INFORMATION
SPONSORS AND AWARDS
shown above: Harvey Walker, Best in Show 2026, Shadows on the Past, Dorset
2026 AWARDS
Harvey Walker, Shadows on the Past
"Best in Show"
$500
Sponsored by Haliburton Framing and Photo, Halburton
Sally Howson, "Cedar Trees in Winter"
"Curator's Pick"
$300
Sponsored by Rails End Gallery
Donna Greenstein, Morning Light at The Little Tart
"New To Plein Air" Prize
open to anyone who first started open air painting in 2025 or 2026
$100 Gift Certificate and set of brushes
Sponsored by
Martin's Framing, Gallery and Art Supplies , Bracebridge
Six Honourable Mentions
Artist "goody bag" from Professional Art Products, Algonquin Highlands
Greg McHarg - Through the Trees
Dagmar Boettcher - Lochlin Lake Swimming Rock
Oksana Baczynsky - Avery Lane Inlet
Susanne Farrow - Highlander
Daniel Teramura - Cooper's Lookout
Janet Trull - Pontoon View
Contact Laurie Jones, our Curator, if you would like to be a sponsor of
En Plein Air Haliburton 2027.
THE JURORS
Kathy Marlene Bailey
Kathy Marlene Bailey was raised in Toronto and at a cottage on Boshkung Lake. She is a graduate of University of Toronto and Sheridan College, specializing in Art Education and Creative Arts.
She recently spent five years in PEI painting, teaching and establishing her professional painter's supply store. She recently moved back to where her inspiration lies and her heart lives - Haliburton County.
Kathy is the key technical mentor for the Canadian Glaze Oil Society, teaching indirect oil painting. She is a member of OSA and president of CGOS. Kathy has been featured in the Hamilton Spectator, St. John’s Telegram and the CBC.
www.kathymarlenebailey.com, www.professionalart.ca.
and
Laurie Jones, Curator, Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre
EXPLORE HALIBURTON COUNTY
shown above: Sara Howson, Cedar Trees in Winter
Haliburton County is BIG! We're compiling a list of points of interest to painters. The list is growing thanks to our contributors.
Got a fave spot to share? Drop us an email.
your canvas + our landscape = endless possibilities
EXPLORE
Haliburton Highlands Land Trust has
three properties that are available to the public.
PADDLE AND PAINT
Painting Adventures in Haliburton Highands
High Falls and Algonquin South Gate - Rentals, Adventures, Local Knowledge - Deep Roots Adventure
Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve
PAINT THE PAST
Haliburton Highlands Museum grounds at Glebe Park
66 Museum Rd. Haliburton K0M1S0
Fridays from 1 - 3 pm (ask for Zach)
Minden Hills Cultural Centre Heritage Village
HALIBURTON COUNTY CEMETERIES
Evergreen Cemetery:
Twelve Mile Cemetery:
West Guilford Church Cemetery:
Maple Lake United Cemetery:
Gelert Cemetery:
Bethel Cemetery:
Essonville Pioneer Cemetery
FAQs
WHY ENTER?
We can think of a few reasons:
- give yourself a goal
- build your confidence
- learn how to enter a show
- meet new people
- explore Haliburton County
- get better at your craft
- paint more often
- get outside!
WHERE SHOULD I PAINT?
While the rules only state that you must paint outside (En Plein Air), its understandable to wonder where a good and creatively motivating spot can be found. If you are looking for some direction, we are posting weekly prompts on our instagram account that aim to give some direction. It is a good idea to think about what you will be seeing as you paint (so choose a nice forest clearing over the side of the highway)
HISTORY
Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre is a cornerstone of the local art community. We have hosted numerous successful exhibitions and events over the past 60 years. In the plein air genre we have hosted workshops, demonstrations and paint-outs. 2024 we hosted the first Juried En Plein Air Haliburton Competition at Rails End Gallery, a six week exhibition during the busy fall colour season! This year we are part of Culture Days Ontario - Haliburton County. www.culturedays.ca
RULES FOR ENTRY
- Must be painted outside (AKA "En Plein Air")
- Must be painted within Haliburton County
- Must have been painted in 2025 or 2026
- Entries must include both the name of the piece and the location where it was made
- $25 entry fee for one work, $35 for two entries (by same Artist)
- all entries are submitted online
ENTRY DEADLINE: September 15 2026
You are not required to provide exact GPS coordinates, but they would be greatly appreciated.
How to get GPS Coordinates using Google Maps
- Find your location on the map
- Click or press on your location to place a pin
- On the bottom of your screen, you will find a small popup that shows the GPS coordinates in Latitude/Longitude format
Exhibition Sponsors
