2026 Bombala Art Prize:
‘En Plein Air’ painting event

Immerse yourself in the practice of painting ‘en plein air ‘at the Bombala Art Prize on Saturday, 18 April 2026.

Set against the autumnal backdrop of Bombala Riverside Park, this event invites artists to capture nature’s beauty where you encounter it. Let the vibrant colour in the country inspire your brushstrokes.

There are limited artist registration places so get in quick!

Event Program

• From 9.00am: Artist check-in opens at the Bombala Riverside Park swimming pool car park.

• From 9.30am: Pre-ordered lunch boxes can be collected

• 10.00am: “En Plein Air” painting event begins, select a spot around the riverside walk and settle in! Guests and families are welcome to explore the riverside and watch the artists in action.

• 4.00pm: Works to be handed in to the curator at the Bombala Exhibition grounds hall for hanging.

On the day…

• Artists who book ahead online can order a pre-made lunchbox to be collected on check in. 

• There will be a coffee van located on site.

• Visitors who are not painting are also welcome to come and spend the day exploring the riverside track and watch the artists in action. 

• To be eligible for the prize artists must purchase an Award Dinner ticket and attend the Award Presentation.

• Read full Terms & Conditions

• 6.30pm: Award dinner commences: get a drink from the bar, viewing works and cast your vote, enjoy some dinner!

• 8.30pm: Voting concludes: counting begins to select the winners.

• 8.45pm: Winners announced (adults and youth prize)

• 9.00pm: Art Auction for works available to purchase

• 10.00pm: Last drinks and event concludes

On the night:

After viewing the artworks in the Exhibition Hall, each ticketed dinner attendee may cast one vote for their favourite work. Voting will close at 8.30pm, at which time the votes will be counted and the winner announced! 

After the Award Presentation, artists are invited to sell their paintings created on the day in the Art Auction.  Dinner attendees will be given the opportunity to take home an original artwork from the inaugural Bombala Art Prize event!! 

The bar will remain open until 10.00pm so that guests can stay, enjoy the music and catch up with friends, artists and visitors. 

All proceeds from the registrations, tickets, art sale commissions and bar sales will go towards sustaining the Art Prize.

• 6.00pm: Last chance to register your artwork in the auction. Artist will receive sale price less a 20% sales commission.

• 9.00pm: Art auction for works available to purchase

• 10.00pm: Last drinks and event concludes. All art must be collected by artists or buyers.

On the night:

After viewing the artworks in the Exhibition Hall, each ticketed dinner attendee may cast one vote for their favourite work. Voting will close at 8.30pm, at which time the votes will be counted and the winner announced! 

After the Award Presentation, artists are invited to sell their paintings created on the day in the Art Auction.  Dinner attendees will be given the opportunity to take home an original artwork from the inaugural Bombala Art Prize event!! 

The bar will remain open until 10.00pm so that guests can stay, enjoy the music and catch up with friends, artists and visitors. 

All proceeds from the registrations, tickets, art sale commissions and bar sales will go towards sustaining the Art Prize.