All artists at any level and all ages are welcome.

All artists at any level and all ages are welcome.

All artists at any level and all ages are welcome.

Middle school, high school, or college students may participate at the student level. When student artists check-in for the festival, they must show a valid photo ID for the spring, summer, or fall 2025 terms to qualify for free registration.

Student Registration is FREE with code PA25-Student.

A valid student ID must be presented upon arrival at OMA for festival check-in.

REGISTRATION INCLUDES:

• Entry of up to two (2) artworks into the awards competition and exhibition jurying
• Artwork selected for the exhibition will be offered for sale through the run of the exhibition, closing November 2025.
• Eligibility for awards (not including Best In Show)
• Participation in the Quick Paint Challenge
• Participation in all communal “Paint Out” events, including on-location sales (ticketed workshops require separate registration)
• Entry of one artwork into the Quick Paint Challenge Sale
• One ticket to the Closing Event/Awards Ceremony on September 13
• Access to ticketed festival workshops led by the Festival Featured Artists—Further details will be published soon!

There are different benefits to participating at the different artist levels. Take a look at the chart here.

In short:

• The Featured Artists were invited early-on to help lead the Festival and teach workshops.
• Select Artists are some of the best Plein Air artists around. They submitted to participate at this level and were juried into the Festival in May. 
• Select and Featured artists will compete for the Grand Prize. All other prizes are available to artists at all levels.
• Most artists participating in the Festival are General Artists

No. Stamping begins 8:00am on September 6, 2025.

There is no defined painting area. However, at least one artwork must be painted in Oceanside. (View a map of suggested painting locations here.)

It is free to observe! Anyone is encouraged to visit Oceanside, hang out where there are scheduled events, and learn about Plein Air painting. Non-artists can also attend events and purchase tickets to the Awards Celebration on September 13.

Yes, please! You can email photos to marketing@oma-online.org.

No, only registered festival participants can take part in Paint Outs, Workshops, and the Quick Paint Challenge. Registered artists must present their Festival Badge to participate in programs. However, everyone is invited to watch, chat with an artist (if they are open to it), and fall in love with a painting—there will be plenty of opportunities to purchase work throughout the week!

Yes, you may sign your artwork on the front or back.

Please refer all sales to an OMA representative. Sales will be a 50/50 split between the artist and OMA for commission.

You will be painting outdoors, possibly in natural or wild areas. Consider sturdy, protective shoes and casual, comfortable clothing. Make sure you are protected from the sun with long sleeves, sunscreen, a hat, or a portable umbrella. Bring all your art-making supplies, including your easel or drawing board. Insect repellent and cash for parking meters are recommended. Drinking water is essential!

Yes, all artwork chosen for the exhibition must remain at the museum until the exhibition closes in January 2026.

Artwork selected for the exhibition may be picked up from OMA after the close of the exhibition. Further details for artwork return will be shared with exhibiting artists when selections are announced. If artwork sells from the exhibition, the buyer will be responsible for arranging transportation.

Animals are not allowed inside the museum building unless they are acting as registered service animals with proof of registration and proper physical identification (i.e. service animal vest). This includes but is not limited to: pets in strollers, carry-on bags, wagons, and/or being carried by someone, etc.

Please note that emotional support animals are not registered service animals if they do not have proof of registration.

Outside of the museum premises, artists are responsible for researching locations for pet/animal guidelines beforehand.

Any.

There are a number of stunning hotels within walking distance of the Museum. Our partners at Visit Oceanside can help you out with current lodging deals, insider tips, and all things Oceanside. 

Contact a staff member at pleinair@oma-online.org or call the museum at (760) 435-3731 with further questions.

By registering, artists acknowledge and authorize the use of photos taken throughout the event, which may include artists and their artwork, for promotional use online and in printed materials for future events.

Artists acknowledge and agree that Oceanside Museum of Art will retain 50% of the sale price of individual art sales generated during the event.