Artists interested in competing can apply online at IndianaMuseum.org for $20 per adult or $15 per youth. Day-of registration will also be available.
Indiana’s oldest plein-air painting contest is returning to T.C. Steele State Historic Site! On Saturday, visitors are invited to get an up-close look at the creative process as artists from across the state compete in the 36th annual Great Outdoor Art Contest.
This beloved Brown County tradition carries on the creative legacy of Indiana artist T.C. Steele, who was renowned for his stunning plein-air paintings.
As the painters create their masterpieces in only a few hours, visitors will have a chance to watch them at work while touring Steele’s Large Gallery and the House of the Singing Winds.
From 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors are invited for an up-close look as artists from around the state compete in one of Brown County’s most beloved celebrations of Hoosier painters.
Painting “en plein air,” or “in the open air,” is a method where the artist paints a landscape outdoors, with their subject in full view. The style is noted for the way it captures a landscape’s light and motion. Steele was renowned for his stunning plein-air paintings, and the historic site continues that artistic legacy through this competition.
During the Great Outdoor Art Contest, artists begin bright and early with nothing but blank canvases and work to complete their masterpieces within a few short hours.
Artwork judging will begin at 2 p.m., followed by an awards announcement at 3:30 p.m. Afterward, the top three pieces from the adult and youth categories will be displayed at the Brown County Art Guild until Sept. 29.
Tickets for spectators are $5 per person. Additionally, visitors who want to tour Steele’s Large Studio and the House of the Singing Winds can purchase site admission at $11 per adult, $9 per senior and $6 per youth.
Artists interested in competing can apply online at IndianaMuseum.org until Sept. 14 for $20 per adult or $15 per youth. Day-of registration will also be available.
The Great Outdoor Art Contest is made possible by the generous support of the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association and is part of Brown County Art Colony Weekend, with events happening throughout the community from Friday through Sunday.
