March 16, 2026 – (KEY WEST, FL). The Key West Art & Historical Society and the Tennessee Williams Museum are pleased to invite artists of all levels to participate in the 2026 Tennessee Williams Plein Air Painting Contest, taking place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Key West.
Inspired by the creative legacy of Tennessee Williams and his iconic play “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” this year’s contest celebrates Williams’ expressive approach to painting – beginning and completing a work in just a few hours. Artists are encouraged to embrace spontaneity and creativity while painting en plein air at any location across Key West that inspires them. Each composition should incorporate a playful nod to the theme by including a cat on a roof somewhere within the scene.
Participants will begin the day by checking in the morning of March 21 at the Key West Museum of Art & History, where their canvas or paper will be officially stamped before they head out to paint. Artists are required to bring their own materials. Once stamped, they will spend the day painting outdoors throughout the island, capturing the atmosphere and architecture of Key West while interpreting the contest theme. Completed artwork must be returned to the museum by 3:00 p.m. the same day.
The competition includes professional and recreational divisions, with first-place prizes of $500 and second-place prizes of $250 in each category. A student division is also offered with free entry and a special prize awarded to encourage emerging young artists. The selected works will be displayed during a reception and awards presentation held on March 26 at the Tennessee Williams Museum as part of the annual Tennessee Williams Birthday Party celebration. Participating artists will also have the opportunity to offer their finished works for sale during the event while retaining 100 percent of the sale price.
Registration for the contest is $35, and artists may choose any painting location in Key West. For more information or to register, visit kwahs.org/plein-air. For more information, contact Dr. Cori Convertito on 305-295-6616 x507 or [email protected].
Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island.
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IMAGE 1: Artists across Key West are invited to participate in the 2026 Tennessee Williams Plein Air Painting Contest on Saturday, March 21, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Hosted by the Key West Art & Historical Society and the Tennessee Williams Museum, the contest encourages painters to create a work inspired by “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” Registration is $35, and artists can register at kwahs.org/plein-air. (Photo Credit: Key West Art & Historical Society)
