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Art Competitions
Buda Arts Festival
October 12 - 17

Plein Air Competition

4-day Outdoor Painting Competition & Awards

Oct. 12-17

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EARLY BIRD DEADLINE

Aug. 1

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

Sept. 30

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Quick Draw Competition

2-Hour Outdoor Painting Competition on Main Street in Historic Downtown Buda

Oct. 17

 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Oct. 17

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Festival Fine Art Show Competition

Juried Art Exhibit & Sale in the Inspired Minds Gallery​

Oct. 12-17

 

EARLY BIRD DEADLINE

Aug. 1

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

Sept. 30

Buda AF

Poetry Slam

The Chambers Theatre​

Oct. 13

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REGISTRATION DEADLINE

Oct. 12

Art Competition Registration Menu
Plein Air Registration

Plein Air Competition
Information & Registration

Artists have 4 days to paint en plein air anywhere outdoors in the 78610 zip code for a chance to win prizes totaling $1300!

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Please DOWNLOAD the PDF for further details.

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Artist Registration Fees And Discounts

  • Early Bird Plein Air Artist Registration: $40

    • DEADLINE: August 1, 2026 Includes 50% off Quick Draw Entry Coupon (check your email)

  • Standard Plein Air Artist Registration: $60

    • DEADLINE: September 30, 2026 Includes 50% off Quick Draw Entry

  • Student Plein Air Artist Registration*: $25

    • DEADLINE: September 30, 2026 *A valid student ID must be presented upon arrival for festival check-in.

       

  • Registration Includes:

    • Entry of up to two (2) paintings into the awards competition and exhibition

    • Artwork will be on display and for sale during the:

      • First Look Fête (10/17)

      • Awards Celebration and Public Art Sale (10/17)

      • Buda Plein Air Competition Exhibit (10/17-11/21)

    • Artists’ Welcome Reception w/ food and drinks (10/12)

    • Invitation to the Artists’ Happy Hours at Nate’s (10/14) & Meridian (10/15)

    • Free entry (+1) into the First Look Fête w/ food and drinks (10/17)

    • Awards Presentation at the Buda Welcome Center (10/17)

    • Lunch & Learn Workshops

 

Artists Requirements & Festival Dates: October 12–17, 2026

  • This festival is open to artists of all skill levels from beginner to professional of all mediums except photography.

  • Artwork will be created outside in the spirit of "plein air"

  • Tuesday Oct. 13 through Friday Oct. 16 are optional paint days.

  • All artwork must be turned in, framed, and ready to hang on Friday no later than 6pm.

  • See PDF of additional Rules & Guidelines found on Buda Arts Festival

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Plein Air Painting Locations:

  • Select outdoor locations in the 78610 zip code

  • See MAP​

 

Artist Check-In & Canvas Stamping:

  • Begins at Inspired Minds Art Center on Monday, Oct 12th at 5:00pm at the Welcome Reception and continues daily, 9am-5pm, through Oct 16.

  • All canvases must be stamped before use at IMAC.

  • See PDF of additional Rules & Guidelines

 

Plein Air Competition Submissions: DUE Friday, Oct 16

  • Deadline: Turn in artwork between 1pm-5pm

  • Location: Buda Welcome Center

  • Maximum of 2 artworks may be submitted

  • 2D artwork must be framed and ready to hang

  • Late artwork and 2D artwork that is not framed (canvas edges must be finished if not framed), stamped, and ready to hang will not be accepted.

  • Exhibiting artists must complete the following forms: 

    1. Art & Exhibit Release of Liability 

    2. Gallery Consignment Agreement

  • See PDF of additional Rules & Guidelines

 

2025 Buda Plein Air Festival Judging & Awards

  • $700 Best in Show

  • $400 Second Place

  • $200 Third Place

  • Honorable Mentions

  • All artwork will be guaranteed inclusion in the 2026 Buda Plein Air Festival exhibition

  • See PDF of additional Rules & Guidelines found on Buda Arts Festival web page

 

Registration Confirmation:

You will receive an email after completing festival registration that includes:

  1. A transaction receipt showing the amount paid.

  2. Your discount code needed to save $15 off Quick Draw registration.

    1. If you do not receive it, check your spam or junk folders for an email from info@inspiredminds.art

Quick Draw Competition
Information & Registration

Artists have 2 hours to paint en plein air in Historic Downtown Buda, TX and a chance to win awards totaling $500!

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Please DOWNLOAD the PDF for further details.

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Artists have 2 hours to paint en plein air in Historic Downtown Buda, TX. Win awards totaling $600!

 

Artist Registration Fees And Discounts​

  • $25 Standard Registration

  • $10 w/ Plein Air Competition Registration

 

Artists Requirements & Festival Dates:

  • Saturday, October 17, 2025

  • 9:30am-11:30am

  • This competition is open to artists of all skill levels from beginner to professional of all mediums except photography.

  • Artwork will be created outside in the spirit of "plein air"

  • See PDF of additional Rules & Guidelines. 

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Plein Air Painting Locations:

  • Downtown Buda, TX

  • Select outdoor locations locations from Stagecoach House to Jackson Tyler Morris Memorial Skate Park

  • See MAP​

 

Artist Check-In & Canvas Stamping:

  • Buda Welcome Center

  • Saturday, October 17

  • 8:00am-9:30am

  • All canvases must be stamped before use

  • See PDF of additional Rules & Guidelines.

 

Quick Draw Competition Submissions:

  • Turn in framed artwork no later than 12:00pm on Saturday, Oct. 17

  • Location: Buda Welcome Center

  • Maximum of 1 artwork may be submitted

  • 2D artwork must be framed

  • Late artwork and 2D artwork that is not framed, stamped, and ready to hang will not be accepted.

  • Exhibiting artists must complete the following forms upon submission in order for artwork to be exhibited and sold:

    1. Art & Exhibit Release of Liability

    2. Gallery Consignment Agreement

  • See PDF of additional Rules & Guidelines.

 

2026 Quick Draw Judging & Awards Ceremony

  • Judging at 12:00-12:30pm

  • 1st Place: $300, 2nd Place: $200, 3rd Place: $100

  • Awards will be presented at the 3pm Awards Ceremony in the Buda Welcome Center

  • Artwork will be displayed and for sale from 1pm-5pm at the Buda Welcome Center

  • See PDF for Rules & Guidelines.

 

Registration Confirmation

  • You will receive a confirmation email after completing festival registration. ​

  • If you do not receive it, check your spam or junk folders for an email from info@inspiredminds.art

Quick Draw Regstration

Festival Fine Art Show Competition
Information & Submission

Open to artists of all mediums! Display and sell your artwork in the Festival Art Show located in the Inspired Minds Gallery. Win the Judge's Choice Award and the People's Choice Award!

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Please DOWNLOAD the PDF for further details.

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This is a juried exhibit open to artists of all mediums for artwork created prior to the Buda Art Festival.  Artists must submit a portfolio of 3 works of art in any medium to be juried. A link to upload images will be provided in the follow-up Registration Email. If selected, artists may display up to two works of art for the Festival Art Show. Artists will be notified of acceptance within 5 days.

 

Artist Registration Fees And Discounts​

  • $40 Early Bird Registration - DEADLINE Aug 1

  • $60 Standard Registration - DEADLINE Sept. 30

 

Rules and Guidelines:

  • Register by filling out the online form.

  • See PDF for Rules & Guidelines

  • Artists will be notified of acceptance within 5 days from submission date.

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Important Dates:

  • Friday, September 30: Deadline to Register

  • October 5 & 6: Artwork Drop-Off (10am-6pm)

  • Monday, October 12: Exhibit is OPEN

  • See PDF for Rules & Guidelines

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Festival Art Show Time & Location:

  • Inspired Minds Gallery

  • 121 N. Main Street, Buda, TX

  • 10:00am - 5:00pm

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2026 Festival Art Show Awards:

  • Judge's Choice Gift Basket

  • People's Choice Gift Basket

  • Saturday, October 17

  • 5:00pm

  • Inspired Minds Gallery

 

Registration Confirmation 

Fine Art Show Competition
Buda AF Judges
Richie N. Vios
2026 Buda Plein Air Competition Judge

Born and raised in Cebu City, Philippines, surrounded by the influence of an artistic family, Richie ventured into academia after earning a bachelor's degree in architecture in 1995, he became a university faculty member. In 2005, Richie sought fresh prospects and moved to America, working as an architectural designer in Clearwater, Florida, for six years. Upon his return to the Philippines in 2010, he resumed his architectural practice with a vision to harmonize Western architectural principles with Southeast Asian aesthetics. During his architectural practice in the Philippines, Richie dedicated his spare time over the next seven years to honing his watercolor painting skills, a passion that now defines his artistic identity. Reuniting with his family in Victoria, Texas, in 2018, Richie embarked on a new chapter as a watercolor impressionist and Pleinair artist, reigniting his pursuit of the American dream. Presently residing in Austin, Texas, Richie participates in Pleinair events nationwide and leads watercolor workshops to share his expertise and inspire fellow artists.

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"I believe that a good artist is someone who can capture the different facets of life in their paintings, including mood, ambiance, and more. In a sense, they do not just illustrate or record what they see but also express what they feel. The subject before me serves as my inspiration, enhanced by my imagination, fueled by my passion, and reflected in my personal artistic impression embodied in my watercolor works."

 

Portfolio & Awards:

www.vioswatercolor.com

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Monica Davidson
2026 Buda Quick Draw Competition Judge

Monica Davidson is a third-generation Buda native who is proud to be raising the next generation of her family in the community she has always called home. She and her husband, Ty, have three children, Gage, Cade, and Isla.

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A longtime local business owner and community leader, Monica currently serves as CEO of the Greater Buda Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Buda City Council. Her community service has also included more than four years on the Buda Economic Development Corporation Board, service with the Hays Education Foundation, and mentoring through the LBJ Women’s Campaign School.

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Monica has a deep appreciation for the people, local businesses, artists, and organizations that give Buda its unique character. She is honored to serve as a judge for the Buda Arts Festival and to celebrate the creativity and talent that make the arts such an important part of a thriving community.

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TBA
2026 Festival Fine Art Show Judge

2026 Buda AF Poetry Slam

Open to poets ages 18+.

Perform up to 4 original poems in front of a judges selected from a live audience!

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Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Location: Chambers Theatre at Inspired Minds Art Center
Time: Check-in: 7:00 PM | Slam Begins: 7:30 PM
 

Important Information

  • Please complete this form to register for the 2026 Buda Arts Festival Poetry Slam.

  • Only 12 poets will be selected to perform. Registration includes a non-refundable $10 entry fee (collected upon submission).

  • Poets must be 18 years or older.

  • All performances must follow slam rules and respect community standards.

 

Cash Prizes:

  • 1st Place: $200

  • 2nd Place: $100

  • 3rd Place: $50

 

Poetry Slam Competition Rules:

  • You must perform your own original work.

  • Check-in is required by 7:00 PM. If you are not checked in by then, your slot may be given to an alternate.

  • You must show respect and support for fellow poets, competitors, and audience members at all times.

  • Performance order will be determined by drawing numbers 1–12 before the competition begins.

  • You must be ready to perform when your name is called. Failure to appear will result in disqualification.

  • Time Limit: 3 minutes per poem, with a 10-second grace period. After 3:10, 0.5 points will be deducted for each additional 10 seconds.

  • No props, musical accompaniment, costumes, animals, or other people are allowed on stage. (Singing a cappella is permitted.)

  • There will be no fewer than 3 and no more than 12 poets competing.

  • The competition will have 3 to 5 judges. If there are 5 judges, the highest and lowest scores are dropped, and the three middle scores are added to determine your score for the round.

  • In the event of a tie within a round, the poet who performed earlier in the previous round will perform later in the next round.

  • Cumulative scores may be used as tiebreakers in rounds 2 and 3. Each round begins as a clean slate for ranking purposes.

  • Judges must be treated with respect. Do not attempt to charm, influence, or address them directly during your performance.

Poetry Slam
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