PAINT UNDER THE BIG SKY - A Plein Air Event- CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Paint Under the Big Sky (PUBS) is a plein air event for all painters of any ability and is sponsored by the Big Sky Artists’ Studio and Gallery and the Big Sky Artists Collective, a non-profit organization fostering a strong community of artists in the Big Sky, MT area.

Paint Under the Big Sky will bring together the community and visitors with 30+ artists from near and far as they paint on location.  Showcasing the beauty of the Gallatin River and Canyon, the art created will spotlight our extraordinary landscape while providing an opportunity for artists to create, meet and have fun.

Artists are invited to travel to Big Sky, MT and paint ANYTIME from June 1-28.  The exhibition and sale of paintings shall be from June 29-July 31, the busiest time of the year in Big Sky!

APPLICATIONS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL ALL POSITIONS FILLED!!

RULES AND ARTIST AGREEMENTS

• Registration is open with a fee of $45-$55, and participants must register for either EXPERIENCED or OPEN class. 

• EXPERIENCED:  Only 25 artists shall be accepted into this class for the competition, exhibition and sale.  Experienced artists are defined as one of the following:  1) comfortable painting plein air, 2) have gallery representation, or 3) are professional.  Apply early if you choose this option!    

• OPEN:  Beginner and emerging artists are encouraged to participate, especially if little to no plein air competition experience.  These artists may choose not to submit work for competition, exhibition and sale but may wish to participate simply for the experience and camaraderie.  

• Artists shall paint within specified geographic areas throughout Big Sky and the Gallatin River Canyon from June 1-28, 2024.  The defined area is anywhere in Big Sky or along the Gallatin River and Rt. 191 (including all side roads) from the Spanish Creek Road on the north to Taylor Fork Road on the south.

• All competition work must be completed 75% en plein air.

• By applying, artist acknowledges that he or she has read all the rules and regulations as outlined in Paint Under the Big Sky 2024 Prospectus.  Artist acknowledges that mages of work entered into the exhibition may be used for publicity purposes.

COMPETITION, EXHIBITION, & SALE 

• The Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery looks forward to hanging your work from June 29-July 31, 2024. 

• Submissions must be original works of original concept and design with acceptable mediums of oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, egg tempera, pastel, color ink, encaustic, colored pencil, graphite, charcoal, pen ink, and scratchboard.    

• Submissions shall be limited to three pieces per artist in with maximum size (including frame) of 340 square inches, and must be available for sale. 

• All submissions shall be eligible for judging (by class), but PUBS reserves the right to rotate inventory during the time of the exhibition due to space constraints. 

• Artist name shall be printed on back of piece (even if signed on front) and include a business card taped to back. 

• Works on paper must be framed and protected with glass or plexiglass.  Gallery wrap is acceptable if depth is 1” or deeper with finished edges.  Pieces with less than 1” edge must be framed. 

• Works must be securely and suitably framed with screw eyes or D-Rings and wires firmly attached to the frame itself, not to the backing. Wire shall be braided hanging wire (not a single strand).  No hooks, eye hooks or saw teeth hangers are allowed.  Wire shall be taunt and no lower than 1/3-1/4 down from the top of frame. 

• The Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery reserves the right to deny any submission not meeting these requirements.

• Optional but highly recommended is a Certificate of Authenticity for work.

• Artist is responsible for a completing information form at time of Drop-Off including label and price tag.

• Artist must provide 5+ business cards for the exhibition and sale.

• The Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery shall retain 33% commission on the retail price of any pieces sold and shall collect and pay the Big Sky Resort Tax of 4% required on all transactions.  Artist agrees that the same commission and tax shall be applied to any work commissioned during or as a result of Paint Under the Big Sky.

• All unsold artwork must be picked up between August 1-4, 2024. 

• For artists unable to pick up artwork, arrangements must be made at time of Drop-Off for shipping including uninsured pre-paid $35 shipping and handling fee for UPS ground.  Insurance may be added upon request of the artist with credit card information provided in advance.  Pieces not picked up shall become the property of the Studio Gallery.

• While every effort shall be used to secure work exhibited, Artist shall not hold Big Sky Artist’s Studio & Gallery, any members or principals for damage or theft during the exhibition and sale.  Artists are encouraged to self-insure all work exhibited.  Artists will be notified of any damage or breakage to work as soon as possible. 

CLICK HERE FOR PROSPECTUS AND ARTIST APPLICATION!!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

• June 1-28: Artists submit canvases for stamping at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery between the hours of 11am-6pm, and submit the required forms in order to participate.  These include the 2024 Artist Agreement, 2024 Artist Emergency Contact Information, and the 2024 Artist W9 form.

• June 28-29:  Paintings for competition and exhibition must be dropped off June 28 between 4-6pm or June 29, 8-10am at gallery.

• June 29:   Public Reception 4-8pm.  Awards 6pm.  Artists are encouraged to attend. 

• Aug 1-4:   Pickup of unsold work. 

NEW FOR THIS YEAR...

"PLEIN AIR KIDS!"

FREE FOR Ages 6-15

CLICK for more info.

"LET'S TRY PLEIN AIR!"

CLOSED... We will offer again next fall!