BINGHAM ARTS
PLEIN AIR
PAINT OUT
Painting by Ginger Shell – 2024 1st place winner
- About
- Schedule
- Rules
- Prizes
- Where to paint?
- Group Paint Out
- Meet the Judge: Steve Spencer
- Master Workshop with Russell Case
- Lodging
The Bingham arts Plein Air Paint Out is a festival, exhibition, and competition open to professional and non-professional artists of all skill levels. Artists visit beautiful Bingham County in Eastern Idaho to paint, draw, and sketch the natural landscape. Spectators are welcome to watch and talk with the artists. At the end of the Festival, the public can view and purchase these unique visions of Bingham County during the Exhibition at the Candy Jar Art Gallery.
What is Plein Air?
En plein air is a French expression that means “in the open air.” Plein air painting is the not-so-simple act of painting outdoors. Artist’s must handle shifting light, fluctuating temperatures, wind gusts, inclement weather and more. The Bingham Arts Plein Air Paint Out celebrates the contributions of plein air artists to Idaho culture and the arts.
Tuesday, June 3rd
Optional Master Workshop by Russell Case (see workshop tab for more info)
Time: 9 AM – 5 PM
ARTIST CHECK IN
Location: Jensens Gove Park, 733-793 E Airport Rd, Blackfoot, ID 83221
Time: 6 PM – 7 PM
*Artists who are attending the Master Workshop with Russel Case can check in at the workshop.
Wednesday, June 4th
ARTIST CHECK IN (for anyone who didn’t check in on Wednesday)
Location: The Candy Jar, 105 NW Main St, Blackfoot, ID 83221
Time: 10 AM – 12 noon
PAINTING (Anywhere within Bingham County)
Time: All Day
Thursday, June 5th
ARTIST CHECK IN (for anyone who didn’t check in on Wednesday)
Location: North Bingham County Historical Park, 587 E 1250 N, Shelley, ID 83274
Time: 10 AM – 12 noon
Live Model Painting (Optional, free to participate. Models will be dressed in historical attire, and posing in a historical setting.)
Location: North Bingham County Historical Park, 587 E 1250 N, Shelley, ID 83274
Time: 9 AM – 12 noon
PAINTING (Anywhere within Bingham County)
Time: All Day
Friday, June 6th
ARTIST CHECK IN (Last day to check in if you didn’t on Wednesday or Thursday)
Location: Wadsworth Island (Same Place as the Group Paint Out)
Time: 10 AM – 12 noon
PAINTING (Anywhere within Bingham County)
Time: All Day
Saturday, June 7th
TURN IN PAINTING(S)
Location: The Candy Jar, 105 NW Main St, Blackfoot, ID 83221
Time: 12 noon – 3 PM
NO ARTWORK WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 3 PM
GALLERY OPEN HOUSE and ARTIST RECEPTION
Awards will be posted at this time.
Location: CJ Gallery, 105 NW Main St, Blackfoot, ID 83221 (Gallery inside The Candy Jar)
Time: 7 PM – 9 PM
Saturday, June 7th – Friday, July 18th
Optional EXHIBITION (Open during store hours)
Location: CJ Gallery, 105 NW Main St, Blackfoot, ID 83221 (Gallery inside The Candy Jar)
Thursday July 17th – Friday July 18th
ARTISTS PICK UP PAINTINGS
- Entry fee of $35. Covers all events and up to Two artworks to enter in the competition.
- Before painting, participants will need to get canvases, paper, etc. stamped during check in at dates and times listed in the schedule.
- Artwork must be created within Bingham County.
- Artwork needs to be created en plein air within the timeframe of when you check in, to when you turn in your entries on Saturday 12:00 – 3:00 pm. No entries will be accepted after this time.
- Any artist medium which can be done en plein air is welcome.
- All ages are welcome to participate, but entries will not be separated by age or skill for judging.
- Artists will need to provide all of their own materials.
- Entries must be ready to display (framed, etc.) with a hanging wire attached to the back. Sawtooth hangers don’t work with our hanging system. Gallery wrapped pieces are only acceptable if the sides are not painted or the paint is dry.
- Money for paintings sold during exhibition will be distributed at time of pick up, a 35% Commission Fee will be charged by the Candy Jar store.
- There will be an optional Group Paint Out on Wadsworth Island on Friday from 10:00 – 4:00.
AWARDS:
- First Place: $350
- Second Place: $250
- Third Place: $150
- Honorable Mention: $75
- Spectators Choice: $75
As an artist participating in this event you are welcome to paint anywhere in Bingham County. Below you can find maps of locations of interest.
FORT HALL CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Join us for the Group Paint Out on Friday, June 6th from 10 AM – 4 PM.
We will be meeting at Wadsworth Island in Blackfoot. Wadsworth Island is full of beautiful sights. Artists will find plenty of painting opportunities that are easily accessible as well as many off the beaten path. This photo gallery will help give you an idea of what you can expect.
Steve Spencer
Steve Spencer, an Idaho native, is a self taught wildlife, landscap
e and portrait artist. His paintings are the fruit of rigorous contact with the source, the hours he spends in front of an easel are preceded by weeks in the mountains and valleys of Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Wyoming and Utah. The landscapes he paints are the slopes he has climbed and the valleys he has descended. Many of the animals are those he has watched and photographed in their own remote habitations. Steve’s work is an articulate expression of his love for the “delicate weave of extremes”that is the West. He finds individual purpose and challenge in his work, allowing the paintings to “speak for themselves” to those who view them. Steve also finds great satisfaction in creating “works of art” in planting and nurturing the large garden, flowers, trees, and shrubs that beautify his small farm in Eastern Idaho. He is married to Wendy and they have 5 children and 8 grandchildren.
Master Workshop with Russell Case
Kick off the 2025 Bingham Arts Council Plein Air Paint Out with an opportunity to learn from Russell Case in this one-day workshop. You will have hands-on instruction on plein air painting and rub shoulders with other local artists. Register soon. Space is limited. Please bring your own supplies including brushes, paints, panels or canvas, and easel. Refreshments will be provided but please bring your own lunch.
Russell Case’s work can be found in galleries throughout the west including Jackson, Santa Fe, Scottsdale, and many others. He captures wide-open landscapes in bold colors and grand scale. Learn more at www.russellcase.com
Location: Kwani Winder Studio
106 N 1400 W
Blackfoot ID 83221
Time: 9 AM – 5 PM Tuesday June, 3rd
Price: $90 ($72 for BAC members) (You will be able to select this as an option when you register below)
There are a number of options for lodging in Bingham County. Below you will fins links to some good options.
Hotels
Shoshone-Bannock Hotel (Fort Hall)
RV parks & Camping
Airbnb
Register Today!
Thanks to our sponsors!
