The Old School House Arts Centre invites you to our 31St Annual Grand Prix Plein Air painting race for the summer of 2024!

Most Fridays in July and August, 4 painters in the streets!

July 12th, July 19th, July 26th

August 2nd, August 9th, August 16th

Every year artists from all over Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland come to Qualicum Beach, BC to create art that represents our beautiful community.  

The Grand Prix d’Art is a three-hour painting “race” that requires artists to complete a work of art “en plein air” (working outside, not in a studio). Each artist is assigned a location in the Town of Qualicum Beach by lottery. The artwork must represent or be inspired by something that is visible from the assigned location. Artists of all levels, experience and mediums are welcome.

Artists can paint anytime between 9am and 1pm. Artwork is brought back to TOSH to be hung. Afterwards, artwork is exhibited in the Sue Clark Space for display during the first two weeks of September.

ARTIST RULES AND GUIDELINES

1.  Artists will pick their location at random at the Arts Centre gallery on the Friday of their choosing 

2.  Artists bring their own set up and materials for painting on location.

3.  NO preliminary sketching/painting before the start of the race, underpainting of a canvas will NOT be permitted. Artists must come with a blank white canvas, board or paper, to begin with.

4.  Artwork must be completed within the 3-hour time limit.

5.  The artwork must represent or be inspired by something that is visible from the assigned location.

6.  Artwork is brought back to the Arts Centre to install hanging equipment. A hanging table inside the gallery will be provided, however artists must provide their own hanging and/or framing equipment.

7. Artwork needs to be in display condition, titled and priced for sale at the Arts Centre no later than 2pm.

8.  Artwork will be exhibited in The Sue Clark Space for the first two weeks of September

9. Unsold artwork must be picked up the week of September 17th.