Artists, collectors and art enthusiasts will find an unparalleled collection of traditional oil paintings representative of the high quality of work being produced by the nationally and internationally acclaimed group of oil painters in this exhibition.

An opening reception and award ceremony will be held for artists, collectors, the public and press on Friday, June 1st from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Steamboat Art Museum. Renowned artist Craig Tennant OPAM will serve as Juror of Awards.

OPA’s membership is comprised of over 3,500 artists from across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Over the years, OPA’s National Exhibition has garnered a reputation for being one of the premier art shows in the country receiving over 2,000 submissions each year for consideration. Of those entries, only two hundred artists are selected to be part of this exhibition. Total awards for this year’s exhibition will exceed $100,000 in cash and merchandise, including a $25,000 cash Gold Medal award.

In addition to the exhibition, the opening weekend convention events will include painting demonstrations by nationally renowned artists such as Juror of Awards Craig Tennant OPAM; this year’s Distinguished Artist Skip Whitcomb; prominent artist & BLICK Art Materials representative Joe Gyurcsak, as well as group demos by Nancy Boren OPA, Mostafa Keyhani OPA, Rob Rey OPA, Jason Sacran and David Santillanes OPA. Of special note, acclaimed artist Jill Carver will be a key speaker during the convention.

Artists, art students and the public are invited to attend the many events taking place throughout the opening weekend including the wet paint sale and competition with awards totaling $28,000. Other events will include a panel discussion providing attendees an opportunity to share valuable information about the art business with their peers, personal critique sessions, networking & social opportunities and art company exhibitors such as Judson Art Supply, Rosemary Brushes, Gamblin, Michael Harding Handmade Oil Colours, Savoir-Faire, Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff, Bella Muse Productions, Maimeri Puro and Rembrandt. Events begin Tuesday, May 29 and run through Sunday, June 3. Pre-registration is recommended but walk-ins are welcome.

The exhibition will be on view from June 1 through September 3, 2018. All pieces will be for sale. Museum hours at The Steamboat Art Museum, 807 Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat Springs, CO will be Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The museum is closed on Sunday & Monday.