Welcome to your daily highlights live from the 12th Annual Plein Air Convention & Expo (PACE) in Reno, Nevada! The energy is higher than it has ever been as hundreds of us are gathered to reconnect, learn, grow, and have fun all week with multi-stage art demonstrations, shopping, dancing, and so much more.
We kicked off the event with the lively Opening Ceremony at the Nugget Casino Resort by celebrating one of Reno’s popular features: Showgirls! They even brought our CEO and host Eric Rhoads up to the stage to be part of the act, and if that’s not entertaining, I don’t know what is.
In addition to a new session of “art games” with six painters on stage taking turns with two large canvases, magic tricks from Ken Salaz, and more, we presented an annual favorite with the PleinAir Salon Awards. Congratulations to all the finalists, and to Kyle Ma, who won the Grand Prize, including a check for $15,000 and his work on the cover of an upcoming issue of PleinAir Magazine.
Kyle also broke the record for being the youngest PleinAir Salon Grand Prize winner. “I certainly wasn’t prepared to give a speech,” Kyle said, “Thank you so much, Eric, the magazine staff, and whoever was judging this competition, for giving me this award. Secondly, I want to congratulate all the fellow finalists. I looked at the top 40 paintings, and it’s incredible work being created today, so it certainly is an honor just to be among you all. Lastly, I want to thank all of you for creating such a supportive community.”
We also recognized the work of Harley Brown with the PleinAir Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award. Harley is a celebrated Canadian artist whose lifelong passion for portraiture began at age seven and led to a storied career capturing the spirit of the Old West and Indigenous communities. Renowned for his artistic dedication, generosity, and mentorship, Harley has earned numerous honors—including membership in prestigious art institutions.
Earlier in the day, we started with the Newcomer’s Orientation and Friend Finder, and two incredible bonus pre-convention workshops led by Scott Christensen and Joseph Zbukvic. I had the pleasure of meeting Joseph again, who traveled all the way from Australia (with stops along the way!). When I asked him about his inspiration for returning to PACE, he said, “I feel art should be shared. This is such an enormous event where we can all get together and share ideas and meet old friends. I’ll run into a number of people just like yourself. So, for me to be here, it’s about sharing and love of art.”
And Carrie Curran joined us again this year with Al Kline, Suma CM, and Ellen Howard for the popular pre-convention Basics Course, where new (and seasoned) attendees learn all the introductory aspects of painting on location.
“I love leading the Basics Course because I get to witness people—whether they’re brand-new to painting or experienced painters trying plein air for the first time—unlock something within themselves,” Carrie said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to watch attendees gain confidence quickly, connect with others, and realize that they can do this. Some come unsure about which medium to use, or even whether plein air is right for them, and they leave with clarity, a solid foundation, and the inspiration to keep going. It’s a joy to be part of that creative spark.
Meanwhile, a favorite for all of us is the now-open Expo Hall, where we’re shopping for art supplies from major retailers as well as small, artist-owned businesses for paint brushes, canvases and paper, oils, watercolors, pastels, and products that are brand new to the market. And, the Plein Air Convention Art Show and Sale has begun, with sneak previews for this and the Expo Hall for attendees only. These sections now are open to the public, so if you’re in the area but without a PACE ticket, come shop and say hello!
“I really enjoyed the online events and I’ve done all of the mediums,” said first-time attendee Carolyn Grand. “I really thought they were great, so I wanted to come to the real thing. Plus, I’ve never been to Reno, and I wanted to see this part of the world.”
Some of our guests are also enjoying the VIP packages with reserved seating for the best views of the Main Stage action, access to the VIP lounge, personal art critiques, and more.
We wrapped up the evening with a lively cocktail party, with many friends reuniting and some connecting in person for the first (or 50th) time. Stay tuned for more Plein Air Convention highlights here at Plein Air Today!
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