The Wasatch Plein Air Paradise festival is currently underway in Midway, bringing professional and amateur artists to the Heber Valley for a large-scale painting competition and exhibition that concludes on July 4. The event features hundreds of original fine art paintings created on-site, all of which are available for purchase by collectors.
Competition details and scenery
The main competition portion of the festival began on June 20 and is scheduled to run through July 4, 2026. During this period, artists utilize the diverse landscape of the Heber Valley as their subject matter. According to the Midway Art Association, the region provides a variety of vistas including mountains, lakes, and rural farm scenery, supplemented by rustic barns and historic homes.
Public access and viewing information
As reported by gohebervalley.com, the festival serves as a premier competition for plein air painting in Utah. The event is open to the public and offers free entry for visitors who wish to view the works being completed in the field.
Exhibits, sales, and auctions
Following the main competition phase, a secondary schedule of events will take place from June 30 through July 4, 2026. This portion of the festival focuses on an art exhibit, sale, and silent auction. The Midway Art Association has organized this phase to showcase the results of the artists' work to the community and art collectors.
Live auction and quick draw
A highlight of the festivities is a live auction scheduled for July 4 at 11:00 a.m. This auction will feature 30 new paintings. Attendees can also participate in a 90-minute 'Quick Draw & Auction,' an event the Midway Art Association describes as a favorite among attendees because it allows the public to watch artists complete masterworks within minutes.
Additional festival programming and growth
The festival includes various programming elements beyond the main competition, such as local 'Paint Outs' and live music performances. The Midway Art::Association noted that the event continues to grow in scale every year, attracting an increasing number of top professional artists and savvy art collectors to the area.
Year-round community art initiatives
In addition to this annual event, the Midway Art Association maintains a year-round presence in the community. The association provides a welcoming environment for artists of all skill levels through monthly educational demonstrations, member shows, and various sales designed to promote the work of artists from across the county.
The art exhibit and sale activities are being held at the Midway Town Hall, located at 120 West Main Street, Midway City, Utah. The daily programming for the exhibit phase is scheduled to run from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through Saturday, July 4.
The Midway Art Association has noted that the success of the Wasatch Plein Air Paradise relies on volunteers and continues to seek community assistance to manage the growing popularity of the event.
