October 4 – 12, 2025
Collectors Gala pARTy, Saturday October 11th
Each year the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA)
turns Laguna Beach into an outdoor painting studio,
inviting the top award-winning plein air painters from around the nation to gather and
paint the town as they compete for top cash awards and
carry on a century-old plein air painting tradition!
Sunday October 5th, Quick Draw competition 9-11 at Heisler Park
Silent Auction of paintings 1pm-2pm at Festival of Arts Grounds
Monday Oct 6th Plein Talk with Artists at the Laguna Art Museum
Join us for a truly special evening at the Laguna Art Museum for a captivating Plein Talk discussion, featuring a panel of artists competing in this year’s Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational: Scott Hamill, Debra Huse, Haidee-Jo Summers, and Mason Williams. Moderated by LPAPA’s Vice President, Celeste Gilles
This exclusive event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from these celebrated plein air painters. Discover their artistic journeys, delve into their creative processes, and uncover the inspiration behind their stunning work. The discussion will explore:
The challenges and rewards of painting outdoors.
Their personal connection to the landscapes they capture.
The profound role of Laguna Beach’s natural beauty in shaping their art.
A welcome reception in the museum’s lobby will precede the talk at 5:30 PM, where you can mingle with the artists and fellow art enthusiasts while enjoying light refreshments. A lively open Q&A session will follow the panel discussion.
Just Plein Happy Hour: Laguna Plein Air
After Dark Nocturne Paint Out
Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 | Starting 5:00 PM | Main Beach & Downtown Laguna Beach
As the sun prepares to dip below the horizon, prepare for an enchanting evening as the Laguna Invitational Artists gather for the annual “Just Plein Happy Hour – Laguna Plein Air After Dark” Nocturne Paint Out!
Starting around 5:00 PM, you’ll find our amazing Invitational artists setting up their easels around Main Beach, the Promenade on Forest Avenue , and throughout downtown Laguna Beach. Watch as they transform the evening light into captivating “en plein air” nocturne masterpieces, capturing the unique glow of Laguna after dark.
This is a truly special opportunity for the public to:
Meet the Artists in a relaxed, vibrant setting.
Witness the magic of nocturne painting unfold live.
Enjoy a Happy Hour atmosphere in beautiful Laguna Beach.
This event is free and open to the public, and no advance registration is required.
Plein Talk with Art Experts: Exploring Plein Air’s
Past, Present & Future
Wednesday, October 8th | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Laguna Art Museum
Join us for an incredibly insightful and inspiring evening at the Laguna Art Museum for our Plein Talk with Art Experts!
This distinguished panel moderated by LPAPA’s Vice President Celeste Gilles includes Eric Jessen, Mark Hilbert, and Kelly Tucker, renowned art experts, prominent collectors, and respected historians, will answer questions and share their insights. This is a unique opportunity to gain profound perspectives on plein air art as they delve into its rich history, current trends, and exciting future.
The evening begins with a welcome reception at 5:30 PM in the museum’s lobby, where you can mingle with fellow art enthusiasts and enjoy wine and a charcuterie created by Chef Lindsay of Nirvana. Following the captivating panel discussion, there will be an open Q&A session, allowing you to engage directly with the experts.
Whether you’re a passionate artist, a discerning collector, a dedicated art lover, or simply curious about the plein air movement, this evening promises to be an enriching celebration of creativity and heritage.
Advance tickets are highly recommended!
Laguna Invitational Collectors pARTy: An Exclusive Plein Air Evening Under the Stars
Saturday, October 11th | 6:00 PM | Festival of Arts, Laguna Beach
Immerse yourself in a truly distinguished evening as the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association presents the Laguna Invitational Collectors pARTy, a special plein air celebration held under the shimmering stars en plein air at the Laguna Festival of Arts!
This exclusive event is your unparalleled chance to connect with Laguna’s vibrant plein air heritage and be among the very first to preview and acquire breathtaking works from 30 of the most celebrated plein air artists. Imagine securing a masterpiece before the general public even sees it!
Rub shoulders with an esteemed assembly of museum directors, influential art historians, gallery owners, and fellow discerning collectors. The evening promises an art-filled ambiance, complemented by:
Gourmet passed hors d’oeuvres
A sponsor-hosted open bar
Convenient complimentary valet parking
Early Entry to Sunday’s Festival to view new artwork!
As a special memento, receive a curated art bag featuring the commemorative 2025 Invitational Art Catalog and a hardbound book published by The Irvine Museum, ensuring this artistic experience lives on. TICKETS
Sunday, October 12th | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Festival of Arts Grounds
Join us for a vibrant day celebrating plein air art at the 27th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational Art Show! The Festival of Arts gates open at 10:00 AM with free entry for all art lovers and enthusiasts, closing at 4:00 PM.
Prepare for a full day of artistic enjoyment, featuring:
“Sunday Small Works” Exhibition: A new addition this year! The Invitational Artists will create for display on Sunday new 6″ x 8″ paintings, which will be judged for special “Sunday Small Works” Awards to be announced at 11:00 AM. Gates open at 10AM to purchase!
Meet the Artists: Your chance to engage with the 30 top award-winning plein air painters invited to participate in this year’s Invitational.
Live Painting Demonstrations: Watch masterpieces unfold before your eyes.
The Main Show: Experience the stunning collection of plein air fine art created during the Invitational week and from the Artists’ studios.
Lunchtime Food Truck: Savor a yummy lunch while enjoying the art.
& More!