The Art League of Ocean City is excited to announce registration for the 2026 Artists Paint OC Plein Air Event, a premier painting competition celebrating creativity, coastal beauty, and artistic excellence.

This limited competition is open to just 50 artists ages 18 and older, making early registration highly encouraged.

Participating artists will have the opportunity to display and sell their artwork during the popular Wet Paint Sale while competing for more than $6,000 in awards.

Top honors include a $2,500 First Place prize and the prestigious $1,000 Spirit of OC Award, along with several specialty awards recognizing outstanding works featuring light, maritime scenes, nocturnes, and more.

In addition to the main plein air event, registered artists are invited to compete in the exciting Quick Paint Competition on August 16.

During this fast-paced challenge, painters will create original works against the clock throughout downtown Ocean City before returning to the OC Center for the Arts for judging and a public art sale.

The Quick Paint Competition offers a total of $650 in prizes, including $300 for First Place, $200 for Second Place, $100 for Third Place, and a $50 Honorable Mention award.

Awards for the Quick Paint are generously sponsored by the Ocean City Development Corporation.

The 2026 event will be juried by internationally acclaimed painter Kevin Fitzgerald, whose artwork has been exhibited and collected around the world.

Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with entry fees set at $50 for Art League members and $65 for non-members.

Registration includes participation in both the Artists Paint OC event and the Quick Paint Competition. Artists already registered for the full Plein Air event are automatically entered into the Quick Paint and do not need to register separately.

Quick Paint Competition Details:
Date: August 16, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Downtown Ocean City (painting) and OC Center for the Arts (sale)
Judge: To Be Determined