Event Information for Artists Rules & Instructions

You and your family are invited to a unique and creative weekend getaway in the picturesque State of Indiana.  The Gathering will begin at the Hamilton County Art Center in Noblesville.  This June, artists of all ages have the opportunity to come together for two days of painting in the great outdoors of Hamilton County.  Paint throughout the day and then join the festivities in the evening.  On the final day of the Paint-Out enter one of paintings into the friendly competition, which includes ribbons and money prizes for the adults. Goodie bags and ribbons will be awarded to the kids and teens. 

This event offers a fresh and engaging way to present the art of painting that will give the public a whole new way to experience art in the making, to meet the artists, and to purchase the art.  Spectators are encouraged to interact with the artists, follow their progress, find their favorites and ask questions about the painting process. 

For food, lodging and campground information, visit the Hamilton County Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.hccvb.org, or call 800-776-8687 or 317-848-3181.

You are invited to the “Artist Welcome and Orientation” at the Hamilton County Art Center, Thursday, May 31st, at 6:00 p.m.  Starting at 7:00 pm there will be a painting demonstration by Indiana Plein Air Painter, Mary Ann Davis.   You may check in and receive a packet with maps of Hamilton County and information on how to participate in the competition on Saturday. 

You may also check in the mornings of June 1st and 2nd from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. to have additional materials stamped that you may need during the independent painting.

Water bottles and Continental Breakfast will be provided each morning of the event.

Entry Fees

Professional Adult - $50  This fee allows the artist to compete for the top prize of $1,000 and other cash awards totaling $4,000.  The fee allows all other access to continental breakfast, water, reception and other listed activities.

Non-professional Adult - $20  This fee restricts the artist from competing for the $4,000 in cash awards, however, 1st, 2nd & 3rd place ribbons and educational art DVD's will be awarded.  The fee allows all other access to continental breakfast, water, reception and other listed activities.

HCAA Member - $45  This fee is restricted to existing HCAA members who are competing for the $4,000 cash awards.  The fee allows all other access to continental breakfast, water, reception and other listed activities.

Professional Adult with New Membership - $20 plus $40 (total $60)  This $20 registration fee must be received with the new HCAA membership fee of $40. This fee includes all the benefits of HCAA Supporting Members (see Membership benefits on our website)  plus it allows the artist to compete for the top prize of $1,000 and other cash awards totaling $4,000 in the paint out.  The fee allows all other access to continental breakfast, water, reception and other listed activities.

Non-professional Adult with New Membership - $10 plus $40 (total $50)  This $10 registration fee must be received with the new HCAA membership fee of $40. This fee includes all the benefits of HCAA Supporting Members (see Membership benefits on our website).  This fee restricts the artist from competing for the $4,000 in cash awards, however, 1st, 2nd & 3rd place ribbons and educational art DVD's will be awarded.  The fee allows all other access to continental breakfast, water, reception and other listed activities.

Teens & Kids - Free

You may paint on public property within the parameters of Hamilton County.  We will provide you with maps and pictures of our cities, parks and recreational areas. You are responsible for your artwork and all personal belongings.  

• Artists may not trespass on private property or block entryways or access to streets.
• Painting in groups is encouraged for convenience.

• Street vending is not allowed.  Booths and tents are not permitted.
• The Gathering will be held rain or shine.  No refunds. 
• Children under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. 
• The HCAA is not responsible for accidents or injuries, nor illegal trespasses or conduct regarding any entrant.
• The HCAA reserves the right to use images of entered artists and their works in promotional materials. 

The Gathering kicks off at 6:00p.m. with an hour to arrive and socialize followed by an inspiring and informative demonstration by prolific Indiana Plein Air Artist, Mary Ann Davis. Following the demonstration there will be a brief orientation. At this time you may check in and receive your packet which will contain maps, coupons, restaurant menus and other helpful items. You may also get your materials stamped. 

Friday, June 1st

Check in is from 8:30-11:00 a.m. (not necessary if you checked in Thursday evening). A continental breakfast will be provided. Independent plein air painting is scheduled for anytime between 8:30 and 4:00 p.m. 

Saturday, June 2nd

Same as on Friday.   Independent plein air painting is scheduled for all day until 4:00 pm.  There will be a Lions Club Pancake Breakfast available on the square until noon. Train rides to outlying towns will be running during that day.

Finish up your artwork between 4:00 and 4:30 pm.  Frames and mats are suggested for artwork to be entered for judging.  (Please do not sign the front of your artwork.) Your packet provided will include your form to fill out and attach to the back of your artwork.

From 4:30 -5:30 pm, check in your best artwork (one piece per artist) for judging inside the old courthouse on the town square.  There will also be a "Wet Room" set up inside the old courthouse with volunteers to assist you in preparing your artwork for hanging.

At 6:00 p.m,  you  are treated to a free dinner and musical entertainment at the Large Tent on the Courthouse Square.   There will be lots of good food, desserts and time for discussion of the experiences everyone had during the paint out. There will be musical entertainment in the old courthouse before and after the Awards Ceremony.  Patrons and Art Collectors will have the opportunity to purchase your art shortly after the Awards Ceremony in the old courthouse.  You may also display additional works at this time. 

HCAA will handle the sales process.  Artists will determine the retail prices for their artwork prior to Indiana Sales Tax (7%).  Any bank charges for credit card sales will be deducted from the sale price to arrive at the net proceeds of the sale.  The proceeds from artwork sales will be split as follows: 80% to the artist and 20% to HCAA.  Artist proceeds from the sale will be mailed after all checks and credit card charges have cleared.

Best of Show - $1000
The Gathering Award - $600