Your March 2025 Painting Events and Deadlines

Painting Events - Artists during a paint-out at a Plein Air Convention & Expo (2019, San Francisco) — Artists during a paint-out at a Plein Air Convention & Expo

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Take advantage of these art and plein air painting events and opportunities from our 2025 Ultimate Guide to Painting Events and Organizations. Bonus: Includes upcoming event deadlines!

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California

19TH ANNUAL BORREGO SPRINGS PLEIN AIR INVITATIONAL
Dates: March 3-8
Opening Reception: March 8
Sponsoring Organization: Borrego Art Institute Venue: McQuown/Wermers Gallery
Juror of Awards: Chuck Kovacic
Award Total: $3550
Contact: Kay Levie | 760-767-5152, [email protected], borregoartinstitute.org
The 19th Annual Borrego Springs Plein Air Invitational will see 16 invited artists (all slots are ﬁlled) competing in a ﬁve-day paint-out in the beautiful Anza-Borrego Desert beginning March 3. A Quick Draw competition will be held on March 5. The reception and awards will be held on March 8. The exhibition of work will hang in the gallery until April 27.

Florida

LIGHTHOUSE ARTCENTER’S 12TH ANNUAL PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL
Dates: March 2-8
Sponsoring Organization: Cultural Council of Palm Beach County
City: Tequesta
Format: Juried
Juror of Awards: Mary Garrish
Award Total: $15,000
Contact: Serin Leas, [email protected], 561.746.3101, lighthousearts.org/pleinair-2025
This juried event brings a selection of the country’s top plein air painters to Tequesta to compete for over $15,000 in cash and prizes. The community is invited to witness the creative process ﬁrsthand as the artists transform a blank canvas into magniﬁcent works of art that capture picturesque beaches, tropical gardens, and cityscapes of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. The festival includes free artist demonstrations, events, workshops, and fresh art for sale.

PLEIN AIR KEY WEST
Date: March 8
Contact: Christina Joy, [email protected], keywestartcenter.com/plein-air-key-west

FORGOTTEN COAST EN PLEIN AIR
Dates: March 14-23
Opening Reception: March 14
Sponsoring Organization: Forgotten Coast Cultural Coalition
Venue: Fort Coombs Armory, 66 4th Street, Apalachicola
Format: Invitational
Contact: Leslie Wentzell, 800.378.8419, [email protected], forgottencoastenpleinair.com
For 20 years Forgotten Coast en Plein Air has been documenting authentic “Old Florida.” Artistic excellence and the production of investment-quality art deﬁne this 10-day festival, featuring 19 of the most accomplished international artists. The Quick Draw Competition is open to all artists, professional and amateur. Also featuring “Painting Stations” (plein air painting instruction sessions), demonstrations, receptions, artist talks, multiple plein air exhibits, and an expansive Wet Room.

Louisiana

11th ANNUAL TECHE PLEIN AIR PAINTING COMPETITION
Dates: March 8-15
Opening Reception Date: March 9
Sponsoring Organization: City of New Iberia
Venue: Sliman Theatre
Format: Juried
Juror of Awards: Beth Bathe
Award Total: $10,000
Contact: Lanie Kerligan, 337.369.2330, [email protected], cityofnewiberia.com/pleinair
The selected juror, Beth Bathe, will award cash prizes at closing reception and auction. Enjoy a region enhanced by architecture, moss-draped live oaks, and sugar ﬁelds along the Bayou Teche. Stroll Historic Downtown; Konriko, the oldest operating rice mill in America; Shadows-on-the-Teche Plantation Home; exotic gardens; Avery Island, birthplace of Tabasco; excellent food; original music; and hospitable residents.

Maryland

PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY
Dates: March 18-November 18
Contact: Dianne Mullaly, [email protected], dianeduboismullaly.com/other1
PAPCB is the “daughter” of the long-established Plein Air Painters of the Eastern Shore (PAPES) and now has over 50 members and organizes plein air paint outs every Tuesday.

Online Art Events

ACRYLIC LIVE PRESENTED BY PLEINAIR MAGAZINE
Dates: March 26-28 (Essential Techniques Day March 25)
Contact: PleinAir® Magazine, 561.655.8778 or 800.610.5771, acryliclive.com
If you want to learn about how to paint with acrylic, or accelerate your progress as an acrylic painter, Acrylic Live is an online event designed for acrylic artists and those who want to be. It’s three days of demonstrations from leading artists, Q&A with your favorite artists, painting together, and more. There’s even an optional Essential Techniques Day for those who need a refresher before the main event. This event is held online, so you can enjoy it from the comfort of your own home.