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Dedicated to promoting the traditions of plein-air painting and fostering artistic growth.

For over 20 years, SOCALPAPA has inspired new and experienced artists to share knowledge and develop their work in a friendly and supportive environment, and encouraged respect for the environment in which we paint and thrive.


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Call for Artists


Kennedy Contemporary Gallery
 
in Newport Beach, CA is proud to present this unique “paint-and-exhibit” opportunity for SOCALPAPA MEMBERS.

New Impressions of Orange County 
gives artists 9 days to create and submit work in any media and style that highlights the beauty of Orange County’s LAND, SEA, or URBAN spaces. Not restricted to plein air, all artworks must be completed between May 10 and 18. From submitted work, a juried selection of approximately 30 paintings will be exhibited at Kennedy Contemporary. 

Click here for more information

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This summer is just around the corner!

And with it comes the

2025 Back Bay Plein Air Festival

July 12-20, 2025

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SO GET READY!

This is our annual and always popular Back Bay Art Show and Festival

Registration opens April 1, 2025 for the Juried Show / Weekend Show & Sale.


Be sure to put these dates on your calendar:


April 1 - May 31: Enter the Back Bay Show and the Juried Show.

July 11: Drop off paintings for Juried Show

July 12: 1) Quick Draw at Muth Interpretive Center; 2) Juried Show BEGINS.

July 18: Juried Show CLOSES with the Reception at Muth.

July 19 - 20: Art Display Show & Sale on the deck of Muth Interpretive Center.


For detailed information and to register go to the show page



 2025 Back Bay Festival


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Paint the Gardens at “Open Garden Day” Garden Tour

Share the joy of painting en plein air during the annual “Open Garden Day” in Santa Ana


SOCALPAPA artists are invited to join the fun at the annual Open Garden Day garden tour and festival in the picturesque neighborhoods of West Floral and Fisher Parks (Santa Ana) on May 10, 2025.


Registration is now closed. Come and support your fellow artists on May 10th!


Click here for more information



Hortense Miller Garden, Laguna Beach, CA


The Hortense Miller Garden in Laguna Beach has invited SOCALPAPA members to paint at this beautiful garden location where - in the 1950's - Hortense and Oscar Miller built their Mid-Century Modern home among 2-1/2 acres on the upper slopes of Boat Canyon in Laguna Beach.


REGISTER to paint by emailing DIANE LANNON at diane.lannon@gmail.com                                Click here for info              

We Need Your Help!


Calling Volunteers for Earth Day!

Face painters needed for 1/2 hour shifts at the Muth on Saturday, April 26th.  
Please contact Randi
Moran
 for more information.  Randi.Moran1@gmail.com


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Paint Outs



Muth Center




Discover the SOCALPAPA Meetup Group, your gateway to vibrant plein-air painting in Southern California. Join us for weekly paint outs, inspiring Zoom meetings, exhibitions, and community engagement. Let your artistic journey flourish with SOCALPAPA!


Join our Meetup!


SOCALPAPA is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation registered in the state of California.



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