There is something magical about painting outdoors. The changing light, the sounds of nature, and the opportunity to slow down and capture our perspective on the wor;d around us. The Swope Art Museum invites artists of all skill levels to participate in the William T. Turman Plein Air Competition June 25-28, 2026. Each artist can celebrate the beauty of seeing—and painting—the world around us and share their work with others. Join fellow artists for three days of creativity, inspiration, and connection as we capture the unique character of our Terre Hauate and Vigo County, one brushstroke at a time.
Register for the William T. Turman Plein Air Competition
The 2026 Swope Art Museum William T. Turman Plein Air competition is open to all painters. All works must be painted during the event period, June 25-28,
and must be created in Terre Haute and Vigo County, Indiana.
The 2026 Competition will be held on June 25-28
Register now:
Before registering please read the 2026 Prospectus:
Past Exhibitions
William T. Turman
This outdoor painting event is a tribute to William Turman, a preeminent plein air painter. Turman was the second director of the Swope Art Museum, and Chairman of the Indiana State University Art Department for 40 years. Turman was part of the rich history of Indiana landscape painters including T.C. Steele, William Merritt Chase, and William Forsyth.
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