Call to Artists: Center announces Floyd Plein Air Biennial 2026
The Floyd Plein Air Biennial brings together talented artists from across the region and beyond to paint the inspiring landscapes, farms, waterways, and town scenes that define our community in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Applications are open to participate in The Floyd Center for the Arts’ fifth Floyd Plein Air Biennial, which is set to take place Sept. 14-19 across Floyd County. This year’s competition will be judged by Deliece Blanchard, a distinguished member of Oil Painters of America, the American Impressionist Society, and American Women Artists.
FCA said in early January that Joli Ayn Wood will return as Chairperson for the 2026 event, and the Call to Artists is open until Feb. 14. Artists must be 18 years old or older and work in 2-D plein air media to join in the fun. Cost is $60 to enter, and first place comes with a $1,500 prize.
The Floyd Plein Air Biennial brings together talented artists from across the region and beyond to paint the inspiring landscapes, farms, waterways, and town scenes that define our community in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Over the course of the week, selected artists will paint entirely on-location, capturing the light, atmosphere, and spirit of Floyd County in real time. From rolling fields and mountain vistas to historic sites, rivers, and downtown Floyd, participants will experience the landscape through focused observation and creative exploration.
The Biennial also features a variety of public opportunities to engage with plein air art, including artist demonstrations, wet paint sales, the Quick Draw Contest, and the Gala Art Sale, where finished works created during the event will be available for purchase.
Find the Call to Artists and additional information about the 2026 Floyd Plein Air Biennial online at www.floydartcenter.org.