Contemporary painters will find the same French colonial buildings, Victorian commercial structures, and extensive gardens in the downtown historic district that intrigued the artists who founded the Sainte Genevieve Art Colony some 80 years ago.  The ragged Mississippi shoreline, Midwestern farms, and remnants of old building sites still appeal.  Picturesque wineries, Hawn State Park, Pickle Springs Nature Preserve, and local parks at Valle Springs and Pierre Marquette are easily accessible by car.

Rules and Guidelines
Eligibility:  The competition is open to artists 18 years of age or older.  All art is to be completed en plein air and working from any type of photo is strictly forbidden.  Due to funding restrictions, all entries must be completed within Ste. Genevieve County.
Registration open from 8am to 4pm, Sept. 26 and 27 and 8 to 11am Sept 28, 2024 at the Art Center.  Registration Fee for entire event $40 ($30 for active Sainte Genevieve Art Guild Members).  Obtain a registration stamp on back of canvas or paper prior to beginning artwork.  Canvas sizes are at the discretion of the artist. Artists are not required to participate each day.  Artists must work on public property or on private property with landowner’s permission.
Purchase Awards are sponsored by individuals/organizations who wish to have a particular location portrayed.  See separate handout at registration for location, times and judging details.  Place a painting identification form or somehow indicate your name, medium, title and price on the back. Winners receive $300 cash at the Saturday evening awards reception.  The winning painting becomes the property of the sponsor at the conclusion of the event.
General Award Entries must be turned in by 12N Saturday, September 28 for judging.  Up to three finished paintings may be turned in at any time during the event prior to noon on Saturday.  All entries must bear registration stamp on back of canvas or paper.  Entries may be signed at the discretion of the artist.  Entries must be in gallery-quality frame (or gallery-style wrap-around canvas where sides are part of the painting) with wire hanger.  Entries must be labeled with a painting identification form provided.  All artwork presented for judging may be photographed and reproduced for non-commercial promotion by the Sainte Genevieve Art Guild.  To qualify for the Guild Member Award and Rookie Awards the artist must be a current and active member of the Sainte Genevieve Art Guild.
Judging of the General Award Entries is performed by experienced plein air judge, Julie Wiegand, Saturday afternoon, with the exception of the Purchase Awards and the People’s Choice Award.  Awards are announced at the reception Saturday, Sept 28th, 6pm to 8pm.  Note:  No alcohol is permitted on County property which includes the Art Center and surrounding grounds.
Sales of art are subject to a 30% commission.  All unsold art must be picked up at 8pm Saturday, September 28.  Proceeds will be mailed to the artists within two weeks of the close of the event.
Bottled water, coffee, hot tea and snacks are available free to all registrants during the event.

NOTE: While precautions will be taken to safeguard artwork and participants, we accept no liability for loss of or damage to artwork in transit, in storage or on display, or for any personal injury or illness incurred during participation in this event. Artists are encouraged to insure their own person and artwork.

Sponsors:  The Sainte Genevieve Plein Air Painting Event is an annual event sponsored by the Sainte Genevieve Art Guild, with financial assistance from the Ste. Genevieve County Community Foundation, Dannie’s Sports Tavern and generous private donors.