Venue
Josephy Center for Arts & Culture
403 N. Main St.
Joseph, OR 97846
403 N. Main St.
Joseph, OR 97846
About the Festival
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.
Awards
Total awards: $4,000 (cash & ribbons)
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
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
Best Quick Draw Work – $200
Judge of Awards
A new judge is selected annually. Awards are determined at the judge's discretion, except People's Choice awards which are tallied by popular vote on Sunday after check out.
2026 Judge: TBD Details at josephy.org
En Plein Air Competition
The Josephy Center will be accepting the first 50 artists into the Plein Air Competition. Please see details here: josephy.org/event/2026-en-plein-air-competition
Questions? Contact Arianna Olsen (541-432-0505 ext. 2)
Questions? Contact Arianna Olsen (541-432-0505 ext. 2)
Quick Draw Event (Optional)
Best Quick Draw Work Award – $200
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 1–4pm
Mt. Joseph Lodge Gardens
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
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
Opening Night 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*
Attire: Business casual to formal (your choice) Optional Paint Palette Party theme encouraged*
Artists receive one ticket; additional tickets available for purchase at josephy.org 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!
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).
Artwork 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
Acceptance Notifications
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 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).
Artwork verified for acceptance, size, and presentation. Pre-printed label attached to each piece. Pink receipt issued (required for artwork pick-up).
Unsold artwork will not be released without the pink receipt.
Entry Fee
- $50 for up to 3 works.
- Entry fees are non-refundable.
Artwork Delivery & Shipping
Preferred Drop-Off
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 | 11am–2pm
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 | 11am–2pm
Early Drop-Off (if needed)
Tuesday, September 9 – Friday, September 12, 2026 | 12–4pm (Closed Sunday, September 13)
Shipping Deadline
Artwork must arrive by Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
Shipping Address (UPS/FedEx)
Arianna Olsen – WVAF c/o Josephy Center 403 N. Main St., Joseph, OR 97846
Please do not ship USPS as they do not deliver to The Josephy Center.
All artwork must be labeled with artist name and title.
Artwork Pick-Up & Return Shipping
Festival Pick-Up
Sunday, September 20, 2026 | 2:30–4pm
Sunday, September 20, 2026 | 2:30–4pm
- Pink receipt required for pick up
- Artists may not remove art early. Art must remain on display until 2:30pm Sunday. All sales must be processed through JCAC and are subject to commission.
- All art must be signed out with staff or docent.
Extended Exhibition Pick-Up
Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 10am–4pm
Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 10am–4pm
Return Shipping
Artists provide reusable containers or subject to handling fee. Artists provide prepaid UPS/FedEx label with insurance.
Artists provide reusable containers or subject to handling fee. Artists provide prepaid UPS/FedEx label with insurance.
Important: Buyers may not pick up artwork before 2pm Sunday. Artwork marked with a red dot is sold—do not remove. Artists are responsible for insuring their work. No late pick-ups unless pre-arranged.
Sales & Commission
All sales processed through the Josephy Center sales desk. Prices entered online are final.
- 30% commission on Exhibit Sales & Quick Draw
- 50% commission on Small Works Sale
Payments for sales and awards may take up to 4 weeks.
Use of Images
All artwork may be photographed for promotional use. Privacy policy: josephy.org
Questions & Contact
Arianna Olsen, Program Director [email protected] 541-432-0505 ext. 2
About Wallowa County:
wallowacountychamber.com
We look forward to another outstanding festival and sharing your work with our community!
Additional Notification Information
Notifications will be emailed and posted in your ShowSubmit account by the end of the day on August 14, 2026.
If you do not receive your email, login and view the notification in your account. We cannot respond to inquiries regarding the status of notifications.
Image and Filename Specifications
- File Format: Submit original, high-quality JPEG image files. Other formats (e.g., PNG, TIFF) are not accepted.
- Crop Your Image: Ensure only the artwork itself is visible in the image. Do not show any visible matting, frames, or background distractions.
- Orientation: Make sure your image is oriented correctly (right side up) so that the artwork appears in its intended viewing direction.
- Image Size: You do not need to resize your image files before uploading. The system will automatically resize them. Smaller images cannot be enlarged to meet the requirements, so ensure your images are high resolution before uploading.
- File Names: You do not need to rename your files before uploading them. The system will handle any file naming requirements.
- File Size: There is a 30mb maximum file size limit. Larger image files will take longer to upload and process.
Additional Entry Information
- You will pay for your entry by credit or debit card using our secure checkout system.
- After your entry is submitted and paid for, you may log back in to review your entry, edit artist and image information, and add or substitute images up until the entry deadline (July 31, 2026.)
- Entry fees are not refundable and must be submitted and paid by the entry deadline.
- Entries cannot be accepted or changed after the deadline. Incomplete entries will be disqualified.
Support
Questions about this exhibition?
Contact ([email protected]) for questions about the Prospectus, JCAC, eligibility, artwork requirements, drop-off, pick-up, sales, etc.
Need help with ShowSubmit?
Visit our Help Center or Entry Guide for guidance on image uploads, payments, and managing your entry. If you still need help, email ShowSubmit Support ([email protected]). We respond Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm Eastern.