Outdoor painting competition chooses Akron for 2026 and 2027

The Ohio Plein Air Society selected Akron as the location for its annual outdoor painting competition in both 2026 and 2027. An August 7 announcement scheduled the 2026 Art Challenge for September 17–20 at Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market Street, following two years in Millersburg.

Organizers expected approximately 100 participating artists, with nearly 90 percent traveling from within Ohio. The announcement described the move as a way to connect with the region’s painters and bring visiting artists, their families and friends into Summit County’s arts community.

The published plan called for artists to check in at Summit Artspace on September 17 and paint at locations around Summit County throughout the weekend. On September 20, the public was invited to see completed paintings presented for display and judging at Summit Artspace, with some works available for purchase.

Charles Basham was named as the exhibition judge. This summary describes the schedule and expectations in the August announcement; it does not confirm attendance, competition results or which paintings were sold after the event.