including a weekend artist retreat in Elsah, IL! All works will also be featured in an art exhibit in the National Great Rivers Museum from July 14th-September 14th, 2025. Artists may paint or draw independently any time between June 1st and June 22nd, 2025, with submissions due at the National Great Rivers Museum by 5:00 p.m. on June 22nd.

Plein Air, a French term meaning “in open air” is a method of painting in which the artist paints entirely outdoors, capturing the essence and lighting of the real-life scene in front of them. It first gained popularity in the 19th century with the availability of paints in tube form, which allowed artists to more easily work outdoors. Today it continues to be a popular art form, practiced by artists all over the world. In the spirit of this art technique, all paintings and drawings must be completed entirely outdoors at the depicted location.

Also check out other Arts events in Alton, Fine Arts events in Alton.