Helper En Plein Aire 2026

The En Plein Aire open competition will begin prior to the Arts Festival on Tuesday, August 18th.

Helper En Plein Aire is honored to announce that Kimball Geisler will be this year’s event judge.

The Competition 

Registered artists will have three days to paint within the boundaries of Carbon County. Competition will end at noon on Friday, August 21.  This is a cash prize competition. Other awards, including People’s Choice, will be announced.

Friday Reception, Awards and Auction

Awards will be announced at an evening reception/sale on Friday, August 21 at the Helper Art Workshops Building (76 South Main Street) at 6pm and will include a live auction of the award-winning paintings. 

Enthusiasts, collectors, and the public are encouraged to attend.  This is a great opportunity to purchase works by notable painters at very reasonable prices.

 

Saturday Quick Draw Event:

Artists are given 2 hours to paint on and around Main Street Saturday morning, August 22.

The works will be sold by silent auction from 12:00 noon to 2pm.

 

🏆  This is a Cash Prize Competition

  • NEW FOR 2026

 Gift Certificates

Attendees of the reception are eligible for a drawing and a chance to win one of three $500 gift certificates that can be used at the reception or the Quick Draw event.

 

Helper Beer Label Award

Nationally recognized and award-winning microbrewery, Helper Beer, will select a painting to be used as a label for a special edition, top-selling beer can.

Artist Entry Fee: $50