Opportunity Type
Call for Artists
Artist Discipline
Visual
Painting
Application Available
Start Date: April 1, 2026
End Date: July 10, 2026
Opportunity Contact Information
Melinda Stockwell
register@villagesfolkschool.com
319-288-0047
Compensation / Fees (if applicable)
Compensation Amount:
Application Fee:
Event Participation Fee: $60.00
Opportunity Location
Van Buren County, Iowa
Learn More About This Opportunity
The 9th annual Paint The Fair, a plein air competition held during the Van Buren County Fair, is open to anyone 18 years and older.
Contestants must pre-register online at VillagesFolkSchool.com by Friday, July 10, 2026. The registration fee covers all three days of the event. On-site check-in Wed, Thurs & Fri from 7:00-8:00 a.m. under the Van Buren County Fairgrounds grandstand. Canvases stamped and goody bags with maps handed out at sign-in.
All pieces must be created between 7:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, and 4:00 p.m. Friday, July 17. Wednesday & Thursday are open to painting anywhere in Van Buren County. We request that the Friday painting take place on the fairgrounds only. Of course, artists are invited to paint all three days on the fairgrounds if they like.
Bring your own supplies: Easel, canvas, paper, paints, pastels, frame, eyelets & wire for hanging, etc.
The exhibit will open to the public on Friday at 5 p.m.
- Artists can bring their stamped ready-to-hang, framed paintings to the grandstand area after 9:00 a.m. but before 4:00 p.m. on Friday for judging.
- Your three submissions for judging need to be stamped, framed, with a horizontal wire for hanging.
- You may hang up one additional painting for sale (painting must have been created during PTF)
- 20% of each sale will proceed Villages Folk School, a non-profit organization.
- Award Ceremony will be under the grandstand 5:15 p.m. Friday evening. All works released at approx. 6:30 p.m.
1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $400
3rd Place: $300
Honorable Mentions $50 (2)
*NEW* Fair Favorite $100
Several Hidden Items Cash Prizes $10 each
Several Purchase Pledges are made before the event to encourage good sales numbers.
Please visit our posting on the website for full details and the option to register online.
Last Updated: April 10, 2026, expires: Jul. 11, 2026