Brush in the Wind Plein Air Invitational

Join us for an exciting Plein Air Competition hosted by West Winds Gallery in Grand Junction, CO. Celebrate the beauty of our surroundings as artists capture the stunning landscapes of the Grand Mesa and its beautiful color of the season, the Great Colorado National Monument with the beautiful rock formations and canyons, and urban scenes in and around Grand Junction.

Important Dates:

• Check-In and Dinner:

Date: Friday, September 25, 2026

Time: 4:00pm to 8:00 PM

Location: West Winds Gallery 504 Main Street

Pick up artist packets and enjoy meeting fellow artists with a 

glass of wine and light dinner.

• Plein Air Painting Days:

Dates: Saturday, September 26 -Thursday, October 1, 2026

      West Winds Gallery exhibit: “Harvest Moon”

with John Lintott and John David Phillips 

Reception: Saturday, September 26th 5:00pm to 8:00pm

• “Brush in the Wind”

Collectors Champaign/ Dinner Reception:

Date: Friday, October 2, 2026

Time: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Location: West Winds Gallery

This is a ticketed Collector event with the artists.   A chance to get a first glimpse of the exhibit and purchase work from juried artists.  Awards will also be given at this event. (Free ticket to participating Plein Air Artists) 

• Quick Draw Event:

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Location: Grand Junction Art Festival

Participating artists will create a piece in a limited time, showcasing their skills!  

Brush in the Wind Exhibit will be open to the public

Date: Saturday,  October 3rd to October 24th

The Plein Air works will be displayed during the reception and the exhibit through the month of October.

Awards:

• Best in Show - $1,000

• First Place - $600

• Second Place - $300

• People’s Choice Award - Voted during the reception

Various Honorable Mention Awards will also be given.

Important Notes:

• Artists are responsible for their own supplies, including easels, paints, and canvases.

• All work must be framed and ready to hang or display with a wire.

• Artists must agree to allow West Winds Gallery to showcase their work on social media and promotional materials.

Artists are invited to submit 3-5 original works 

painted in Plein Air.

• Each submission must include an Artist Bio that 

highlights artistic background and experience.

Open to everyone living in the United States.

Everyone who considers themselves a plein air painter is invited to apply.