Masterpiece in a Day Competition 2026 - Indy Arts Council

Overview

Masterpiece in a Day is a free, live art competition where visual artists create original works on-site in Fountain Square from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All work must be completed and submitted during this time; no prior work is allowed. This is a family-friendly event.

Key Dates

• Submission Deadline: September 19, 2026
• Competition: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Check-in: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (in front of old La Margarita location, southwest corner of Virginia and Woodlawn)
• Judging: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Awards Ceremony: 5:00 p.m.
• Public Display: October First Friday at Fountain Square

Eligibility

Open to visual artists age 14 or older. Participants aged 14-18 must have a parent present.

Media & Format

• 2D (painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, textiles) – work primarily on a flat plane
• 3D (sculptures and entries occupying space, viewed from multiple angles) – not site-specific; artists responsible for display and tear-down
• No site-required installation category

Competition Area

Work must be created within Fountain Square boundaries: Pleasant Street (north), Olive Street (east), Barth Street (south), west side of Virginia Avenue (west, including Cultural Trail and outdoor areas), with an angled boundary of Buchanan Street down the alley to Hosbrook Street (northwest). Participants should be aware of ongoing street construction.

Awards

• 1st Prize: $1,000
• 2nd Prize: $500
• 3rd Prize: $250

Display & Rights

Winning entries and the top ten other entries will be displayed publicly at a Fountain Square location for October First Friday. The Fountain Fletcher District Association will photograph and publish all selected works, and retains the right to display, sell copies, and use them for promotional purposes. Sale proceeds fund subsequent years' Masterpiece in a Day activities.

Judging

Winners will be selected by a panel of three judges, each a member of the Indianapolis art community.