September 18-20, 2026
Wallowa Valley 43rd Annual Arts Festival
Joseph, OR —The Wallowa Valley Arts Festival is the largest juried fine art exhibition in Eastern Oregon, celebrating art that reflects the beauty, culture, and heritage of the region. Hosted in the scenic town of Joseph, known for its outdoor recreation, bronze foundries, and vibrant art scene, the festival showcases both traditional and contemporary art from the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
The Josephy Center for Arts & Culture invites artists to apply to the 43rd Annual Wallowa Valley Arts Festival, featuring our signature En Plein Air Competition.
Set in the scenic mountain town of Joseph, Oregon, the festival celebrates exceptional work in representational, traditional, and contemporary art. The En Plein Air Competition will accept 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.
Selected works will be exhibited in the Josephy Center’s gallery and unveiled at a ticketed Opening Night Reception and Awards Ceremony on Friday evening. The weekend continues with free public exhibit hours, live music, a lively Quick Draw event, and a popular Small Works Show, offering strong sales opportunities and broad community engagement.
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 and be part of this dynamic celebration of art, place, and creative community.
Paul Freidel – Backbone of the County
En Plein Air Competition (separate registration)
The Wallowa Valley Arts Festival includes an En Plein Air Competition. The Josephy Center will be accepting the first 50 artists to register HERE.
Artist Eligibility
- Open to all artists.
- Eligible media include: painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber, jewelry, mixed media, and digital art.
- No copies, kits, reproductions, or artwork created using AI technology or under instructor supervision will be accepted.
- Artwork must be original and not previously shown at this festival.
- Include a brief bio or artist statement (150 words max).
- APPLY HERE ON SHOWSUBMIT
Artist Requirements
-
Accepted Art Categories
- Sculpture: Wood, clay, stone, bronze, or metal
- Painting: Oil, acrylic, watercolor
- Drawing: Pastel, pencil, graphite, charcoal, ink
- Printmaking: Woodblock, engraving, etching, monoprint, aquatint, linotype, lithography, silkscreen
- Photography: Traditional and digital photography
- Other: Glass, jewelry, fiber arts, ceramics, mixed media, digital art
Size Limits- 2D Work: Maximum 1,024 sq. inches (e.g., 32″ × 32″, including frame)
- 3D Work: Maximum total dimensions 120″ (L+W+H)
- Oversized work will not be accepted.
Framing & Presentation Requirements- All wall-hung work must have a secure wire (upper third).
- Framing is strongly recommended for 2D work.
- Unframed work must have clean, finished edges.
- Glass or plexiglass must be securely attached.
Not Accepted- Exposed staples
- Dirty or unfinished edges
- Sawtooth hangers, bracket frames, uni-frames, rings
Artwork not meeting presentation or quality standards will not be displayed.Helpful hanging guide: youtube.com/watch?v=-ThspVqHlok
Quick Draw (optional)
Best Quick Draw Work Award – $200
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 1–4pm
Mt. Joseph Lodge Gardens
Selected artists complete a finished work in 90 minutes, en plein air, memory or reference photos may be used, with artwork sold by silent auction. Live local music accompanies the event.
Schedule
1–2pm: Artist setup
1:30–3:30pm: Live music
2–3:30pm: 90-minute Quick Draw
3:30–3:45pm: Stop work / framing
4pm: Bidding closes; buyers take artwork home
Commission: 30% retained by JCAC on all Quick Draw sales
Small Works Sale (optional)
- Accepted artists may participate in the Festival Small Works Sale, replacing the Silent Auction. Supporting future Arts Festivals.
-
- Up to two (2) original artworks per artist
- Artist-set pricing, maximum $200 per piece
- Size: 4×4 minimum, 8×10 maximum
- Must be wall-ready and meet display standards
- No jury submission required
- 50% artist / 50% festival commission
- Must be delivered at artist check-in
- No late submissions accepted
Artist Notification
- Acceptance emails sent by Friday, August 14, 2026.
- If no email is received by Friday, August 18, 2026, contact: Arianna Olsen [email protected] | 541-432-0505 ext. 2
- Acceptance emails include: delivery & pick-up instructions, optional participation in Small Works Sale & Quick Draw, and ticket purchase info for Opening Night Reception.
- All accepted artwork must be for sale. Accepted artwork must match the work juried (no substitutions). Prices are final after submission. Please factor framing, printing, shipping, and commission.
Artist Packet
- Artist packets are not mailed. Packets are distributed at check-in or held at the docent desk for shipped/early artwork.
- Artist Packet Includes: Triplicate art labels for each accepted artwork One artist ticket to Opening Night Reception Two beverage tickets Name tag & lanyard Festival program
At Check-In
- Artwork verified for acceptance, size, and presentation. Pre-printed label attached to each piece. Pink receipt issued (required for artwork pick-up).
Awards
The Wallowa Valley Arts Festival is proud to offer $4,000 in cash prizes, recognizing outstanding artistic achievement, creativity, and technical skill. Prizes will be awarded by our guest juror during the exhibition reception.
Major Awards
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 – $250
Best Water-Based Medium – $250
Best Drawing Medium – $250
Best Mixed Media – $250
Best Print Medium – $250
Best Photography – $250
Quick Draw Award
Best Quick Draw Work – $200
Opening Reception
- Friday, September 18, 2026 | 7–10pm
- Celebrate the festival opening with artists, live music, hors d’oeuvres, wine, and awards announcements.
- Attire: Business casual to formal (your choice) Optional Paint Palette Party theme encouraged*
- Artists receive one ticket; additional tickets available for purchase at the top of this page. Event often sells out—early purchase recommended.
- For those who’d like to join in a bit of creative fun, this year we’re also offering an optional Paint Palette Party theme! Feel free to wear a monochromatic outfit in a color you love!
