Welcome to the Oil Painters of America’s National Convention Wet Paint Competition.
A National Competition for fully registered convention participants.
May 26, 2026 – May 28, 2026
Awards Announcement: May 29, 2026
View Award Winners
CREATING COMMUNITY ADVANCING SKILLS ELEVATING EXCELLENCE
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May 26, 2026 – May 28, 2026
Awards Announcement: May 29, 2026
View Award Winners
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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 Summer 2026 Online Showcase is accepting entries from May 1 – August 15 and boasts awards of $3,000 for first place, $1,500 for second place and $500 for third place for Associate and Student Associate Members only. 10 honorable mention awards will also be awarded.
May 1 – August 17, 2026
For Associate and Student Associate Members Only
Awards Announcement: September 18, 2026
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Oil Painters of America is pleased to present the 2026 National 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
Celebrate the opening of OPA’s National Salon: Exhibition of Small Paintings with a memorable weekend of art, education, and community, July 31 – August 1. The festivities begin with the Opening Reception and Awards Presentation on Friday evening, followed by a full day of special events on Saturday, including live painting demonstrations by Master Signature artists James Crandall OPAM and John Michael Carter OPAM, a casual lunch with members of the OPA community, and Wine & Wisdom, where Awards Judge James Crandall OPAM offers a behind-the-scenes look at the artistic qualities that distinguished this year’s award-winning paintings.
Whether you’re an artist, collector, or simply passionate about representational art, Opening Weekend is a wonderful opportunity to meet exceptional artists, gain valuable insights, and experience one of OPA’s premier contributions. All events are complimentary, and advance registration is requested.
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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
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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