The goal of our festival is to celebrate everything prickly pear, and that usually focuses on the edible abundance of this native plant. But prickly pear plants (Opuntia) are also a diverse, beautiful, and striking icon of the region. 

So as part of our festival this year we are holding a live art competition, challenging selected local artists to make their best prickly pear inspired piece during the festival day to be judged by our panel of judges, who will declare a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner, each with a cash prize.

The artworks will also be available for auction with a percentage of the proceeds going to Three Sisters Kitchen & Working Classroom

Submit your name, info, links to examples of your artwork, and short written description of your piece idea through the form below or email them to nmpricklypearfest@gmail.com. While anyone can enter, we are asking entries to limit themselves to mediums that can work on a 18" by 24" canvas. 

In late August/Early September our panel will select artists to go on to compete during the festival. Chosen artists will be notified by email. There is a $10 entry fee for selected artists to cover costs. 

Selected artists will then have 5 hours to bring their creation to life during the main festival day on Saturday September 25th, starting at 9:00 am with a judging announcement at 2:00 pm. 

1st place will receive a $75 cash prize, 2nd place a $50 cash prize, and 3rd place a $25 cash prize along with a number of special mention prizes. 

All pieces will also be available for auction during the event, with a portion of the proceeds going to Three Sisters Kitchen and Working Classroom.