Awards & Prizes
Over $4,500 in Prize Awards!
The Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee is pleased to assemble the finest display of Plein Air paintings by local and regional artists under the Tent Gallery in Monument Park. We have been enthusiastically embraced and supported by the public as demonstrated in visitors to the tent and art sales.
Our Plein Air Painting Competitions are friendly in nature encouraging artist growth and expression, with the focus of the judging process being to select paintings that show the highest quality of draftsmanship, color, composition, and diversity, emphasizing representational style and subject matter.
Eligible artists must be at least 18 years old.
Professional
Artists juried in by our panel to compete as professionals.
- $1,000 Grand Prize
- $750 Second Prize
- $500 Third Prize
- Professional Honorable Mention
Emerging
Artists of any and all skill level (does not require jurying)
- $500 Grand Prize
- $350 Second Prize
- $250 Third Prize
- Emerging Honorable Mention
Quick Draw
A three-hour competition that takes through the downtown and parks.
- $250 Grand Prize
- $150 Second Prize
- $100 Third Prize
- Quick Draw Honorable Mention
Bicentennial Competition
Choose an image depicting Dexter’s rich history and recreate it en plein air.
- $200 Grand Prize
Other Awards
Awards that can be given to artists of either category.
People’s Choice
$100 Prize
Awarded to the artist who receives the most votes from patrons who visit the Paint Dexter Tent Gallery.
Essence of Dexter
$100 Prize
Awarded to the painting that most captures the spirit of the Dexter Community.
Greg LaRock Award
$100 Prize
The Greg LaRock Award highlights an artist’s work that shows consistency, passion and design across their competition pieces.
Best Nocturne
$100 Prize
Awarded to the artist that produces the best nocturne piece.
Artist’s Choice
$100 Prize
Awarded to the artist who receives the most votes from their peers.