Tennessee River Valley Plein Air Competition- Important Dates & Info

  • Submissions opening August 14, 2026
  • Submission Deadline: October 2, 2026, at 5 PM
  • Submission Cost: $45  (***nonrefundable)
  • Event Dates: November 5-11, 2026
  • Quick Draw Event (Mandatory): Nov. 7th, Downtown Decatur (2nd Ave & Bank St) Midday
  • Exhibit Dates: December 22, 2026-Feb 13, 2027
Important Dates (for artists):
  • Nov 5th– Check in/Packet Pick-up at the Carnegie 8am-5pm (unless otherwise arranged), Canvases will be stamped
  • Nov. 7th– Quick Draw event downtown (***REQUIRED)
  • Nov.5-11th– Free paint, artists can choose whatever time they prefer (***All artwork has to be framed & ready to drop off by Nov. 11th at 5pm!)
  • December 22nd– Open House, Awards ceremony
  • February 12th– Closing reception (6pm-7:30pm)
  • February 13th, after 2pm– Artwork Pickup (Unless otherwise arranged)
Important info (for artists):
  • $45 Entry fee (***nonrefundable)
  • Entries will be juried by a staff member from each gallery
  • Submitted artwork will be judged (1st, 2nd, 3rd Place awarded)
  • Awards- $150 (1st Place), $100 (2nd Place), $50 (3rd place), Winners are pre-juried into next competition & fees are waived
  • Several honorable mentions will be awarded
  • Location Boundaries- Within Decatur City limits *Includes Wheeler Wildlife Refuge
  • No specific medium required
  • No limit on canvases but all need to be stamped, can be stamped after check-in date but artist must arrange a time with Carnegie staff
  • ***All  artwork has to be framed, stamped & ready to drop off by Nov. 11th at 5pm!
  • Sales are encouraged!

Other Info:

 

Registration and Stamping

Advance sign-up: Register early for juried or multi-day festivals.
Canvas stamping: Bring blank panels or boards to check-in so staff can initial or stamp them before you start.
Read rules: Review framing requirements, geographic boundaries, and submission limits.
Etiquette and Conduct
Respect space: Do not crowd other artists or block pathways while setting up your easel. DO NOT leave trash.
Maintain quiet: Keep noise levels low and avoid unsolicited critiques of others’ work.
Support the event: Attend scheduled group gatherings, welcome receptions, and awards ceremonies.

Gear and Preparation

Weather protection: Pack a sun hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and rain gear or a canopy tent.
Supplies: Bring water, easy-to-eat snacks, trash bags, paper towels, and extra panels.
Hardware: Pre-install standard D-rings and hanging wire on your frames to save time later.

Multi-Day Strategy & Logistics

Pace your output: Avoid burning out on day one by planning a realistic schedule of 1 to 2 paintings per day.
Canvas strategy: Bring a mix of canvas sizes, using larger panels for long, stable weather windows and smaller panels for quick, unpredictable light shifts.
Studio setup: Dedicate a specific area in your vehicle or lodging for a “drying and framing station” where wet pieces can rest safely away from dust.
Framing as you go: Frame your completed, successful pieces each evening rather than leaving all framing and wiring to a frantic final morning deadline.
Sales tracking: Keep meticulous notes on your locations and titles, as multi-day festivals often require detailed labels for the final exhibition gallery.

Packing Checklist for Multi-Day Events

Plein air easel: A sturdy setup like a French Easel or a lightweight Pochade Box mounted on a tripod.
Wet painting carriers: Specialized slots or boxes—such as a PanelPak or handy cardboard slots—to transport wet canvases safely back to your base.
Pre-cut frames: Bring frames that match your canvas sizes exactly, complete with backing boards, point drivers, D-rings, and hanging wire.
Hydration & food: A high-capacity insulated water bottle and a cooler stocked with high-protein snacks to keep you fueled if you are setup far from restaurants.
Weather shielding: A clamp-on shade umbrella to keep direct sunlight off your palette and canvas, plus a reliable brimmed hat.
Layered clothing: Packed clothes for early morning chills, midday heat, and sudden rain showers, plus durable, broken-in trail shoes.

Preparing for Weather

In early November, Decatur, Alabama experiences crisp, transition-to-winter autumn weather. You can expect the following historical climate patterns (prepare accordingly):

Daily Highs: Typically around 64°F to 66°F. The weather usually feels comfortable under direct sun, but it can quickly feel cool if it’s breezy or overcast.
Overnight/Early Lows: Typically hover around 44°F to 46°F. Be prepared for cold mornings when setting up early.
Frost Warning: November 7th is historically the median first frost date for Decatur. There is a 50% chance of a 32°F frost event occurring by this exact day, meaning morning moisture on grass or palettes could freeze.
Precipitation: November averages about 4 to 4.5 inches of rain across the month. While sunny days are common, late autumn in North Alabama can bring passing cold fronts or late-season severe weather systems.
Daylight: You will have roughly 10 hours and 10 minutes of daylight, with the sun setting earlier in the evening.

Plein Air Material Implications

Drying Times: If you use Oils, the dropping temperatures and higher relative humidity (averaging 68%) will slow down your paint’s drying time significantly compared to summer months.
Water-Based Media: If you use Watercolors or Acrylics, cold mornings can prevent water from evaporating efficiently off your paper or canvas, which may cause washes to pool or take a long time to set.