With the onset of spring comes the excitement of our crown jewel annual exhibition, “Color Splash” and presentation of D-38 PLAG Art Scholarship recipients, this year’s exhibit being held at Library 21c in Colorado Springs. This gallery is a two story space filled with light from the skylights above and is located directly across from the library’s multiple Create Space multi-purpose rooms. A large screen TV located in the main lobby will be rotating PLAG information and photos of artist’s works and each piece displayed will be labeled with a QR Code that opens to a list of artist contact information describing all pieces available for purchase.  Art sales are commission free.

Important Show dates:  
Registration Deadline                               April 17, 2026                   REGISTRATION CLOSES AT MIDNIGHT
Art Intake and Display Setup                  May 1, 2026                      10 AM – Noon
Opening Reception                                   Friday, May 8th               3-5 PM  with 4PM Scholarship and Awards Presentation
Art Pick-up                                                 Friday, May 29th             10 AM – Noon

Location:  Library 21C, 1175 Chapel Hills Drive, North Colorado Springs

The Opening Reception will be held in the Create Space on Level 2.  As with tradition, members are asked to signup for bringing appetizers and baked sharable foods.  PLAG will provide all beverages.  No alcohol allowed at this event.  

Awards Judge:  Ben Bires, Art Instructor,  Cottonwood Center for the Arts

Exhibit Requirements:

• Entries:  Up to 4 entries per person are allowed of up to 1750 square inches each counting as one entry.  Example: Max 36″ x 48″.  Minimum size framed 144 square inches.
• Artists may enter giclee (reproductions) of their own original art, but must meet the same framing requirements and clearly state it as part of the Title.  Example:  “Spring Flowers – Giclee Reproduction”
• Artists who have registered for the exhibition may also add up to 3 other DIGITAL artworks for revolving digital display on Library 21C’s lower level large format screen. High quality photos with their title as the name of the jpeg are to be sent to: Kathryncapp@gmail.com  Image Title example:  Lost Horizon by Jane Doe (no commas, periods or special characters)  Image Resolution: 250-300 DPI  Event leaders may determine use if jpeg’s do not meet quality standards designated.
• Cost of entries for MEMBERS of PLAG: $20.00 For the 1st piece, $10.00 For the second through fourth pieces.
• Cost of entries for NON-members of PLAG: $25.00 for the 1st piece, $15.00 for the second through 4th pieces.
• No Cost to current or previous D-38 Art Scholarship recipients for up to 3 pieces.
• No Bin Art will be accepted into this Show.
• Framing:  All art must be framed or Gallery wrapped with a minimum 1.5″ depth.  Only wired framing, with limited wire slack, will be acceptable.  No saw tooth fittings.
• Delivery and Hanging of Color Splash Art is on May 1st, (delivery from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, hanging from 12:00 to about 3:00 pm) at the second floor gallery location Library 21c.
• Art sold at this show will be commission free.
• Purchases are made directly between the artist and the buyer.
• Artists are required to sign Release of Liability forms from PLAG and Library 21c for work to be displayed.

About the Judge:  Ben Bires

Ben’s love for the outdoors brought him and his wife to Colorado Springs in 2016, two years after earning a BFA with a focus in drawing and painting from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. Ben quickly became established in the Pikes Peak art community, where he is a full-time painting instructor at Cottonwood Center for the Arts. His work is represented by several galleries in the region including Auric Gallery, Surface Gallery, The Lookup Gallery and the Broadmoor Galleries.

PLAG Exhibit Volunteer Coordinators:  A special thank you to Susie Arnold, Kathryn Capp and Shirley Dale for all of their efforts in putting the exhibit together and to Jamie Wilke for creating the exhibit’s art materials.  Together they have built another successful Color Splash event!