Paint the Town Plein Air Festival

Join us for Paint the Town, a premier en plein air festival where artists of all levels come together to capture the beauty of Ottawa, one brushstroke at a time. Over three days, you’ll have the opportunity to explore, create, and compete for $5,000 in prizes while connecting with fellow artists and art lovers in a welcoming, inspiring environment.

September 11-13, 2026 | Ottawa, Illinois

Paint the Town: En Plein Air Festival

The City of Ottawa Arts Committee invites you to our second annual Paint the Town: En Plein Air Festival in Ottawa, IL. Plein air artists are invited to use their vision and talents to capture picturesque scenes. Nestled just 80 miles southwest of Chicago, Ottawa, Illinois, is a hidden gem for artists seeking inspiration. With its beautifully landscaped downtown, historic churches, architecture, and vibrant public parks, the city offers a diverse and dynamic backdrop for plein air painters. Framed by the confluence of the Illinois and Fox Rivers, Ottawa boasts breathtaking waterfront views, lush nature preserves, and charming streetscapes making it the perfect setting for an immersive outdoor painting experience.

Over three days, you’ll have the opportunity to explore, create, and compete for $5,000 in prizes graciously donated by Bob and Cheryl Nelson, while connecting with fellow artists and art lovers in a welcoming, inspiring environment.

Whether you’re drawn to the rich textures of historic architecture, the soft light reflecting off the river, or the serenity of our natural landscapes, Ottawa has a scene for every artistic vision. Come paint with us and let the town become your canvas!

Event Schedule

Friday, September 11 – Town Tours

• Get inspired and discover Ottawa’s most scenic spots before painting begins!

• Two guided bus tours are available:

• Tours will highlight historic sites, hidden gems, and ideal painting locations.

Saturday, September 12 – Paint the Town

• All-day painting begins.

• Artists may set up anywhere within the Ottawa city limits to paint en plein air.

Sunday, September 13 – Awards Exhibition at Nell’s Woodland

• 8:00 AM – All completed artwork must be turned in for judging.

• 11:00 AM – Awards Exhibition & Winner Announcements, and Easel Sales

• 11:00 AM Nell's Woodland Arts Day including activities, demonstrations, and food!
 

Awards & Prizes ($5,000 Total Prize Pool)

• Best in Show — $2,000
• 2nd Place — $1,000
• 3rd Place — $600
• 4th Place — $400
• 4 × Judge’s Choice — $250 each

Artist Guidelines

• All artwork must be created on location within Ottawa city limits during the festival.

• Any traditional plein air medium is allowed.

• May paint as many pieces as they like, but only one piece per artist may be submitted for judging.

• Artwork must be submitted by 8:00 AM on Sunday, September 13 for eligibility.

Experience the joy of plein air painting in a vibrant, welcoming community. Whether you’re competing or just enjoying the sights, Paint the Town is a celebration of art, nature, and the spirit of Ottawa.
 

For more details contact us at arts@cityofottawa.org

An Artist Statement is required.

Submissions must include a minimum one (1) artwork and a maximum five (5) artworks. 

Artists must be available to be in Ottawa and create Plein Air artwork Saturday, September 12th. Travel and accommodation stipends are not available.

CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION IN THE 2026 PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL

• There are no size requirements
• Artists receive a 50% commission on the sale of their work.
• Tax of 7% will apply to all sales at check out, to be paid by the buyer.
• Artists should bring their own art supplies and surfaces on which to create artwork.
• Festival stamp MUST BE VISIBLE on the back of the artwork.
• If the stamp will be obscured after framing, please provide photos or video of the work with the stamp visible being framed.
• Unframed canvases must be trimmed or be wrapped with finished edges.
• If artwork for sale does not sell, it must be retrieved by the artist at the end of the sales opportunity (3pm Sunday). If the artist is no longer in the area, they will be responsible for shipping fees. Any artwork remaining more than 60 days after the close of the event will be considered an unrestricted donation to the Arts Committee.

Open to artists of all experience levels.

$25 application fee 

September 1st information packets will be emailed to every artist who applies.