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Event: July 27–August 1, 2026 ● Exhibit & Sale: Saturday, August 1
Gallery Exhibition: August 7–September 26, 2026
Learning to Sail, Lorraine Cote
2026 Juror of Awards: Clark Mitchell
Clark Mitchell is a Master Pastelist with the Pastel Society of America and a Distinguished Pastelist with the Pastel Society of the West Coast, and a Signature Member of the Laguna Plein Air Painters of America. His work has earned national recognition and is held in collections worldwide.
2026 Alameda Plein Air Event
July 27–August 1, 2026
The Frank Bette Center for the Arts invites painters to Alameda to participate in our 21st annual weeklong, juried Plein Air Paint Out event.
Plein air painting—French for “open air”—is the practice of creating art outdoors, directly from life. Rather than working from photographs or memory, artists respond in real time to shifting light, moving clouds, and the energy of a place as it unfolds.
Throughout the week, artists paint across the island, drawing inspiration from Alameda’s Victorian homes, lush gardens, docks, boats, and working waterfronts. The public is welcome to observe the creative process as it unfolds, while youth and amateur artists can join a lively Quick Draw event.
The event concludes with a debut exhibition and awards at South Shore Shopping Center, followed by a monthlong show at the Frank Bette Center gallery.
Community Day
Welcoming New Painters & Young Artists
The Plein Air Paint Out isn’t just for seasoned professionals. As part of this special event, we welcome community members ages 14 and older to paint alongside participating artists during Quick Draw Community Day.
Designed especially for youth and amateur painters, the Quick Draw offers a fun, low-pressure opportunity to experience painting on location and be part of a larger creative community.
This year’s Quick Draw will take place along Encinal Avenue, extending two blocks on either side from Sherman Street to Fernside Drive. The painting area also includes the shoreline and stretches toward Otis Drive, including the Aeolian Yacht Club.
Participants are invited to display and/or sell their framed artwork at the Quick Draw Sale held at South Shore Center.
Interested in joining us? Learn more here.
Request an Artist to Paint Your Home, Boat, or Garden
Alameda Residents may invite artists to paint a picture of their homes, boats, gardens or favorite view. There is no obligation to purchase artworks just as there are no guarantees that an artist will choose a suggested venue. Our artists typically charge between $400 and $1500 for their paintings. To be considered, fill out the request form here.
Lana Rak, Sherman Street
2025 Winners and Honorable Mentions
The Frank Bette Plein Air Paint Out recognizes outstanding painters across several award categories, including Best of Show, Alameda Award, Frank Bette Award, and more. View 2025 Winners and Honorable Mentions.
