For artists

Our 2027 Scholarship & Mentorship.

The Chris Potter Art Foundation is seeking an aspiring or emerging Santa Barbara County artist or painter with a strong interest in plein air, ready to take the next step in their art career.

The opportunity

The selected artist receives $3,000 in financial support, professional guidance and mentorship, and a collaborative exhibition or art show designed to support the next stage of their practice.

The spring exhibition is planned with Chris Potter Art and previous scholarship recipients. Exact event details will be shared with the selected artist.

Eligibility

You are an aspiring or emerging Santa Barbara County artist or painter, not an established artist.
You have a strong interest in plein air painting. Plein air is encouraged but not required.
You can be present on January 29 for the annual golf tournament to receive your scholarship and promote your art.
You are available one Sunday in May or June for a collaborative art show or exhibition with Chris Potter Art and previous recipients.
You are willing to participate in other Foundation events as opportunities arise during the year.

Application timeline

Applications open: September 15, 2026
Application deadline: November 29, 2026 at midnight
Recipient selected by: December 15, 2026

Apply now

Tell us about your work.

Complete the application below and include examples of your work, including any plein air work. Your answers and attachments will be emailed directly to the Foundation team.

Personal information

Full nameEmailPhoneCity or town

Eligibility

This scholarship is for aspiring or emerging Santa Barbara County artists and painters with a strong interest in plein air. Plein air is encouraged but not required.

I have a strong interest in plein air painting.I am an aspiring or emerging Santa Barbara County artist or painter.I am not an established artist.I can be present on January 29 for the annual golf tournament to receive my scholarship and promote my art.I am available one Sunday in May or June for a collaborative art show or exhibition with Chris Potter Art and previous recipients.I am willing to participate in other Foundation events as opportunities arise during the year.

Your workTell us about yourself and your art250 words or lessTell us about your plein air experience or interestWhy are you interested in this scholarship?250 words or lessWhat are your goals for your art career over the next year?250 words or lessWhat would you most like help or mentorship with?250 words or lessPlease name up to three local artists who inspire youPlease name up to three renowned artists whose work inspires you

Work samples

Upload 1–5 examples of your artwork, including any plein air work. You may also attach a résumé or CV. Your files are sent directly to the Foundation team by email and are not stored on this website.

Please select all of your images — up to 5 — at the same time. Choose every image in one selection before submitting the application.

Artwork imagesJPG, PNG, or WebP; up to 5 imagesRésumé or CV (optional)PDF only

Maximum size for all attachments combined: 20 MB.

We reply from info@chrispotterartfoundation.org.