Welcome to Mississippi Riverscapes: The 2026 Rivers Project Plein Air Art Competition!

This contest is an open-air painting and drawing competition at Rivers Project recreation areas throughout the month of May, 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 prizes, including an art show and month of representation at Mooneyham Art in Alton, IL for the grand prize winner. All submitted entries will also be included in an art exhibit in the National Great Rivers Museum!

Artists may paint or draw independently any time between May 1^st and May 31^st, 2026, beginning with the release of the map of the 8 qualifying locations on May 1^st. Submissions are due to the National Great Rivers Museum by 5:00 p.m. on May 31^st. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the National Great Rivers Museum on June 14^th. All submitted works will be displayed in an art exhibit in the National Great Rivers Museum that will run from June 15^th to August 30^th, 2026, with the option for artists to list works for sale, if desired. Artists may not opt out of the exhibit.

There is a one-time, non-refundable entry fee of $25 per artist that will go to support Meeting of the Rivers Foundation, a nonprofit that supports outreach at the National Great Rivers Museum. This covers all submitted works; artists may choose to paint/draw at only one location or up to 8.

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 19^th 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.

Check back soon for a complete list of rules and regulations and a link to register!

You must read and fully understand all rules and regulations before registering.