13th ANNUAL ARTS AND THE PARK (Artist Registration)

13th ANNUAL
ARTS AND THE PARK
“Light on the Reef”
Watercolor Plein Air Event
Wednesday – Saturday, October 14-17, 2026

Guest Artist: Vinita Pappas
vinitapappas.com

ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS
Any artist working in water media on materials designed for water media (wc canvas, aqua board) who registers and pays the event participation fees. This year’s fee is $100 for UWS members and $125 for non-members. Guest registration is $35 and includes early entry into the Artist Reception and Saturday’s main event.

REGISTRATION CLOSES ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1ST, 2026

COMPETITION GUIDELINES

Artists may submit up to 3 paintings in any combination; Must submit at least one. Site locations may include any location within Wayne County and Capitol Reef National Park.

SALES
Paintings are sold at the show and auction at the conclusion of the plein air event on Saturday afternoon. All paintings must be for sale. A 40% commission is charged on all sold paintings, which goes to Entrada Institute programs. Artists must establish a minimum bid (the least amount that the painting will be sold for) and a “buy now bid” (the price at which a person can purchase the painting without further competitive bidding).

Paintings must be framed and ready to hang according to the framing requirements. Framed paintings with completed paperwork must be submitted by 11:30 am on Saturday, 17^th October at the new Entrada Cultural Center located at 70 South 200 West in Torrey, Utah.

LARGE FORMAT IMAGE SIZES

• Image more than 11”x15. This size is equal to a quarter sheet of watercolor paper.
• Image must not exceed 15”x22” (Between 165 and 330 square inches) This size is equal to a half sheet of standard watercolor paper.

REMINDER must be started on location, can be touched up off location

SMALL FORMAT IMAGE SIZES

• Image less than 11”x14”
• Image 5” x 7” or greater (between 35 and154 square inches)

REMINDER must be started and completed on location; can be completed in more than one session on location.

STAMPING
Painting paper must be stamped in advance. Artists may have as many papers stamped as desired, but only 3 can be entered into competition.

Watercolor blocks will be marked on the side with paint marker, color to be determined. This color shows up on the edge of the paper and must be verified like stamped papers.

VERIFICATION

• This is a plein air competition; Make sure you have your stamps verified.
• Your painting buddy or an AATP volunteer can verify your stamp by signing your competition entry form
• You may cut windows in the backing material so the stamp may be viewed OR have the stamp on your painting verified before framing.

PHOTOGRAPHY of PAINTING IMAGE
Before framing your painting, make a high-quality image of your art. You may do this yourself, or bring your image to the Photography Station. These high-quality images will be used for publicity by UWS, Entrada Institute, and Capitol Reef National Park.

FRAMING
Artists must bring ALL equipment and supplies for required framing. Frame suitable for water media painting, mat, glass or Plexiglas, wire, D-rings, backing material, and Label – Artist Name, Title of Painting, Size of image, Price, Location. This year artists may choose to fix their paintings with an archival varnish and frame without mat or glass. The new surfaces created for watercolor artists (wc canvas and board) are allowed this year.

Mat- Matting is a personal choice. Painting may be floated on the matting material.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Oct 14th, Wednesday

9:00 am-1:00 pm- Check-In at Entrada Institute, located just off 70 South 200 West just south of Robbers Roost in Torrey. Receive welcome bags, get wc materials stamped. Paint Day.

5:30 pm- Artists’ Welcome, will be held at Entrada Institute. There will be food, refreshments, seating around the new observatory, and fire pit areas to paint the Cocks Comb and Boulder Mountain from. A star party by Mayor Mickey Wright will be given for participating artists, guests, Entrada, and Capital Reef National Park personnel. Swag bags may be picked up at that time. Bring a jacket as it can get cool in the evenings.

Oct 15th, Thursday

8-9:30 am- Check-In at Entrada Institute, stamp paper, Paint Day.

7-8:00 pm- Presentation by guest artist Vinita Pappas.

Oct 16th, Friday

8-9:30 am- Check-In at Entrada Institute, stamp paper, Paint Day

5-7:00 pm- Gallery Stroll, Local Galleries in Torrey including Torrey Gallery, Gallery 24 and Old House at Center & Main will be open. This year Gallery 24 will be hosting the work of Vinita Pappas, our guest artist.

7-8:00 pm- Framing Entrada Cultural Center, artists can gather to prepare for Saturday morning submissions. Artists are responsible for bringing their own tools and supplies. Board members will be on hand to provide tours of the newly remodeled Founders Lodge and visit with artists about the possibilities for Spring Exhibitions once open

Oct 17th, Saturday

9-11:30 am- Submit paintings, Entrada Institute’s performance hall. Late paintings will not be accepted. Judging will take place at 2:30 pm before the event kick-off.

4:30-7:30 pm- Reception “Show & Auction at Entrada Institute” This year’s featured musicians are Becky Pace and Lyndsey Shelar. Performing some classical and familiar pieces to lift the audience and celebrate the week’s work.

Oct 18th, Sunday

9:00 am- Per tradition, the Artists’ Farewell Breakfast will be at the Broken Spur at the junction of H24 and 12.

Awards will be given in the following categories:

• People’s Choice
• Large Format: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 2 Honorable Mention
• Small Format: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 2 Honorable Mention
• Special Award: Blain Clayton Arts & Park Scholarship Program