Salon Art Prize Online Art Competition

International Deadline: June 30, 2026 – The 16th Annual Salon Art Prize is an online art competition with 11 monthly cycles, and is open to a variety of mediums and styles. We invite a variety of top master artists, museum directors and gallery owners to judge each month. All monthly winners are automatically included in the Annual Competition where the Grand Prize Winners each receive $15,000—one featured on the cover of PleinAir Magazine and one on the cover of Fine Art Connoisseur.

Over $65,000 in Cash Prizes. The Annual Grand Prize Winners each receive $15,000 and their painting featured on the cover of either PleinAir magazine or Fine Art Connoisseur. An additional $11,250 in cash prizes for the annual competition winners, and $2,250 in cash prizes awarded each month for a total of $24,750 per year for the monthly competition winners. Plus, all winners are included in a showcase in the magazines, and will receive exposure and recognition throughout our various magazines, websites, e-newsletters, and social platforms.

ELIGIBILITY
Competition is open to residents of any state or country where acceptable by law. All individuals entering must be at least 18 years of age to accept cash prizes. All entries must be original compositions and cannot be based on anything that has been published elsewhere. 

Open to paintings/drawings only: Photography, AI, digital, printed or painted over photographs are prohibitied.

BENEFITS & AWARDS
The Salon Art Prize Annual Awards (formerly the PleinAir Salon) are presented each year at the Plein Air Convention & Expo. The winners are brought up on stage to receive their awards. In 2026 we will now have TWO Grand Prize winners presented with a check for $15,000! In addition to cash prizes, winners are promoted throughout our various magazines, newsletters and social media platforms.

The Salon Art Prize consists of 19 categories.

Monthly Awards
$24,750 in Monthly Cash Prizes: The Salon Art Prize consists of 11 monthly cycles with 22 winners, and awards $2,250 each month. Plus, all monthly winners receive a showcase in PleinAir Magazine and Fine Art Connoisseur, plus online displays across multiple venues… more.

• 1st Place Overall – $600 Cash Prize
• 2nd Place Overall – $400 Cash Prize
• 3rd Place Overall – $300 Cash Prize
• Each category award winner receives a $50 cash prize.

Plus, all winners receive a showcase in PleinAir Magazine and will receive exposure and recognition throughout our various magazines, websites, e-newsletters, and social platforms.

ENTRY FEE
There is an Early Bird Discount, which ends the 15th and 11:59 pm.

APPLY ONLINE
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