Whitsundays Writers Festival Plein Air Challenge

When

September 13, 2026    
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Bookings

$20.00 - $39.00
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Where

Whitsunday Marine Club
7 Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale, Queensland

Creative Connections Whitsundays is inviting members to participate in the inaugural Plein Air Challenge, held as part of the Whitsundays Writers Festival’s free Stories by the Sea community event.

You’ll create an original artwork on location at the Whitsunday Marine Club, responding to the coastal landscape, atmosphere and experience of the day. Visitors can watch your work take shape before voting for their favourite in the People’s Choice Award, with the winning artist receiving a prize. Your completed artwork will also be offered in a silent auction, with 100% of the sale proceeds going directly to you.

Event Details

When: Sunday 13 September 2026

  • Registration: From 9:30am
  • Challenge: 11am–3pm
  • People’s Choice Award: 4pm
  • Silent Auction results announced: 4pm

Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale
Entry: $20 per artist plus option to purchase a lunch pack with two free drink tickets.
Eligibility: Creative Connections Whitsunday members
Places: Limited

What happens on the day?

Artists will have from 11am to 3pm to create an original artwork on location. Your work can be created in your own style and medium, but it must be started and substantially completed during the challenge.

Completed works will be displayed as part of Stories by the Sea, allowing festival visitors to see the finished artworks and
vote for their favourite.

The People’s Choice winner will be announced at 4pm.

All completed artworks will also be offered through a silent auction, with 100% of the sale proceeds going directly to the participating artist.

What You Need to Bring

This is an outdoor, on-location challenge, so you’ll need to bring everything you need to create and present your artwork, including:

  • Your preferred art materials and equipment
  • A suitable surface or substrate — canvas, board, paper, etc.
  • An easel, stool or anything else you need to work comfortably outdoors
  • Water, containers and cleaning materials, if required
  • Shade or sun protection for yourself and your artwork, if needed
  • A drop sheet or protective covering for your workspace
  • Any display equipment you need to safely present your finished artwork

Please also remember that you are responsible for transporting your artwork to and from the event and ensuring it is suitable for display and the silent auction.

Registration

  • $20 registration fee
  • Add an OPTIONAL lunch pack for $39, including a gourmet lunch and two drink vouchers (coffee from the coffee van or basic soft drinks, beer or wine from the bar).

Places are limited — register early to secure your place.

Bookings

Tickets

Ticket Type Price Spaces
Plein Air Challenge entry form -- $20 $20.00
OPTIONAL Lunch Pack -- $39
Make your festival day even easier by adding a delicious gourmet lunch and two drink vouchers to your registration. Choose your preferred lunch box option (below) and we’ll have it ready for you on the day. Your two drink vouchers can be used for coffee from the coffee van or basic soft drinks, beer or wine from the bar. 		$39.00

Registration Information

Fat Frog Ham Wrap: Smoked ham, avocado, cheese, fresh salad and aioli in a wrap, served with a mini muffin and seasonal fresh fruit.
Fat Frog Chicken Wrap: Chicken, bacon, cheese, tomato, spinach, onion jam and aioli in a wrap, served with a mini muffin and seasonal fresh fruit.
Fat Frog Vegetarian Wrap: A fresh mix of salad, avocado and cheese in a wrap, served with a mini muffin and seasonal fresh fruit.
Fat Frog Vegan Wrap: A fresh mix of salad, veggies and avocado, served with a mini muffin and seasonal fresh fruit.
Fishi Salmon Poke Bowl: Fresh salmon with edamame, soba noodles, buckwheat, rice, coriander and seasonal vegetables. Served with a fruit juice. (Contains fish, wheat and soy.)
Fishi Salmon & Tuna Sashimi Poke Bowl: Fresh salmon and tuna sashimi with edamame, soba noodles, buckwheat, rice – coriander and seasonal vegetables. Served with a fruit juice. (Contains fish, wheat and soy.)

I am a current Creative Connections Whitsunday member.
I understand that my completed artwork will be displayed as part of Stories by the Sea.
I agree to submit my artwork to the silent auction, with 100% of the sale proceeds going directly to me.
I understand that the People’s Choice Award will be determined by festival visitors.
I understand that I am responsible for the care, transport, and presentation of my artwork.

Booking Summary

Please select at least one space to proceed with your booking.