2026 Quick Draw & Community Day

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Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Cost to Participate: $10​​
 

• 8:30–9:00 am: Participants sign up at Neptune Court (near Daiso), South Shore Center (523 S Shore Center, Alameda, CA)

• 9:00 am–Noon: Set up and paint on Encinal Ave. and one block either side from Sherman St. to Fernside Blvd. including the Aeolian Yacht Club. 

• Noon–1:00 pm: Return to South Shore to drop off paintings (if you plan to sell your work)

• 1:00–5:00 pm: Sale is open to the public / Winners announced 🏆

• 5:00–5:30 pm: Pick up unsold artwork

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What is a Quick Draw?

A "Quick Draw" is a fast-paced, timed painting or drawing competition, often part of a plein air painting event, where artists race the clock to complete an original piece on-site. These events are highly interactive, allowing the public to watch the artwork unfold in real time before it is judged and sold.
 

Join Us! Paint Along or Watch the Artists at Work

​As part of our Quick Draw Community Day, we invite community members ages 14 and older to paint alongside our artists!  All painting media are acceptable. Show up at South Shore Center at 8:30 am on Wednesday, July 29 to register, or find us on Encinal Ave. between 9am and noon to watch. Students under 18, click here for important information. 

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What to Bring

Bring your preferred art supplies, a portable setup, and anything you need to work comfortably outdoors. We also recommend water, sunscreen, a hat, and a light snack. Simple setups work best for Quick Draw events.​​
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Selling Your Work

If you pay the $10, you can display and/or sell your framed artwork (plexiglass is preferred over glass, canvas finished edge is acceptable) at our Quick Draw Sale at South Shore Center. All sales go through Frank Bette Center for the Arts. Artists receive 60% and Frank Bette Center 40%.

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Important Information for Youth Participants

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Youth Participants (Under 18) Must Bring a Completed Application and Parental Consent​​

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​​Completed application is mandatory for student participants ages 14–18. Please print and bring this signed application to the orientation on July 28 or when registering for the Quick Draw & Community Day at South Shore Shopping Center on Wednesday, July 29, between 8:30–9:00.​

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Mandatory Orientation  for youth under 18
 

Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 10-11:30 am

Frank Bette Center for the Arts, 1601 Paru St. Alameda, CA. 

 

At the orientation will be a plein air demo. The following materials will be provided to student participants:

• 2 pieces of watercolor paper

• Basic watercolor starter set with paint and brushes

• Support surface for the paper

• Plastic containers for water

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QUESTIONS

Margaret Fago, Chair, 2026 Frank Bette Plein Air Paintout

email: president@frankbettecenter.org

text: 510 332-6922

Frank Bette Center for the Arts

1601 Paru Street, Alameda, California 94501

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