We are excited to host En Plein Air Contest & Auction as part of Red River Arts Fest 2026!

Artists will have chances to win cash prizes AND sell their artwork in a live auction or in our gallery.

The community will have a chance to watch the artists in action – on Friday night (May 1) at Neighbors Place Winery and on Saturday (May 2) in locations in and around Bonham.

All are invited to the opening reception on Saturday, May 2, starting at 5:00 pm at the Creative Arts Center.  The awards ceremony will start at 5:30 pm, immediately followed by the live art auction. Artwork not sold in the live auction will be on display in the gallery and available for purchase during the month of May.

Registration for Artists is now open.  Look for the REGISTER button below or stop by the center during normal business hours to sign up in person.  SCAMMER ALERT – if any individual says you can contact them to register, they are a scammer.

1. Artists must bring all their own canvases, frames, supplies, chairs, tools, etc. Please note, no outside food or drinks can be brought it to Neighbors Place Winery.
2. At check-in, the center will stamp all canvases that the artist intends to use, to ensure that no one started early! Artists who choose to paint on Friday night will check in at the Winery, get a canvas stamped & then turn in that painting on Saturday morning at the Creative Arts Center & then get additional canvas(es) stamped for the Saturday painting.
3. Artists have chance to win cash prizes, which will be given out at the awards ceremony on Saturday at 5:30 pm
4. Artists are strongly encouraged to make their artwork available for sale. When turning in artwork, artists will be asked for their minimum starting bid for the auction and their gallery sale price. The Center will attempt to sell all artwork either in live auction on Saturday evening or in the gallery during the month of May.
5. Sale price will be split 80% to artist and 20% to center.
6. Checks for sales made during the auction will be prepared the following week and mailed to the artists. Check for sales made from the gallery during the month of May will be prepared in early June and mailed to artists.
7. Artists can choose to have their artwork labeled “Not For Sale.” In this situation, the center would still like to exhibit the artwork for the month of May, if gallery space is available.
8. Artwork that does not sell shall be picked up by the artist during normal business hours May 29- June 4. Normal business hours are Tuesday – Friday 10 am to 5 pm and Saturdays 10 am to noon. If an artist cannot pick up during these times, they should contact the center Director or Coordinator at (903) 640-2196 to make alternative arrangements.
9. Participating in the Nocturnal Painting time on Friday evening at Neighbors Place Winery is optional and does not cost extra.
10. Artists can submit up to 3 pieces of artwork.
11. All artwork must have a wire on the back suitable for hanging. No sawtooth hangers.
12. Artists should ensure that the artist name, artwork title, artwork medium and price (if any) are included on the back of the artwork.
13. The CAC Director reserves the right to reject any work deemed inappropriate for any reason.
14. The Creative Arts Center, its staff, and volunteers will not be held responsible for damage to artwork.

Bonham area has several overnight lodging options for out of town folks.  Here are a few suggestions.  Check back soon – we hope that some of these places may offer a special discount to those who are participating in this event.

• Caney Acres – Airbnb – 10% discount already posted on their booking site
• Carleton House Bed and Breakfast  10% discount off a two night booking, cash only payment – call (903) 583-2779 and mention the Creative Arts Center Plein Air event to get the discount at the time of booking
• Four Winds Victorian Venue and Suites
• Holiday Inn Express Bonham
• Grandma’s Cottage – Airbnb – 10% discount already posted on their booking site
• The Lodge at Parker Place – call Dana at 903-227-0508 and mention the Creative Arts Center’s Plein Air Contest to get a $50 discount per night

• Painting Essentials

• Paint

  • Oils, acrylics, or watercolors (bring a limited palette—outdoors you don’t need 20 colors)

• Brushes

  • A few reliable sizes + one you don’t mind abusing

• Surface

  • Canvas panels, watercolor paper, sketchbook, or linen panels

  • Panel carrier or cardboard + clips

• Palette

  • Lightweight palette, palette paper, or sealed travel palette

• Easel or support

  • French easel, pochade box, tripod easel, or even a lap board

Medium-specific extras

For oil painters

• Solvent (odorless mineral spirits) or solvent-free medium

• Small containers with tight lids

• Rags or paper towels

• Palette knife

For acrylic painters

• Water container (spill-proof if possible)

• Spray bottle (to keep paint wet)

• Stay-wet palette (optional but great)

For watercolor painters

• Water containers (2 is ideal: clean + dirty)

• Tissues or sponge

• Masking tape or board clips

Comfort & survival items (don’t skip these)

• Hat or cap (sun glare is brutal)

• Sunscreen

• Bug spray

• Layered clothing (weather lies)

• Comfortable shoes

• Folding stool or lightweight chair

• Water + snack (hanger ruins paintings)

Practical outdoor tools

• Paper towels / wipes

• Trash bag (leave no trace)

• Small umbrella or clamp-on shade

• Phone for reference photos (light changes fast!)

• Viewfinder or cardboard frame

• Paper weights or clips (wind is the enemy)

Transport & protection

• Backpack or shoulder bag

• Wet panel carrier or wax paper + spacers

• Zip-lock bags for messy items

Pro tips

• Pack lighter than you think—you’ll walk farther than planned.

• Limit colors; nature already mixes beautifully.

• Do a quick value sketch before starting—light changes, values don’t.