Georgetown Plein Air 2026

The Georgetown Cultural Arts Program (GCAP) is pleased to present our ninth annual Plein Air event in vintage, picturesque Georgetown, Colorado. Just 45 minutes west of Denver along I-70 at 8,500 ft elevation, and part of the Georgetown-Silver Plume National Landmark Historic District, a charming town of colorful Victorian buildings ringed by mountain views, Georgetown has long been a favorite of artists. Includes Quick Draw in historic downtown. Exhibit and sale through August 9. Registration and exhibition will be held at Georgetown Old School, recently restored 1874 schoolhouse, at 809 Taos Street. Join us for this painting event in the summer mountain air!

Eligibility

Open to qualified plein air artists. After the registration fee is paid, application information will be requested by email. All fine arts mediums are acceptable, using plein air technique. All artwork must be created outdoors on stamped canvas or other medium on July 30, 31, or August 1 within the defined area. Although not a juried entry process, only qualified plein air artists are eligible for the exhibition and prizes. Payment must be made before application and acceptance. Artists may arrive and have work stamped any day of the event.

Registration

Registration cost is $35 non-refundable, application must be received by July 16. Late registration fee is $45 and will be open through August 1 if space is available. Price include all payment processing fees. Apply online and pay the registration fee at this Eventbrite event. After payment, artists must then submit a resume including exhibits and shows and three (3) images of plein air paintings in jpg format, or a link to a website displaying their work in this genre. Submit by email to YXJ0c2NoYWlyIHwgZ2VvcmdldG93bnRydXN0ICEgb3Jn. Only requested attachments will be opened. Accepted applicants will be contacted by email.

Payment must be made before application and acceptance. Or send check or credit card information by mail to:
Georgetown Cultural Arts Program
Georgetown Trust for Conservation and Preservation, Inc.
PO Box 1037, Georgetown, CO 80444
Checks should be made to GCAP (for Georgetown Cultural Arts Program).

Emerging Artists

For those who have painted en Plein Air but are not qualified as defined above, this year, in response to past requests, we have added a new Emerging Artists category. Artists can still participate and enjoy the fun and excitement of the event. Although not included in the sale or awards, Emerging Artist works will be exhibited.

Registration fee is $25. After payment, applicants must submit two (2) images of plein air paintings in jpg format, or a link to a website displaying their work in this genre. Submit examples by email to YXJ0c2NoYWlyIHwgZ2VvcmdldG93bnRydXN0ICEgb3Jn. All materials must be stamped in advanced and be ready to hang for the exhibit.

Event Schedule

January 1-July 16, 2026 Online Registration

July 17-August 1 Late registration

July 30 10-12:00, 2-4:00 Registration

July 31 6-10:00, 2-4:00 Registration
5:00pm Meet and Greet

August 1

6:00-9:30am Registration
10:00am-12:00 Quick Draw on 6th Street
3:00-3:30pm Submission of completed art ready for hanging
3:30-4:00pm Judging
4:00-8:00pm Opening reception

August 1-9 Exhibit and sale open to the public daily, 10am-4pm
August 10 Artist artwork pick up or by appointment

Awards

Best of Show $500
Best Quick Draw Downtown $200
Best Historic District $100
Best Train / Train Station $100
Honorable Mention (2) $50

Juror

To be announced.

Setting

During the event, artists may paint at locations of their own choice within the following defined area:

Town of Georgetown
Town of Silver Plume
Georgetown Lake
Georgetown Cemetery
Guanella Pass Road to Mt. Bierstadt
Georgetown Loop Railroad, along the route and train stations

Exhibit and Sales

All artwork must be created outdoors on stamped canvas or other medium on July 30, 31, or August 1 within the defined boundary area. All fine arts media are acceptable. Indoor scenes or portraiture will not be eligible for inclusion in the exhibit or awards. Canvases and other medium will be stamped upon in-person registration. All works must be framed and prepared for exhibit with wire hangers or suitable hanging device and be ready to hang. Up to two (2) paintings will be accepted from qualified participants. If space allows a third may be accepted, to be determined the day of the show.

This event is a fundraiser for the Georgetown Cultural Arts Program. GCAP will retain 40% of all sales. Commissioned pieces as a result of the event or exhibit will be subject to the same rate. Payment for all work sold will be mailed to artists no later than two weeks after the exhibit closing. Digital images of exhibited work may be used for publicity in future events.

About Georgetown Arts at the Old School

The restored 1874 Georgetown schoolhouse opened in Fall 2015 as the Georgetown Heritage Center, now called Old School, is a place to celebrate our past, arts and culture, and enjoy live performances. We celebrate our diversity and strive to include multifaceted arts experiences. GCAP is part of Georgetown Trust for Conservation and Preservation, Inc., a Colorado non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation.
Website: GeorgetownTrust.org
Contact: QXJ0c0NoYWlyIHwgR2VvcmdldG93blRydXN0ICEgb3Jn

Lodging

Contact Georgetown Gateway Visitor Center for lodging and restaurant information VmlzaXRvckNlbnRlciB8IGdlb3JnZXRvd250cnVzdCAhIG9yZw== 303.569.2405

Also check out other Arts events in Georgetown, Exhibitions in Georgetown, Fine Arts events in Georgetown.