2026 Port Republic Juried Plein Air Invitational
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Harry Bowen Memorial Field • Port Republic, New Jersey
The Absecon Cultural Arts Alliance is pleased to present the 2026 Port Republic Juried Plein Air Invitational, a one-day painting competition celebrating the beauty, history, and character of Port Republic.
Unlike traditional plein air festivals that span multiple days, this fast-paced event challenges artists to create a finished work of art in just four hours. Working outdoors and on location, artists must respond to changing light, weather, and atmosphere while capturing the unique spirit of one of New Jersey's oldest communities.
Historic architecture, scenic waterways, wooded landscapes, and hidden local treasures provide endless inspiration as participating artists spread throughout Port Republic to paint, draw, and create. The result is a diverse collection of original artwork produced entirely on-site and in real time.
For artists, the Port Republic Juried Plein Air Invitational offers an exciting opportunity to compete for awards, recognition, and exhibition opportunities. For visitors, it provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the creative process as works of art emerge from blank canvases throughout the day.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Absecon Cultural Arts Alliance and its ongoing efforts to support arts programming, exhibitions, and educational opportunities throughout the region.
Juried Artist Participation
Participation in the Port Republic Juried Plein Air Invitational is limited to 40 artists.
Artists wishing to be considered must submit three images of recent artwork no later than August 1, 2026. Submissions must include the artist's full name, mailing address, email address, and valid telephone number. Incomplete submissions will not be considered for jurying.
A distinguished featured juror will review all submissions, and selected artists will be notified after August 15, 2026.
Artists accepted into the event will then be invited to complete registration and submit the $50 participation fee. No payment is required during the jurying process.
Two complimentary student positions will be reserved, one for a student from Stockton University and one for a student from Atlantic Cape Community College.
All artwork must be created on-site during the competition using traditional drawing or painting media. Photography and digitally created artwork are not eligible.
Port Republic Quick Draw Challenge
New for 2026, the Port Republic Juried Plein Air Invitational will feature the Port Republic Quick Draw Challenge, open to artists of all skill levels.
Participants may register on the day of the event for $10 and will have two hours, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, to complete an original plein air artwork on-site. The Quick Draw Challenge is designed as a fun and accessible introduction to outdoor painting and drawing, making it perfect for emerging artists, hobbyists, students, and first-time participants looking to experience the excitement of creating against the clock.
The featured juror will select one outstanding Quick Draw entry to receive a $50 cash award.
Awards, Exhibition, and Reception
Completed artwork from the Invitational will be evaluated by our featured juror, who will select the award winners based on artistic merit, composition, execution, and overall impact.
Following the event, selected artwork will be transported and installed at the Seaview Gallery, where it will remain on exhibition through February 2027. This extended exhibition provides participating artists with additional visibility and opportunities for public engagement long after the competition has concluded.
Artists whose work is selected for exhibition should be prepared to leave their artwork on display through February 2027. By participating in the Port Republic Juried Plein Air Invitational, artists acknowledge and agree to this exhibition commitment if selected.
Event Schedule
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Artist Check-In and Canvas Stamping
9:30 AM – 1:30 PM Plein Air Competition
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Port Republic Quick Draw Challenge
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Artwork Submission and Public Viewing
1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Reception and Exhibition
3:30 PM Awards Presentation
4:00 PM Selected Artwork Transported to Seaview Gallery Exhibition
PRIZE STRUCTURE
Best of Show – $1,000
Second Place – $750
Third Place – $500
Honorable Mention – $100
Quickdraw Draw Challenge Award – $50
Noyes Collection Purchase Award – $1,000
Gallery Feature – Top works displayed in the Seaview Gallery
How to Apply
Artists must register by August 1, 2026. To apply, please email 2–3 recent images of your artwork (at least one landscape) along with a headshot to abseconarts@gmail.com or at the link below. Only one entry per artist is allowed. Images should be submitted in JPEG format, between 800KB and 5MB. We may use your headshot and artwork in promotion of the event.
Your photos MUST be labelled in the following format:
YourLastName,FirstName_WorkTitle.jpg
Artist Information
All participating artists will receive a welcome packet with a campus map, local dining guide, and hotel information. Staging areas will be clearly marked, and staff will be available throughout the day to assist.
The Port Republic Plein Air Invitational is more than an art event—it’s a fast-paced creative challenge, a celebration of our region’s beauty, and an investment in the next generation of artists.
We invite you to be a part of it.
The ACAA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. All proceeds go towards helping the ACAA fund art related events and education in the Absecon Area.