THE THIRTY-SIXTH NATIONAL JURIED EXHIBITION OF TRADITIONAL OILS
Oil Painters of America is pleased to be traveling to the Rockport Art Association & Museum, in Rockport, Massachusetts, for our Thirty-sixth National Exhibition. The Exhibition runs June 4 through July 3, 2027, with the Convention activities beginning on June 1.
The opening reception for artists, the public and the press will be held at the Museum on Friday, June 4 from 5:30-7:30 pm, preceded by a private Collectors’ Preview Reception from 4:30 to 5:30. The Awards and Recognition Ceremony will begin at 8 pm. OPA is again presenting a wide variety of demos, talks and activities during the convention and is pleased that a number of our sponsoring vendors will have representatives and displays.
Our goal is to assemble the finest exhibition of representational oil paintings by artists from throughout North America. The focus in the jurying process will be to select paintings that show the highest quality in draftsmanship, color, and composition, emphasizing a diversity in representational style and subject matter.
Total National awards will be approximately $90,000 in cash and merchandise, including a $25,000 Best in Show Gold Medal Award in the Associate/Signature Division.
Awards and Jurors
- Awards: Total National awards will be approximately $90,000 in cash and merchandise, including a $25,000 Best in Show Gold Medal Award in the Associate/Signature Division. The National Exhibition Awards Judge is Lori Putnam OPAM. The Wet Paint Awards Judge is Don Demers.
- Jurors:
Lori Putnam OPAM – National Exhibition
Don Demers – Wet Paint Competition
Show Information
- Entry: CANVAS SIZE is not to exceed 900 square inches unframed, e.g., 30x30”= 900 square inches. ENTRIES. Each artist may enter up to three (3) paintings; only one (1) may be accepted. If you have any questions at all about the eligibility of your work, please contact OPA prior to submitting it to the show.
- General Information: SUBMISSION WINDOW November 1, 2026 - March 13, 2027. ENTER ONLINE on the OPA website. FILE REQUIREMENTS File types: JPG, JPEG, PNG or HEIC File size: Maximum file size is 5MB. Minimum size is 1400 pixels in the longest dimension. For best results we recommend the image size be closer to the maximum size of 4000 pixels in the longest dimension. Filename must contain only alphanumeric characters. JURYING FEE for the first painting is $35.00; second painting, $15.00; third painting, $10.00. Payment may be made by credit card online at time of submission. You may enter up to three paintings, but only one can be accepted. MEMBERSHIP must be current to enter. Annual dues are $80. If you are not a member of OPA, you must apply and be accepted before the system will allow you to enter. Join now or Renew Membership. Renewing members: the system will not accept your entry if you have not paid your dues for 2027.
- Eligible Artists: Citizens and most non-resident aliens who currently live on the continent of North America are eligible to compete. Please see eligibility details on the OPA website.
