OPA - Oil Painters of America

Dedicated to the preservation of representational art

2026

2026 National Juried Salon

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Oil Painters of America’s 2026 National Juried Salon

Oil Painters of America is pleased to present the 2026 National Juried Salon, an exhibition presented  to showcase Student Associate, Associate and Signature members. This exhibition will be hosted by Cassens Fine Art, in Hamilton, Montana, July 31 through August 29, 2026, with the opening reception and awards being held on Friday, July 31 from 5 pm to 7:00 pm.

July 31, 2026 – August 29, 2026
Awards Announcement: July 31, 2026

More information to follow……….

2026 Virtuosos of the OPA

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Oil Painters of America’s 2026 Virtuosos of the OPA

Oil Painters of America is pleased to present the 2026 Virtuosos of the OPA Exhibition of Traditional Oils, an exhibition presented  to showcase Student Associate, Associate and Signature members. This exhibition will be hosted by Principle Gallery, in Alexandria, Virginia, October 9 through November 8, 2026, with the opening reception and awards being held on Friday, October 9 from 6 pm to 8:30 pm.

October 9, 2026 -November 8, 2026
Awards Announcement: October 9, 2026

More information to follow……….

2026 OPA Online Showcase Spring

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Welcome to the Oil Painters of America’s Online Showcase.

An online fine art exhibition for OPA members.

The OPA Online Showcase is a rolling exhibition, offered three times per year, allowing OPA members to easily enter multiple paintings for only $15 per entry.

The Spring 2026 Online Showcase is accepting entries from January 1 – April 15 and boasts awards of $3,000 for first place, $1,500 for second place and $500 for third place for OPA International Associate, Associate and Student Associate Members only.  10 honorable mention awards will also be awarded.

January 1 – April 15, 2026
For International Associate, Associate and Student Associate Members Only
Awards Announcement: May 6, 2026

2026 Sixth Annual Student Art Competition

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Welcome to Oil Painters of America’s Sixth Annual Student Art Competition

An online fine art exhibition for students

Show Your Talent. Be Recognized. Shine!

Oil Painters of America (OPA), one of North America’s leading professional art organizations with 3,500+ members, invites high school & college students to submit their oil paintings. Explore the beauty of representational art and take your skills to the next level!

Submit your work, gain recognition, and be part of an amazing art community. Let your art shine for the world to see!

Who can enter

Students ages 14–23
Submit up to 3 oil paintings
Teacher/faculty guidance is encouraged but optional

What to Submit

Oil paintings in representational style in accordance with OPA’s Submission Rules.
Plein air or studio work accepted
Family-friendly subject matter only
Online display includes: artist name, painting title & size, school, and age.

Where Winners Exhibit

The top 3 winners in each division are invited to OPA’s 35th National Exhibition of Traditional Oils.
Steamboat Art Museum, Steamboat Springs, CO
May 29 – August 29, 2026
Requirements: framed, wired, remain on display; winners handle shipping

Awards by Division

First Place: $500 cash + $500 Blick Gift Certificate
Second Place: $250 cash + $250 Blick Gift Certificate
Third Place: $100 cash + $100 Blick Gift Certificate
3 Honorable Mention: $50 Blick Gift Certificate

Important Dates

Submission Period: Dec 1, 2025 – Apr 1, 2026
Winner Notification: Apr 15, 2026

Submission Fee

$10 per entry (max three entries)

How to Enter

Free OPA Student Membership required (ages 14–23)
New Members: Complete the online membership application to enter
2025 Student Members: Renew before submitting
Optional: Student Associate Membership ($40/year) all the benefits of Associate membership

Exhibition Policy

If a Student Associate is both an award recipient in the Student Competition and accepted into the National Exhibition, only one painting may be displayed at the Steamboat Art Museum. The Student Associate shall designate which work will be exhibited, either in the Student Competition section or within the National Exhibition.

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2026 National Exhibition & Convention

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Oil Painters of America’s 2026 Annual Exhibition & Convention

Oil Painters of America is pleased to be returning to the Steamboat Art Museum, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, for our Thirty-fifth National Exhibition. The Exhibition runs May 29 through August 29, 2026, with the convention activities beginning on May 26 at the stunning Steamboat Grand Hotel. The opening reception for artists, the public and the press will be held at The Museum on Friday, May 29 from 5:30-7:30 pm, preceded by an private pre-view reception from 4:30 to 5:30. The Awards and Recognition Ceremony will begin at 8pm. 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.