2026 PLPA Artist Registration 
Please read these Guidelines before registering. Agreement to the Guidelines is required for registration.
2026 Prairie Lakes Plein Air Guidelines 

​You must agree to the following items when you register.. 
  1. Authentication must be presented with location, by submitting a photograph with the entry, and of the entry in situ.
  2. Entries must be created in Otter Tail County, MN. At least 90% of the painting must be produced outdoors, on location, and in the spirit of Plein Air. No classwork/workshop art please, with the exception of paintings created in the afternoon paint outs during the three plein air workshops with Mary Boylan, Greg Preslicka, and Lisa Stauffer.
  3. Registered artists are required to demonstrate respect for private property by obtaining permission before entering, and for public lands by adhering to the regulations set forth by land management agencies. This includes acquiring all necessary permits and remaining on designated roads and trails as applicable.
  4. Label the back of your artwork with your name, title, size, medium, price, and phone number.
  5. All paintings are required to be framed with a secure wire attached to the back for hanging. The maximum allowable artwork size, including the frame, is 24” x 30”. Each participant may submit up to three paintings for judging. (Please note frames are not mandatory for quick-paint entries, unless the artwork remains at the gallery for sale.)
  6. All PLPA artwork on display by AOTL must be available for purchase, with a commission split of 30% to AOTL and 70% to the artist. This policy also applies to quick-paint pieces and any artwork sold prior to the Awards Ceremony if it is still eligible to compete. If you wish to leave your quick-paint painting until the exhibit ends, ensure it is framed and properly wired. Any artwork that is not collected or for which arrangements have not been made will become the property of Art of the Lakes. 
  7. Checks for the sale of artwork will be mailed within a month of the closing of the PLPA gallery show. 
  8. Images of artists and artwork produced during the Prairie Lakes Plein Air Competition 2026 may be used in publicity (website, posters, advertisements, etc.)
  9. All artists must fill out and submit the artwork intake form for the entries online. Artwork is due at the gallery on Thursday, September 24, by 2 pm.
  10. Liability Release: By clicking REGISTER below, I release Art of the Lakes and all related volunteers from any liability claims that might arise because of accident or injury to myself or damage or theft of my artwork during all Prairie Lakes Plein Air Competition 2026 activities from June 20 through Nov 30, 2026.

Competition Entry Photograph Submission
​Prior to the submission due date, you'll receive an email with detailed instructions on uploading photographs and documentation of your painting entries.

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​Art of the Lakes provides equal opportunity and access to its facilities and programs to all individuals regardless of race, national origin, gender, age, beliefs, sexual orientation or disability in admission, access or employment. Upon request, accommodations will be provided to individuals who face barriers to participation in AOTL's services, programs, and activities.