The Temecula Valley, with its beautiful scenery and quaint Old Town, was the perfect inspiration for artists participating in the 16^th Annual Ralph Love Plein Air Competition.  Local artists were invited by the City of Temecula’s Community Services Department to spend two weeks painting works of art inspired by local scenes. Participating artists submitted original art works for a chance to win a prize in the 16^th Annual Plein Air Competition.  The competition is held each year in honor of Ralph Love, a renowned Temecula artist.

The anonymous, unsigned pieces were judged at the Temecula Valley Museum by esteemed judges, Vicki Pederson (Best of Show 2022 Winner); Bonnie Martland (local artist and Temecula Valley Museum Board Member); Jeff Kingsberg (Community Services Commissioner); and Ernest Castro (Community Services Commissioner).  Scorecards were carefully tabulated to determine the winners.

Thirty-six artists participated for 2023, submitting 67 stunning pieces of artwork, in mediums ranging from oil, watercolor, and mixed media.  New to the competition this year, a Youth Category was added for ages 17 years and younger which garnered seven paintings from four young artists.  Winners were announced on Friday, September 22, 2023, by Temecula Community Services Commissioner, Jeff Kingsberg.  Prize Winners and Awards are as follows:

The City of Temecula, Community Services Department congratulates the Winners and thanks all the artists and judges for participating in the 16^th Annual Ralph Love Plein Air Competition.  All the beautiful artwork from this exhibition will be on display for public viewing at the Temecula Valley Museum (28314 Mercedes Street, Temecula, 92590) until Sunday, October 29, 2023.