2025 River Bluffs Paint Out

Saturday, May 3 - Paint Out in Canton, MO
Sunday, May 4 - Paint Out in Hannibal, MO

The communities of Canton and Hannibal are situated along the banks of the Mississippi River and offer a wide variety of plein air locations to capture the river, quaint downtown locales, natural beauty and architecture. River Bluffs Paint Out attracts regional artists, as well as artists from across the Midwest. Plein air artists of any age are eligible to participate. Artwork must be done outdoors, en plein air, during the event. All paint and drawing mediums are accepted. There are no size limits on canvas and paper. Artists will work on site within a designated area determined by each city. Artists must work on public property or on private property with landowner’s permission.

DAILY PLEIN AIR DETAILS

CHECK-IN TIMES: 7:00–9:00 a.m.
CHECK-IN LOCATIONS:

Saturday, May 3: Lewis Street Playhouse, 405 Lewis St, Canton MO
Sunday, May 4: Hannibal Arts Council, 105 S Main St, Hannibal MO

Artists will need to check-in each day at the specified locations. Artists are not required to participate each day. Each day, canvases and/or paper must be stamped at check-in locations with the current day’s stamp. Stamp must be visible at judging or access provided if asked by judge. Daily complimentary artist packets that include daily instructions, maps of suggested site locations and other goodies will be provided. Those that do not pre-register are not guaranteed an artist packet.

DROP-OFF TIMES: by 4:00 p.m. each day.
DROP-OFF LOCATIONS:

Saturday, May 3, Gather, 507 Clark St, Canton MO
Sunday, May 4: Hannibal Arts Council, 105 S Main St, Hannibal MO

EXHIBIT AND COMPETITION
Each evening, up to two artworks completed earlier that day may be turned in for judging. Only works hand-delivered to the specific day’s locations will be displayed and eligible for judging. Artists are encouraged to drop off artwork any time before those times to help expedite the exhibit installation.

*All canvases must have screw eyes and picture wire for hanging. All art done on paper should be protected under plexi/glass and either framed or mounted, with picture wire for hanging. No sawtooth hangers. Each exhibit location reserves the right to install works in any manner deemed necessary for exhibition or security reasons. Although the utmost care will be taken in the handling of works, each exhibit location assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to any artwork. Due to the wide variety of visitors at each exhibit location, all artwork must be appropriate for viewing by all ages. Each exhibit location reserves the right to refuse any work that may be considered potentially offensive.

DAILY “FRESH ART” RECEPTIONS – Open to the Public
RECEPTION TIMES: 5:00-6:30 p.m. (Awards at 6:00 p.m.)
RECEPTION LOCATIONS:

Saturday, May 3: Gather, 507 Clark St, Canton, MO
Sunday, May 4: Hannibal Arts Council, 105 S Main St, Hannibal, MO

*Artwork must be removed from each exhibition location following the daily reception.

JUDGING
A visual art professional, with expertise in plein air, will be secured to select awards. Judging will take place daily.

DAILY AWARDS
$500 Best of Show
$300 Second Place
$200 Third Place
Honorable Mentions
People's Choice

SALES
Sales to the public will be encouraged and each artist will conduct their own sales. No sales commissions will be charged…however, consideration of a donation to the hosting group is appreciated. If credit card purchases have to be arranged through host site, a minimal fee will be charged.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Hannibal: Hannibal Arts Council, 573-221-6545, findit@hannibalarts.com
Canton: Sherry Taylor, 217-653-1156, sstaylor1981@gmail.com
Canton: Patti Meldrum, 573-406-4340, gammpm@gmail.com