Plein Air Brandywine Valley Artist Information

Artists are invited to submit applications and portfolios with a non-refundable $25.00 application fee through the Plein Air Brandywine Valley event website. Artist registration will close on Friday, July 8, 2022. Artists will be notified of their acceptance no later than July 15, 2022 and must confirm participation by Friday, August 5, 2022. Event rules and regulations are posted on the PABV website.

Prizes

Plein Air Brandywine Valley judges will award prizes in the following categories:

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Plein Air Brandywine Valley (PABV) is open to all artists ages 18 and above working in pastel, oil acrylic, watercolor, and mixed media.

APPLICATION PROCESS: A non-refundable application fee of $25.00 will be collected per artist at the time of registration to the PABV event.

Contact Justin Nixon by email at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or by phone at 302.645.9184 if you encounter technical issues as you apply.

Make checks payable to Children’s Beach House and mail to the address below:

Children’s Beach House

1800 Bay Avenue, Lewes, DE 19958

Credit card payments may also be made by calling the Children’s Beach House office at 302.645-9184 between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday – Friday or by visiting our website: www.pleinairbrandywinevalley.org .

The deadline for applications is July 8, 2022.

Artists will be notified of their acceptance by 

PAINTING REQUIREMENTS

SUBJECT MATTER

All work must be original and be created outdoors—in the natural elements and NOT in a studio or indoor spaces. Any subject created en plein air (in the open air vs. in studio) qualifies. Any subject created en plein air (in the open air vs. in studio) qualifies. Subject matter may include landscapes, wildlife, water views, architecture, and people so long as they are depictions of the actual locations.

ELIGIBILITY

Plein Air Brandywine Valley (PABV) is open to all artists 18 and over working in pastel, oil, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media.  The show is juried.

EVENT DETAILS

Artists must check in to have their canvases stamped on Sunday evening at the Artists’ Gathering.  At this gathering the locations and detailed instructions will be distributed.  ARTISTS MAY NOT VISIT PRIVATE LOCATIONS PRIOR TO THE DAY OF THE EVENT.  ARTISTS WHO BREAK THIS RULE WILL BE DISQUALIFIED AND NO REFUND WILL BE GIVEN.

Painting and drawing opportunities are scheduled for Monday through Thursday with two evening competitions included. 

All works are to be completed outdoors in natural elements and NOT in studio or indoor spaces.  Entries must be scenes from the selected locations without the use of a camera or tutelage of any kind.  Subject matter may include landscapes, wildlife, water views, architecture and people so long as they are depictions of the actual locations. 

Artists may not bring guests or pets to the various locations during the events.  Arrangements have been made with private and public locations for artists ONLY.

SUBMISSIONS

Works can be turned in every day at Janssen’s Market.  A drop-off location schedule will be provided per each year’s event. In order to allow volunteers time to create an inventory - No more than three pieces will be accepted per day, so artists MUST turn in some work on Monday, Tuesday and/or Wednesday.  THESE RULES WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.

All paintings and drawings must be submitted by Thursday evening. 

Each artist must submit a minimum of four original pieces created at a minimum of three different locations within the timeframes advertised for specific locations on specific days.  Artists may submit a maximum of 8 pieces for competition. All works must be framed. No artwork should exceed 30" on any side (including the frame).

Please note: A gallery commission of 40% will be charged for each piece sold.  The 40% shall be a gallery fee to the beneficiary, Children’s Beach House.  All work submitted for judging must all be for sale.  PABV will not hang any work that is not for sale in the exhibit.

Each submission must have a (removable) PABV label attached to the top right corner of the back of the frame and be accompanied by a display card and a corresponding inventory form.  Labels, display cards, and inventory forms will be distributed on Sunday evening at the Artists’ Gathering.  PABV reserves the right to reject any work that is not properly registered, framed, and ready to be hung. 

JUDGING

Judging will occur on Friday between 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.  Artists are not permitted in the exhibit hall during judging. 

OPENING RECEPTION

The Opening Reception will begin at 6:00 p.m. for artists, selected donors and sponsors.  General ticket holders will be admitted at 6:00 p.m.  Artists will be given one ticket to the Opening Reception and additional tickets can be purchased through the CBH office or website. 

EXHBIT HOURS

The exhibit will be open to Ticket Holders on Friday evening from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

The hours on Saturday are 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Unsold artwork may NOT be removed until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday evening.  Artists are required to be present to remove work at 4:00 p.m. or to make arrangements in writing with the PABV staff.

FRAMING AND MATTING

All work must be matted and framed. No un-framed “gallery wrapped” canvas will be accepted. All work must be wired for hanging in the exhibition.  NO saw-toothed hangers will be accepted!  Dimensions of each work should not exceed 30” on any side, including frame.

DISCLAIMER

PABV is not responsible for loss or damage to any submitted works, but reasonable caution and diligent care will be taken with all submissions.

PABV reserves the right to disqualify works deemed objectionable.  We also reserve the right to disqualify any entry that does not adhere to the rules and guidelines of the contest.  All decisions of PABV are considered final.

AWARDS & EXHIBIT AWARDS

Awards will be determined at the discretion of the contest judges and contest coordinators.  All work submitted for judging MUST BE FOR SALE.  Work an artist decides not to sell during the PABV event may not be judged for an award or hung for display. 

Prizes will be awarded for the following:

• First Prize - $2,000
• Second Prize - $1,000
• Third Price - $500
• Artists’ Choice - $1,000
• Honorable Mention - $150 value

CONDITIONS AND LICENSING

Winning Artists agree to make available to PABV high-resolution digital images, transparencies, and/or negatives of all winning entries, if requested.  These uses may include, but are not limited to, publication in advertisements, rack cards, notecards, posters, magazines, newspapers, calendars and other promotional applications.  Any requests for reproduction of winning images by artists, galleries, businesses, or entities other than those named herein above, will be negotiated directly with the artist. 

*Images uploaded to the online gallery will not be eligible for licensing fees.

1. Each artist must submit a minimum of four pieces from three locations and a maximum of eight pieces for inclusion in the judging, exhibition, and sale.

2. All work submitted must be for sale.

3. JUDGING: Judging will occur on Friday before the Opening Reception by qualified judges. The "presentation" of your work will be part of the scoring system, so frame your entries in a manner that enhances your work.

4. COMMISSION: A gallery commission of 40% will be charged for each piece sold. The 40% shall be a gallery fee to the beneficiary, Children’s Beach House.