Our Art and the Park Watercolor Plein Air Event Wednesday – Saturday October 8-11, 2025 is fast approaching! Please register by Tuesday 10/7/25
CALL FOR ENTRIES
AATP artists- Breaking news, we are being offered lodging at the beautiful CR Field Station this year due to a change in schedules for the many groups that use this facility year round. Dorm style rooms for just $35/night. That should fit into your budget. Every year this is one of the best events the UWS hosts in partnership with the Entrada Institute. If the cost of lodging has held you back, now’s the time to jump on this wonderful opportunity to stay in the heart or Capitol Reef NP. Register today for the event and contact Maggie Harrison for more details on how to get this lodging at the Field station.
12th Annual Arts and the Parks “Light on the Reef”
2025 Event Theme: Palettes of the Colorado Plateau
The special colors the artists see and use, the layers of the landscape,
the flavors of our orchards and autumn.
CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK and Wayne County
Eligibility and Requirements
Any artist working in water media on materials designed for water media (watercolor canvas, aqua board), who registers and pays the event participation fees. This year’s fee is $95 for UWS members and $100 for non-members. This fee covers the entry and artists refreshments at the Capitol Reef National Park Field Station reception. Guest registration is $30 and includes entry into Saturday’s reception.
Registration starts on Monday, August 4th, 2025. Go to https://www.entradainstitute.org (the Entrada Institute Website). An artist registration button will be featured on the home page for ease is signing up.
Ticketed event– Saturday’s event will be a public pay event. What does this mean? Artists and their paid guests/families have tickets already. This fee is to help cover the costs of the refreshments offered and running the event.
Competition Guidelines
Artists may submit up to 3 paintings in any combination; Must submit at least one. Site locations may include any location within Wayne County and Capitol Reef National Park. Due to road closures in the Park, we will provide more information at registration in keeping with repairs and restrictions in force at that time.
Sales: Paintings are sold at the show and auction at the conclusion of the plein air event Saturday afternoon. All paintings must be for sale. A 40% Commission is charged on all sold paintings which goes to Entrada Institute programs. Artists must establish a minimum bid (the least amount that the painting will be sold for) and a “buy now bid” (the price that a person can purchase the painting without further competitive bidding).
Paintings must be framed and ready to hang according to the framing requirements. Framed paintings with completed paperwork must be submitted by 11:30 am on Saturday, 11th October.
Large format
Image Sizes
Image more than 11”x15 This size is equal to a quarter sheet of watercolor paper.
Image must not exceed 15”x22” (Between 165 and 330 square inches) This size is equal to a half sheet of standard watercolor paper.
REMINDER must be started on location, can be touched up off location
Small format
Image less than 11”x14”
Image 5” x 7” or greater (between 35 and154 square inches)
REMINDER must be started and completed on location; can be completed in more than one session on location.
Stamping
Painting paper must be stamped in advance. Artists may have as many papers stamped as desired, but only 3 can be entered into competition
Watercolor blocks will be marked on the side with paint marker, color to be determined. This color shows up on the edge of the paper and must be verified like stamped papers.
Verification
- This is a plein air competition; Make sure you have your stamps verified
- Your painting buddy or an AATP volunteer can verify your stamp by signing your competition entry form
- You may cut windows in the backing material so the stamp may be viewed OR have the stamp on your painting verified prior to framing
Photography of Painting Image
Before framing your painting, make a high-quality image of your art. You may do this yourself OR you may bring your image to the Photography Station
These high-quality images will be used for publicity by UWS, Entrada Institute, and Capitol Reef National Park.
Framing
Artists must bring ALL equipment and supplies for required framing. Frame suitable for water media painting, mat, glass or Plexiglas, wire, D-rings, backing material, and Label – Artist Name, Title of Painting, Size of image, Price, Location. This year artists may choose to fix their paintings with an archival varnish and frame without mat or glass. The new surfaces created for watercolor artists (watercolor canvas and board) are allowed this year.
Mat– Matting is a personal choice. Painting may be floated on the matting material.
Schedule
Oct 8 Wednesday
9am-1pm-Check-In at Robbers Roost, located just off 200 West Main Street in Torrey. Receive welcome bags, get watercolor materials stamped. Paint Day.
5:30 pm- Artists’ Welcome, will be held at Capitol Reef Field Station. We’ll meet up at Robbers Roost in Torrey to car pool there. There will be food, refreshments, seating around the fire pit, areas to paint the canyon from the patio and a star party for participating artists, guests, Entrada and Capital Reef National Park key personnel. Swag bags may be picked up at that time. Bring a jacket as it can get cool there in the evenings.
Oct 9 Thursday
8-9:30 am- Check-In at Robbers Roost, stamp paper, Paint Day.
7:00-8:00pm-Presentation, Lester Lee, guest artist will be doing a presentation at Robbers Roost.
Oct 10 Friday
8-9:30 am- Check-In at Robbers Roost, stamp paper, Paint Day
5:00-7:00 pm- Gallery Stroll, Local Galleries in Torrey including Torrey Gallery, Gallery 24 and Old House at Center & Main will be open. This year Gallery 24 will be hosting the work of Lester Lee, our guest artist.
7:00 – 8:00 pm – Framing Party & Site Tour of Entrada Cultural Center, artists can gather at Robbers Roost and prepare for Saturday submissions. Artists are responsible for bringing their own tools and supplies. Board members will be on hand to provide tours of the new center and visit with artists about the possibilities for Spring Exhibitions once open.
Oct 11 Saturday
9:00-11:30am- Submit paintings, Etta Place Cidery under the event tent. Late paintings will not be accepted. Judging will take place at 2:30 pm prior to the event kick-off.
4:30-7:30pm- Reception “Show & Auction at Etta Place Cidery, located at 700 West Main Street (driver licenses must be presented to enter the establishment). This year’s featured musician is Bronwen Beecher. Event catering with a special twist will be provided by Etta Place Cidery.
Oct 12 Sunday
9:00am- Artists’ Farewell Breakfast, Broken Spur
Awards will be given in the following categories:
People’s Choice
Large Format 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 2 Honorable Mention
Small Format 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 2 Honorable Mention
Special Award: Blain Clayton Arts & Park Scholarship Program
A special prize for quick draw at Etta Place Cidery on event night! It will be part of the party theme: The special colors the artists see and use, the layers of the landscape, the flavors of our orchards and autumn.
Registration
Go to the Entrada Institute Website starting Monday, August 4th. An artist registration button will be featured on the home page for ease is signing up. Go to https://www.entradainstitute.org