CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE 2026 YOUTH COMPETITION.
The Orange County Arts Commission presents the 10th Annual Paint It Orange Plein Air Paint-Out and Paint Sale October 2, 2026. The event celebrates artists of all types and all abilities and combines gorgeous scenery with the opportunity to meet other painters from around the region.
Returning this year, we have a youth competition open to middle and high school students living in or attending schools in Orange County. Artwork will be displayed at the Eno Arts Mill in Hillsborough and judged by the Paint it Orange Juror, with both students and the 1st Place school art departments winning cash prizes!
Registration is free but required (parent or guardian must give permission or complete form)
Read below for guidelines and more information.
JUROR:
Lori Putnam OPAM, is celebrated for her fresh and engaging paintings. Putnam’s works in today’s new impressionist style illustrate nature’s intrinsic beauty and light.
Having traveled to paint, research, lecture, and teach in over 30 countries, she believes exposure to other lives and geographic locations has been her greatest teacher.
Rather than relying on photographs, the artist works from her notes and sketches back home in her Tennessee studio. There, she paints large-scale pieces, often combining multiple studies in her creative process.
Putnam is a Signature Member of the California Art Club, American Impressionist Society, Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, and American Women Artists, and is a Master Signature Member in the Oil Painters of America and International Plein Air Painters. In 2021 won both the $15,000 Grand Prize and the People’s Choice Awards from Annual Plein air Salon.
AWARDS
1st Place High School: $100.00 student/$300 High School Art Department
2nd Place High School: $75.00
3rd Place High School: $50.00
1st Place Middle School: $100.00/$300 Middle School Art Department
2nd Place Middle School: $75.00
3rd Place Middle School: $50.00
People’s Choice: $100.00 People’s Choice voting will be open throughout the exhibit October 2 – November 21, 2026. All Paint it Orange works, including student work, are eligible for People’s Choice.
GUIDELINES FOR YOUTH PARTICIPANTS
- Painting Area: Artists may paint any subject or scene outdoors within Orange County, including the towns of Hillsborough, Chapel Hill and Carrboro. The sites must be accessible to the public and should not impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Artists are expected to maintain complete respect for private venues, and agree to not enter private property without written or verbal permission granted by the property owner. Artists will be required to wear their name tags at all times. Painting(s) must be completed in the outdoor area and not from photographs.
- Canvases and Painting Timeframe:
- One 11×14 canvas will be provided for all youth participants.
- Canvas will be stamped with the Paint it Orange stamp; only Paint it Orange-stamped canvases are allowed to be submitted for jury!
- Canvas pick-up: the student’s art teacher will distribute canvases to registered artists at school September 18th.
- Canvas turn-in: canvases are due back to the student’s art teacher on September 21st or 22nd (depending on school).
- Juroring and Paint Sale: Youth participants may submit one work for the competition. Only stamped works can be shown or sold. All submitted pieces must be labeled with artist’s name, title, and price. Framing is optional; frame should not exceed 1″. Unframed works must have painted edges. The OCAC reserves the right to exclude works not properly prepared for display. Artwork will remain on display through November 21st in person and online.
- Proceeds from the Paint Sale: For all work sold, the Orange County Arts Alliance (on behalf of the Orange County Arts Commission) will retain a 40% commission. The OCAA will collect all monies from the sale of artwork, including tax, through November 21st. Artists will receive payment by December 31, which will be paid through the parent or guardian email address on file.
- Unsold Artwork: Artists will pick up unsold work from their art teacher after the show closes.
- Use of images: Artists agree to allow the OCAC use of images produced during the event.
SCHEDULE:
- Registration deadline: Monday, September 7th at 5pm.
- Canvas pick-up: the student’s art teacher will distribute canvases to registered artists at school September 18th.
- Painting window: Friday, September 18 – Sunday, September 20. (No oil paints this year!)
- Electronic submission: To be included in the exhibit, you must complete an electronic form for the piece you are submitting by 9am on September 21st.
- Canvas turn-in: canvases are due back to the student’s art teacher either Monday, September 21 (Orange County Schools) or Tuesday, September 22 (Chapel Hill/Carrboro Schools & Eno River Academy). Paintings must be completely dry!
- Preview (for artists, family, and sponsors): Friday, October 2 | 5-6pm at the Eno Arts Mill in Hillsborough.
- Awards announced at 6pm.
- Paint Sale: Friday, October 2 following Awards Reception and Preview. Paintings will be on display through November 21st.
FAQ’s
Q: Can I register in person?
A: Registration must happen online by September 7th (with parent/guardian permission): YOUTH PAINT IT ORANGE REGISTRATION
Q: Can I frame my canvas?
A: Yes, but this is not required. Frames must not exceed 1″ width. Unframed works should have painted edges.
Q: Are surfaces other than canvas allowed?
A: We ask all youth participants to use the provided canvas but are welcome to attach other surfaces, such as watercolor paper, on top of the canvas.
Q: Are other mediums allowed?
A: No oil paint this year–but most other mediums are allowed! Watercolor, pastel, charcoal, crayon, collage… whatever you wish to use, as long as it is completely dry when you turn in the work.
Other questions? Email us at kmurray (at) orangecountync (dot) gov.
REGISTER
Registration is FREE but required. Please note: registration must be completed by a parent or guardian or with their permission.
