BINGHAM ARTS COUNCIL
Plein Air Paint Out
May 30 – June 6, 2026
Bingham County, Idaho
Painting by Ginger Shell — 2024 1st Place Winner
About
An open-air celebration of landscape, light, and Idaho.
The Bingham Arts Plein Air Paint Out is an 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 event, the public can view and purchase these unique visions of Bingham County during the Exhibition at the Candy Jar Art Gallery.
En plein air is a French expression meaning “in the open air.” Artists must handle shifting light, fluctuating temperatures, wind gusts, and inclement weather — all part of the challenge and the charm.
Schedule
2026 Event Calendar
Master Workshop · Firth, Idaho
Kick off the 2026 Bingham Arts Council Plein Air Paint Out with a one-day workshop with Keith Bond. Come get hands-on instruction on plein air painting and rub shoulders with other local artists. We’ll be outdoors with river and mountain views. Limited to 20 registrants — register early to secure your spot.
| Date | Saturday, May 30, 2026 |
| Time | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Location | Firth, Idaho (exact location provided upon registration) |
| Fee | $125 · $100 for BAC members |
What to Bring
- Brushes, paints, panels or canvas, and an easel
- At least 4 small panels or canvas — we’ll be practicing “beginnings”
- Your own lunch (refreshments will be provided)
About Keith Bond
Keith’s work can be found in galleries in Arizona and Montana, in the Utah State Capitol building, and in temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Open painting week begins today. Artists may paint anywhere in Bingham County through June 6.
All Week · Bingham County
Make as many plein air paintings as you can throughout the week. Focus on scenes from around Bingham County — rivers, foothills, farms, and towns. Paint anywhere within the county boundaries.
No canvas stamping required. We trust you to paint on-location during the dates of the event. We encourage you to photograph your work in progress.
Group Paint · Old Town Blackfoot
Get to know other artists participating in the Paint Out. Pick a spot in historic old town Blackfoot and paint an urban landscape together.
| Time | 5:00 PM |
| Location | Candy Jar Gallery · 105 NW Main St, Blackfoot |
Competition · Patriot Field, Blackfoot
Watch or compete as artists create a finished, framed piece in just 120 minutes. A high-energy evening to test your skills and win prizes. Patriotic theme — prize money provided by an America 250 grant. Models provided, or bring your own.
| Setup | 5:00 PM |
| Starts | 5:45 PM promptly |
| Submit by | 8:00 PM |
| Awards | ≈12:15 PM |
| Fee | Free for registered plein air artists |
Group Paint · Wadsworth Island
Meet up with the group for a morning on Wadsworth Island with sweeping river views and accessible nature paths. A great way to connect with fellow artists before the final push.
| Time | 7:00 AM – Noon |
| Location | Wadsworth Island, Blackfoot |
Final Day · Candy Jar Gallery
Turn In Paintings
| Time | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM |
| Location | Candy Jar Gallery · 105 NW Main St, Blackfoot |
No entries accepted after 3:00 PM. Up to 2 paintings, framed, wire hanger only.
Open House & Awards Reception
| Time | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Location | Candy Jar Gallery |
Hear judging results, mingle with artists, and enjoy the exhibition.
Pickup · Candy Jar Gallery
Collect your work and start dreaming about next year. Sales proceeds will be distributed at this time (35% commission retained by Candy Jar).
| Time | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Location | Candy Jar Gallery · 105 NW Main St, Blackfoot |
Rules
Competition Guidelines
No canvas stamping required. Please work honestly and on-location. We encourage you to photograph your paintings in progress.
Special Category · 2026 Only
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, this year includes a special patriotic theme category with dedicated prize money provided by an America 250 grant.
Prizes
Winning 2026 Artists
Plein Air · General
America 250 · Patriotic
Quick Draw
Workshop
Master Workshop with Keith Bond
Kick off the 2026 Paint Out with a full day of hands-on instruction from accomplished plein air painter Keith Bond. Limited to 20 participants — register early to secure your spot.
Please bring your own supplies: brushes, paints, at least 4 small panels or canvas, and an easel. Refreshments provided. Bring your own lunch.
Keith’s work can be found in galleries in Arizona and Montana, in the Utah State Capitol building, and in temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. keithbond.com →
| Date | Saturday, May 30, 2026 |
| Time | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Location | Firth, Idaho (details provided upon registration) |
| Price | $125 · $100 for BAC members |
Judge
Meet the Judge
Josh Hobbs
Josh Hobbs was raised on a farm in Franklin, Idaho. He was fortunate to have a family that encouraged his interest in the visual arts, being influenced by family members who often made art with him.
Josh earned a BFA in 2D studio art and a BS in art education from Brigham Young University – Idaho, an MA in art education from Brigham Young University, and a Ph.D. in art education from the University of Missouri. He taught art at both the junior high and high school levels for seven years in Utah and Idaho. Currently, he is the Art Department Chair at BYU-Idaho, where he teaches courses in drawing, painting, art education, and freshman orientation for art students. He has attended and presented at art education conferences at both the state and national levels and enjoys opportunities to participate in regional art shows.
Josh and his wife, Annie, have five children and reside in Teton, Idaho.
Where to Paint
Painting Locations
You may paint anywhere within Bingham County. Below are some suggested locations with map links to help you plan your week.
Lodging
Airbnb
Several options available in the Blackfoot area.
Search Airbnb →