- Deadline
- 18 days left
- Entry fee
- $50
- Award
- $4,000
- Location
- Joseph, OR
- Exhibition window
- Sep 18, 2026 → Sep 20, 2026
- Applicants notified
- Aug 14, 2026
- Size cap
- ≤ 10" max dimension
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About
Artists are invited to submit up to 3 artworks in eligible media (painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber, jewelry, mixed media, and digital art) for consideration in the 43rd Annual Wallowa Valley Arts Festival juried exhibition.
Overview
The Wallowa Valley Arts Festival is the largest juried fine art exhibition in Eastern Oregon, celebrating representational, traditional, and contemporary art. Hosted in scenic Joseph, Oregon, the festival showcases work that reflects the beauty, culture, and heritage of the region. Eligible media include painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber, jewelry, mixed media, and digital art. Artists from the Pacific Northwest and beyond are encouraged to apply.
Key Dates
- Entry Deadline: Friday, July 31, 2026, midnight Pacific Time
- Acceptance Notification: By Friday, August 14, 2026
- Early Drop-Off (if needed): Wednesday, September 9 – Saturday, September 12, 2026, 12–4pm
- Artwork Check-In (Hand Delivered): Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 11am–2pm
- Shipped Artwork Arrival: By Tuesday, September 15, 2026
- Exhibition: September 18–20, 2026
- Opening Night Reception & Awards: Friday, September 18, 2026, 7–10pm
- Public Exhibit Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10am–5pm; Sunday, September 20, 2026, 10am–2pm
- Artist Pick-Up of Unsold Artwork: Sunday, September 20, 2026, 2:30–4pm
- Extended Exhibition Artwork Pick-Up: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10am–4pm
- Return Shipping: By Saturday, October 17, 2026
Submission Requirements
- Up to 3 artworks per artist
- Entry fee: $50 for 3 works
- Eligible media: painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber, jewelry, mixed media, digital art
Awards
Total awards: $4,000 (cash & ribbons), including Best of Show ($600), People's Choice Overall ($300), People's Choice Photography ($300), Best Three-Dimensional Art ($300), Northwest Cultural Heritage Award ($300), Northwest Region Landscape Award ($250), Jon M. Skovlin Memorial Wildlife ($250), Best Oil-Based Medium ($250), Best Water-Based Medium ($250), Best Drawing Medium ($250), Best Mixed Media ($250), Best Print Medium ($250), Best Photography ($250), and Quick Draw Award ($200).
En Plein Air Competition
The festival features a signature En Plein Air Competition accepting the first 50 registered artists, who will paint on location throughout the Wallowa Valley during the festival weekend. Over $7,500 in awards will be presented.
Quick Draw Event (Optional)
Selected artists complete a finished work in 90 minutes en plein air on Saturday, September 19, 2026, 1–4pm at Mt. Joseph Lodge Gardens. Memory or reference photos may be used, with artwork sold by silent auction. Live local music accompanies the event. Best Quick Draw Work Award: $200. JCAC retains 30% commission on all Quick Draw sales.
Small Works Sale (Optional)
Accepted artists may participate in the Festival Small Works Sale. Up to two original artworks per artist, artist-set pricing (maximum $200 per piece), size 4×4 minimum to 8×10 maximum. Artwork must be wall-ready and meet display standards. 50% artist / 50% festival commission. Must be delivered at artist check-in; no late submissions accepted.
Contact
Questions? Contact Arianna Olsen at (541) 432-0505 ext. 2 or [email protected]. Visit josephy.org/arts-festival for more information.
- Award
- Total awards: $4,000 (cash & ribbons). Major awards include Best of Show ($600), People's Choice Overall ($300), People's Choice Photography ($300), Best Three-Dimensional Art ($300), Northwest Cultural Heritage Award ($300), Northwest Region Landscape Award ($250), Jon M. Skovlin Memorial Wildlife ($250). Medium awards: Best Oil-Based Medium, Best Water-Based Medium, Best Drawing Medium, Best Mixed Media, Best Print Medium, Best Photography ($250 each). Quick Draw Award: $200.
- Entries per artist
- Up to 3
- Sales commission
- Organizer retains 30% on sales
- Eligibility
- Open to artists from the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
- Audience
- Artists from the Pacific Northwest and beyond
- Size & format
- Up to 10″ on the longest side
Aggregated automatically — verify details at the organizer's site.