2026 Dates: September 18-20th
BAYarts invites plein air artists throughout the region to join us for the Artistic By Nature Plein Air Paint Out event which celebrates the beauty that surrounds us. This event is located on our campus at 28795 Lake Road, Bay Village, OH, 44140, and the surrounding Huntington Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks. This years event takes place Friday, September 18 through Sunday, September 20, 2026.
Past Awards Include
Best of Show: $500
1st Place: $250
2nd Place: $150
3rd Place: $100
Nocturne Paint: $100
Quick Paint: $100
Details
Full details will be available later in 2026, but you can preview last year’s criteria here:
Eligibility: The competition is open to artists 18 years of age and older.
Format: Original two-dimensional art in any medium other than photography may be created during this event. No three-dimensional or computer-generated work will apply. Canvas/paper plus frame shall be less than or equal to 28” in any one direction. All pieces must be ready to hang.
Exhibition Venue: Works created during the competition can be for sale during our wet paint sale on the porch during the reception, if you, the artist, chooses. BAYarts will retain 40% of each sale. ALL SALES DURING THE EVENT MUST BE MADE THROUGH BAYarts.
Criteria: Each artist may submit a maximum of 2 pieces for jurying. Artwork must be completed on site in the true plein air style and may not be worked on offsite or generated from reference photos. Styles may range from realism to abstract and must be in keeping with the impromptu style of plein air.
our 2025 judge
Jeff Evans
Thank you to our 2025 judge, acclaimed plein air painter Jeff Evans, a past awardee at the BAYarts Plein Air Paint Out as well as national events including the Bath County Plein Air Festival and Plein Air Easton.
Schedule
Friday, September 18
- 8 am - 12 pm
- Registration and Stamping
- In person registration accepted at BAYarts
- 8 am - 7 pm
- Paint Out
- Artists will paint on the BAYarts Campus extending along Lake Road in Bay Village – and the Huntington Reservation of the Metroparks. Huntington Beach located across the street from the Huntington Reservation is also included in the acceptable painting location. Additional information and a site map will be provided at registration.
- 3 pm - 7 pm
- Deliver Completed Work
- Deliver completed work to BAYarts Campus
- 5 pm - 7 pm
- Nocturne Paint
- Nocturne Paint registration in person; $10 registration fee, judged separately
- 7 pm - 8 pm
- Dinner Break
- a Chatty’s Pizzeria menu and coupon will be provided if you are staying.
- 8 pm - 10:30 pm
- Nocturne Paint
- deliver completed work to the BAYarts campus.
Saturday, September 19
- 8 am - 12 pm
- Registration and Stamping
- In person registration accepted at BAYarts
- 8 am - 7 pm
- Paint Out
- Artists will paint on the BAYarts Campus extending along Lake Road in Bay Village – and the Huntington Reservation of the Metroparks. Huntington Beach located across the street from the Huntington Reservation is also included in the acceptable painting location. Additional information and a site map will be provided at registration.
- 3 pm - 7 pm
- Deliver Completed Work
- Deliver completed work to BAYarts Campus. No submissions will be accepted after 7 pm Saturday, September 20
Sunday, September 20
- 8 am - 10 am
- Quick Paint Registration
- Register in person
- 10 am - 12 pm
- Quick Paint
- 10 am - 12 pm
- Live Judging
- Live judging
- 12 pm - 2 pm
- Live Judging
- Live Judging by Jeff Evans on the BAYarts Campus
- 2 pm - 4 pm
- Artists Reception
- Artist reception and prize awards. Work displayed for public viewing and purchase in the Sally J. Otto Gallery in the BAYarts Cultural Center.
- Available For Purchase: Yes