RAMP it UP 2026 Plein Air Competition

Weber County and the Eccles Art Center present the “R. A. M. P. It Up Around Weber County” Plein Air Competition, celebrating the places and experiences that make Weber County special. The 2026 competition is open to artists who presently reside in the state of Utah. Bring your easel, explore Weber County, and let its landscapes, landmarks, and community spirit inspire your work.

Eligibility and submissions:
- Original works must be created outdoors within Weber County between May 26 and June 2, 2026.
- Artists must provide their own painting surfaces. Surfaces must be stamped by the Eccles Art Center prior to beginning work; stamping serves as contest verification and surfaces must be returned upon completion.
- Maximum surface size: 24" x 36".
- Artists may have as many surfaces stamped as they like but may submit no more than two completed works for judging.
- Original paintings, drawings, and mixed media created en plein air are accepted. Photography, AI-generated or AI-assisted artwork, and reproduction prints (including giclée prints) are not permitted.
- Works consisting of multiple parts (diptychs/triptychs) will not be accepted.
- Entries must be ready to hang: mounted, gallery-wrapped, matted and framed, or otherwise ready for display, and must include a secure wire. Works with only alligator hardware, D-rings, V-rings, keyhole hangers, sawtooth hangers, or other unstable hanging methods will not be accepted.
- Upon registering (online or in person), each artist will be assigned a Weber County city to paint via random drawing.
- The first 30 participants will receive a R. A. M. P. and Eccles Art Center swag bag.

Schedule and deadlines:
- STAMPING: Beginning Tuesday, May 26, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (EAC closed May 25, 2026)
- WORKING PERIOD: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. – Tuesday, June 2, 2026 by 3:00 p.m.
- RECEIVING / RETURN DEADLINE: Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Work will not be accepted after 3:00 p.m.)
- OPENING RECEPTION & EXHIBIT: Opening reception and awards on Friday, June 5, 2026. The exhibit will be on display June 5 through June 27, 2026.

Venue / contact:
- Eccles Art Center
- 2580 Jefferson Avenue, Ogden, Utah 84401
- (801) 392-6935

Awards and sales:
- Best of Show: $500 (Best of Show will be donated to the Weber County R. A. M. P. Commission for display in the commission office with artist recognition)
- First Place: $300
- Second Place: $200
- Third Place: $100
- The Eccles Art Center will retain a 35% commission on all sales. Sales are encouraged but not required.

Entry fees and forms:
- $20.00 entry fee for the first entry; $5.00 for a second entry.
- Eccles Art Center members with an "Artist Membership" (Artist level) receive the second entry free.
- Entry fees are used for prize money and publicity and are non-refundable.
- Entries must be clearly identified with title, medium, and price/insurance value; identification tags will be provided at time of entry.

Pick-ups, liability, and storage:
- Works accepted for exhibit and not sold must be picked up June 29 & June 30, 2026 between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
- Every reasonable precaution will be taken to protect submitted work, but the Eccles Art Center is not responsible for damage caused by improper framing, presentation, or transportation.
- Work left after July 1, 2026 is at the artist’s own risk and storage charges may accrue. Works left over 90 days may be deemed abandoned and disposed of at the Board’s discretion.

Additional notes:
- Two-dimensional clip or front-loading frames will not be accepted.
- Identification, registration, and delivery must follow the Center’s instructions at the time of entry.

For questions, contact the Eccles Art Center at (801) 392-6935.