2026 L.E. Shore Gallery Artist of the Year Application

Competition Conditions

General Conditions

  1. Applicants must be 16+.
  2. There is no fee to participate. 
  3. This is an outdoor art competition.
  4. In the event of inclement weather, the competition will move indoors to the L.E. Shore Library’s Gallery space.
  5. Artists must provide their own painting supplies, canvas, easel, chair and (small) table. 
  6. Artists are responsible for providing their own shelter (i.e., beach umbrella), although this is not a requirement to participate.
  7. The Gallery is not liable for any damage to artists’ property during the competition.

Selection of Artists

Artists may apply to be a Main Competitor, or alternatively, to be a Wildcard Artist. 

  1. Artist applications will be reviewed by the Arts & Culture Council for the Gallery at the L.E. Shore Library.
  2. Artists will be notified of the status of their application in mid-May 2026
  3. Artists who are not selected to participate as a Main Competitor may be invited to participate as a Wildcard (subject to space availability). 

Competition Artwork

  1. Artists will have 4 hours to produce 1 painting.
  2. Canvases can be of any material. Canvases must not be any larger than 30"x30" and no smaller than 12"x12”.
  3. There are no restrictions on paint medium. Artists may use acrylics, watercolours, oils, inks (etc.). 
  4. Artists may also choose to do a drawing instead of a painting.
  5. There are no restrictions on painting style. Realism, expressionism, abstract (etc.) are all welcome. Abstracts must clearly reflect the subject.
  6. Artists will decide if they would prefer to paint a still-life arrangement (provided by The Gallery) or a subject of their choice located within sight of the L.E. Shore Library grounds.

Prize

The artist awarded the L.E. Shore Gallery Artist of the Year title will receive a monetary prize and have their painting displayed in the library for one year. The artist will be required to sign a contract regarding the display of the artwork.

Special Notes for Main Competitors

If selected as one of the Main Competitors, please note the following: 

  • The Main Competitors will be asked to introduce themselves at the start of the competition.
  • The work of the Main Competitors will be be evaluated by a panel of three judges, who will provide (public) constructive feedback and critique before announcing the competition winner.

Special Note for Wildcard Artists

During the competition, one Wildcard Artist will be selected to join the Main Competitors in contending for the Artist of the Year title. Alongside the Main Competitors, this artist will receive (public) constructive feedback and critique of their work. 

Confirmation