The Heart of America Artists’ Association is bringing it back…our beloved little outdoor painting event which began in 2020. The town of Siloam Springs has a big heart for the arts, and plein air artists and enthusiasts alike will enjoy the hospitality and plentiful painting motifs. Not to mention, many of the board members call Siloam Springs home and can’t wait to share it with the plein air community once more!

This year will include more artist activities and will require registration, see below.

Important Dates:

October 1: Deadline to Register
Registration is below. Entry requires membership. If you are a current 2023 member all you have to pay is the entry fee. The entry fee is in addition to membership dues, and is $35 for artists, and $20 for students.

If you’ve completed event registration, and paid the membership dues, the final step is to pay entry fee below:

October 2 – October 7: Painting
Artists are invited to paint anywhere in the downtown area. This year’s event will continue to be on the honor system and will not require stamped canvas/panels/paper. Please be considerate and do not block entrances/trafficways to businesses.

October 3: Plein Air Mentoring, 2 – 5 pm
Last year we had a few folks show up to try their hand at plein air painting. It was super fun. If you are interested in participating, or know someone who is eager to learn, please email us to sign up. Click here to email.

October 5: Artwork Critique, 2 – 5 pm
If you are interested in having a professional look at your artwork, or know someone who would like this opportunity, please email us to sign up. Click here to email.

October 7, Saturday: Announcements of Awards, Exhibit and Sale
New location this year…Downtown Dance Studio. (Be sure and thank them, they graciously offered their beautiful exhibit space on 100 S. Broadway St in Siloam Springs.)
10 – 11 am Submission  Submit one framed or unframed plein air painting for judging which begins at 11:30am. Please bring your own easel for display. We will announce the judge as soon as one is secured.
2 – 5 pm Public Exhibition
Commission: Artist 70%, HOAAA 30%.
Artwork must be picked up by 5:30 pm that day.

Prizes:
Over $3,000 in cash awards plus sponsor awards of gift certificates and merchandise

Artist Category prizes include:
First Place: $750
Second Place: $500
Third Place: $250
Plus Honorable Mentions

College Category prizes include
First Place: $500
Second Place: $300
Third Place: $200
Plus Honorable Mentions

High School Category prizes include
First Place: $300
Second Place: $200
Third Place: $100
Plus Honorable Mentions

After-Show Exhibition Opportunity:
Every year we try to provide a chance for you to keep your work exhibited in Siloam Springs. Thankfully the Siloam Springs Museum has offered to hang paintings from the exhibit. Dates to be announced. Artists will take care of their own work between opportunities.