2026 Plein Air Competition
IT’S BACK! The Sauga Plein Air Group, in collaboration with Visual Arts Mississauga, is proud to host its 2nd Plein Air Competition at Riverwood. Artists from across Ontario who enjoy creating outdoors are invited to take part in this two-day public event on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, 2026.
The event will include a juried, timed 3-hour competition, with cash prizes, and an honourable mention. This is a chance for both artists and the public to engage in a creative celebration of nature and community in the heart of Mississauga.
Registration is limited to 65 participants

SCHEDULE
DATE: June 20, 2026 – June 21, 2026
LOCATION: Riverwood Park, Mississauga
COMPETITION: June 20, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Registration 9:00 AM)
AWARDS PRESENTATION: June 20 2026 | 3:00- 3:30 PM
EXHIBITION & SALE: June 21, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
VENUE: White Studio Gallery, Visual Arts Mississauga
APPLICATION & FEES
Regular Fee: $35+HST per artist — Apply by May 29, 2026
* VAM Members receive a $5.00 discount
Registration Opens: May 5, 2026
Applications Close: May 29, 2026, at midnight, or when capacity (65 artists) is reached
APPLICATION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
Eligibility
We welcome ALL artists, ages 18+, from any background or level of experience.
Accepted mediums:
Oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, ink, colored pencil, charcoal, mixed media.
Surface requirement: Bring your own surface, max size 16” x 20”.
Judging Criteria
Craftsmanship
Demonstrates strong technique, control of the medium and overall presentation of the piece
Composition
A thoughtful, unified arrangement where all elements work together. Strong sense of balance, design, and visual movement.
Harmony
Effective and intentional use of colour with accuracy and vibrancy, and how effectively colours are used to create depth, mood, and overall impact
Jurors
Rules & Regulations
- All artwork must be started and completed outdoors at Riverwood Park on June 20, 2026.
- Artists must check in before beginning and have their blank support stamped by an event volunteer.
- Transparent or opaque underpainting is permitted, but no 3D textures or pre-drawn elements.
- Unstamped artwork will not be accepted.
- Artwork must not exceed 20” on the longest side. No diptychs.
- Artists must bring all their own materials.
- Participants must be registered before check-in.
- Please follow all park and conservation rules.
- Artists are strongly encouraged to wear their identifying stickers provided in their artist’s package while painting.
️Exhibition & Sale Info
-
All completed works will be displayed at Visual Arts Mississauga on June 21, from 10 AM to 3:30 PM
- Pick-Up Time for Unsold Work: Sunday, June 21 from 3:30-5:00 PM at the White Studio Gallery.
- Any work that is not picked up on Sunday, June 21nd will be considered for donation to VAM
- Visual Arts Mississauga will help coordinate delivery/shipping for sold works, but does not store unsold art.
Commission on Sales:
- $15 + HST on artworks priced at $200 and under
- $25 + HST on artworks priced over $200.
PRIZes
-
1st place: $250*
-
2nd place: $150*
-
3rd place: $100*
- Honourable Mention: $85 value BBQ gift basket
*Artists will be paid by e-transfer the week of June 22nd.
Thank You To Our Sponsors

Online Gallery from the Inaugural Competition (2025)

Calming Shadows
11 X 14 in
Watercolour on Paper
1st Place

What a difference a day makes
11 X 14 in
Watercolour
2nd Place

Happy Day
11 X 14 in
Pastel
3rd Place

The Essence of Riverwood
Watercolour
11 X 14 in
Honourable Mention

Chappel House Solace
11 X 14 in
Acrylic

Trail
14 x 11 in
Acrylic

Garden Painting
9 x 12 in
Pastel

Path
14 x 18 in
Acrylic

Plein Air Day
16 x 12 in
Oil on Canvas










