Artist Portal

Registration opens in April.

Artists are invited to participate in the Between the Bluffs Plein Air Painting Festival in beautiful La Crosse, Wisconsin. Painting takes place from October 2 through October 15, 2026. 

The Quick Paint Competition will be held on October 16.

The festival culminates with the Opening Reception and Awards Celebration on October 16 at Gallery 1802.

Sales continue on October 17, offering the public the opportunity to meet the artists and purchase freshly completed paintings.

Important: Please review the event guidelines before registering.

Ready to Register?

Register online using the link below:
https://www.crava.org/between-the-bluffs/btb-artist-registration/

Open to Artists & Students — Space Is Limited

Early registration is recommended to secure your spot in the festival.

Main Event Awards

  • One (01) Best of Show: $1,250
  • Two (02) Awards of Excellence: $750 each
  • One (01) Valerie Wenzel Burman “Figure in the Landscape” Award: $250
  • One (01) Artist Choice Award: $200
  • Six (06) Awards of Merit: $200 each

Student Awards

  • One (01) 1st Place: $150
  • One (01) 2nd Place: $100
  • One (01) 3rd Place: $50

Quick Paint Awards

  • One (01) 1st Place: $350
  • One (01) 2nd Place: $250
  • Two (02) Merit Awards: $100 each

  • Early Bird Registration: $45
  • After August 31: $55
  • Student Registration: $15

The entry fee includes:

  • Entry of up to three paintings in the Main Event
  • Opportunity to participate in the Quick Paint Competition (one painting completed within two hours)
  • Access to demonstrations by three professional artists (subject to change)

Artists may bring reserve works to replace paintings sold during the Show & Sale.

Registration fees are non-refundable unless the event is canceled by the organizers.

Gallery 1802
1802 State St, La Crosse, WI 54601

Stamping Times

  • October 2 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • October 3 | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

For additional stamping times, please contact one of the committee members:

  • Jon Erickson
    608-518-9560
  • Mike and Phyllis Martino
    Home: 608-785-7096
    Mike’s Cell: 608-897-1187
  • Gallery 1802 (Owner: Mark Halter)
    608-769-0333

Other stamping times are available during regular business hours at Gallery 1802 | Thursday–Saturday, 10 AM–4 PM.

  • Painting begins Friday, October 2, 2026 at 4:00 PM (local time). Artists must have their canvas or paper stamped before beginning to paint. Please see the Artist Information page for current stamping times and details. https://www.crava.org/between-the-bluffs/btb-artist-info/
  • Artists may pick up their paintings on Saturday, October 17, 2026, starting at 3:00 PM, subject to Gallery 1802’s operating hours. Earlier pickup may be available by arrangement with the gallery.
  • Up to three works may be submitted for judging and for the exhibition/sale.
  • Accepted media include watercolor, oil, acrylic, pastel, and gouache.
  • All works entered must have the BTB 2026 stamp on the back (verso). Works on paper may be verified by a committee member prior to framing.
  • The designated painting area for the event is within a 15-mile radius from the intersection of Fifth and Main Streets in Downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin.
  • Paintings must be created outdoors, on location, and the use of photography is not permitted (no photographic reference while creating the submitted work).
  • The maximum size of any submitted artwork is 20 inches in either direction, not including the frame.
  • All works submitted for judging and exhibition must be delivered on Thursday, October 15, 2026 between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM at Gallery 1802.
  • Early submission of artwork may be arranged in advance by contacting one of the committee members.
  • All artwork must be displayed in a quality frame and must be ready for hanging. Please use wire for hanging. Cradle panels or wrapped canvases may be used; however, the edges must be dry (no wet paint) and have a neat appearance appropriate for exhibition.
  • The BTB Committee reserves the right to reject any work submitted for judging or display that does not follow the event guidelines or that is not in keeping with the standards of the event.
  • All sales will be processed through Gallery 1802. Sales tax must be collected for all sales. The sales commission for this year will be 20%, thanks to the generosity of CRAVA and Gallery 1802. Artists are asked to report all sales of work associated with the event to the committee and the gallery.
  • If a sale occurs during the event, please ensure that Gallery 1802 has your current mailing address so payment can be issued. Artist checks will be mailed approximately two weeks after the close of the event.
  • Image Use & Promotion: By participating in the Between the Bluffs Art Festival, artists grant Between the Bluffs and CRAVA permission to photograph and use images of participating artists and their artwork for non-commercial marketing, promotional, educational, and archival purposes related to the festival. This may include use on the festival and CRAVA websites, social media, advertising, press releases, promotional materials, and other festival-related communications. Images of artwork will not be used for commercial purposes or sold as merchandise or products. Artist names and/or appropriate credit will be provided whenever reasonably possible.
  • Please continue to check the event website for updates and additional information.

The designated painting area for the event is within a 15-mile radius from the intersection of Fifth and Main Streets in Downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Questions?

For special stamping times, early turn-in requests, or any questions, please contact one of the committee members below:

Jon Erickson
608-518-9560

Gallery 1802 (Owner: Mark Halter)
608-769-0333

Phyllis and Mike Martino
Home: 608-785-7096
Mike’s Cell: 608-897-1187

Ready to Register?

Please read the guidelines prior to registering.