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Bringing artists together with a passion
for outdoor painting, for over 20 years!


Attention aspiring artists! Are you hesitant to join our plein air painting club because you lack experience? Fear not! Our group is all about learning and growing together. You don't need to be a seasoned painter to participate. Whether you're just starting out or have been dabbling in art for some time, our welcoming community fosters a supportive environment where members can share knowledge, techniques, and inspiration. Join us as we explore the beauty of outdoor painting and embark on a journey of artistic development together!


Save the Dates!

 

For this year's Back Bay Plein Air Festival

July 13-21, 2024

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Registration opens April 1st!

 

The SOCALPAPA, Newport Bay Conservancy and OC Parks 

annual Back Bay Plein Air Festival is back again this July 13-21st.

Events will include: 

 

July 13-19 : SOCALPAPA Artists Juried Show

 

July 13:  Quick Draw Competition, Open to the Public & SOCALPAPA artists

 

July 16-19: A week of Art Classes for Children & Adults

 

July 19: Artists' Reception & Awards

 

and

 

July 20 & 21: Weekend Show & Sale

 

Last year, over 1,200 people visited the Festival and participation in events was high. Over 40 paintings were sold, and over $2,000 in cash and prizes were awarded. This year, the Quick Draw will be held at Big Canyon & the Muth Center, and we have other amazing things planned - we expect another successful festival! We hope you will join us for some or all of the events! 

 

Watch this space - registration for the Weekend Show & Sale and Juried Show opens April 1st!


Calling all volunteers!

SOCALPAPA needs your help for future events. 

Needed now: 

 

 1 Co-chairs for The annual Back Bay Festival 

 

 

The Back Bay committee is the most urgent right now, as the planning meetings with the various parties involved start in February. 

2023 co-chairs Randy Moran and Anne Kupillas will be de-facto members of the committee, advising whomever takes the positions. There are guidelines for the event - we just need two leaders who would like the chance to serve and reap the rewards of organizing this critical, amazing show. 

 

Volunteering is a great way to help make the club events a success and to support your fellow club members, while having fun doing so.

If you're interested in volunteering, or learning more about the commitments involved in the specific roles, or are curious about other opportunities to get involved, please contact Denise Bradley here:

 

I want to help!


The Hortense Miller Garden in Laguna Beach has invited SOCALPAPA to paint with them again and to show paintings in the Aviary Gallery, part of the historic Mid-Century Modern home built by the Millers in the 1950s.

 

This is a non-juried show for SOCALPAPA members only!

All works must be of the HM Garden property or of views from the property; 

plein air or studio. This show will be limited to one painting per artist.

 

There are a limited number of spaces available to us to paint the beautiful gardens in Laguna Beach ahead of this showcase. 

 Registration will be available soon on the website.

 

Schedule of Paint Out Dates:

 

Thursday, Feb. 15  - 9am - noon

 

Saturday, Feb. 24 - 9am - noon

 

Thursday, March 14 9am - noon

 

Saturday, March 16 9am - noon

 

Saturday, April 6 - Open House morning and afternoon shifts 

(This will be during the annual Open house and artists would be painting as many visitors tour the garden. 

A shuttle bus is provided from a localchiurch parking lot.)

  10am - 12:30    Noon - 2:30 

 

Thursday, April 25 - 9am - noon

 

Contact Diane Lannon at diane.lannon@gmail.com to reserve a spot. 

 

 

Link here for more information on the beautiful gardens: 

 

https://www.hortensemillergarden.org



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4790 Irvine Blvd Suite 105-371
Irvine, CA 92620
United States of America