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Our Annual Member Meeting/Lunch/Paint Out is Sept. 26th
For a comprehensive view of events go to our CALENDAR linked here.
Click here to view our Monthly Challenges!
** Attendees to any Plein Air Painters of Idaho event, paint out, or workshop understand that it is entirely at their own risk.**
Regularly Scheduled Events
Regularly Scheduled Events
Every Wednesday 10:00AM-1:00PM year round.
We paint inside during the cold months of winter with the beauty of the flowers and plants around us and outside in the park setting in the warmth of spring and summer. At noon we will gather to share our work. We are guests at the greenhouse and need to be respectful of our setups not interfering with the operations and customers. No selling of your paintings during these paint outs please.
Edwards Greenhouse, 4106 Sand Creek Street, Boise.
Every Sunday 11:30AM
November - April
The Warehouse is a food court with many food/drink options and a large seating area. This gives us a nice warm place to meet during the winter months. Bring something to paint or paint what you see there.
370 S. 8th Street Boise, ID
Indian Creek Winery
Every Second Sunday April- October
12:00 – 4:00PM
Enjoy painting with others while listening to music. Wine is always available and usually there is a food truck.
1000 N McDermott Rd, Kuna, ID 83634, USA
Franz Witte Nursery
Franz Witte Nursery
Join us for a paint out every month on the first Friday of the month. 11:00AM
We paint inside during the cold months of winter with the beauty of the flowers and plants around us and outside in the park setting in the warmth of spring and summer. At noon we will gather to share our work. We are guests at the greenhouse and need to be respectful of our setups not interfering with the operations and customers. No selling of your paintings during these paint outs please.
20005 11th Ave N, Nampa, ID 83687
Special/Seasonal Events (Paint Out Trips)
Special/Seasonal Events (Paint Out Trips)
Bruneau Sand Dunes Paint Out
Bruneau Sand Dunes Paint Out
April 17-19, 2026
RSVP requested.
Friday, April 17-Sunday, April 19 Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park Paint out.
Motor Vehicle Entry Fee $7.00 unless you have a State Parks Pass. For day use visitors, the park opens at 7:00 am. Many of our members are camping at the state park, or you can get a motel in Mountain Home or come for the day. No set paint location.
Friday, April 17 - 7:45 pm meet at park observatory for astronomy presentation ($5)
Saturday, April 18 - Potluck dinner 6:30 pm at Broken Wheel campsite #14. Bring a side dish or dessert to share, your own main course, and beverage and a chair. Bring your paintings to share what you’ve done on site. Bring your paints, let's try to paint a sunset together.
Camping reservations: https://getoutside.idaho.gov/
Bonners Ferry Paint Out
May 8-9, 2026
(Update 5/3/26)
The Kootenai Wildlife Refuge is partially closed, along with the visitor center. I have set the alternate location to directly across the Kootenai River Inn (Casino) at Riverside Park. There are bathrooms available.
Friday May 8th:
Noon: Walkthrough of Riverside park with potential locations to paint.
8:30 PM: Nocturne at old downtown.
Saturday May 9th:
-Everyone free to paint all day. I will be available to help with directions, etc. Southern end of wildlife refuge may be open (no restrooms).
-7:00 PM: Show and tell. Dinner at casino and raffle for members.
Sunday:
-Free to paint.
Fishing folks:
We may have a group go out to the Clark Fork river delta for fly fishing during the weekend. Contact Dan for details.
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Bonners Ferry is a small town surrounded by the Selkirk Mountain range on the west and divided by the Kootenai River. Painters should feel safe walking around at night. There are many coffee/food shops a few blocks walking distance from the casino (through a tunnel) along with views of the river and a walking bridge.
If you are wanting to camp/RV, there are a couple places listed below. The casino offers great views from the rooms (if northern facing) with balconies that could be used for painting. It also has a nice restaurant overlooking the river, which we'll use as a meeting place.
The Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge will be the focus of the paintout, but folks should be able to find plenty of places to paint if they like. There are good bathroom and water facilities at the entrance. Note, because significant work is underway to restore the original wetlands, we may not be able to drive around the auto tour road. There should still be plenty of scenery to paint.
If spouses enjoy fishing, I can share a few places to go. There is also a golf course just south of town. https://bonnersferry.id.gov/mirror-lake-golf-course/
Bingham County Plein Air Paint Out May 30- June 6, 2026
Bingham County Plein Air Paint Out May 30- June 6, 2026
Click here for details: binghamarts.org/pleinairpaintout/
River of No Return Paint Out
Event by Salt Gaius and Plein Air Painters Of Idaho - PAPI
Salt Mountain Pastoral Retreat
Duration: 3 days June 19-21, 2026
Join us for our 3rd annual paint out - stay with the group on the mountain and paint in beautiful Salmon Idaho.
We will be painting: rivers, streams, mountains, blue skies and clouds. But of course we are known for our river!
All levels of painters and all mediums are welcome. Slumber with the rest of us on site - lodging and all meals provided. $100 per person food contribution (non-refundable).
Paint Friday, Saturday, Sunday or all 3!
Limited number of beds, please contact Teresa Wade or send a private message to Salt Gaius for a bed commitment.
CHECK THIS EVENT PAGE prior to attending for any last-minute updates.
Approx 6 hrs from Boise, 2 1/2 hrs from Idaho Falls.
Lavendar Field Event/Paint Out
Lavendar Field Event/Paint Out
July 11 and July 12, 2026
Must RSVP to attend.
Mackay Paint Out
Mackay Paint Out
August 14-16, 2026
Save the Date. Paint 1 or all 3 days. Let's meet at Field Day on Main street on Friday morning. More details posted soon
Here are the details from last year:No Registration is required, but please let me know if you are planning to come to the Saturday group dinner so I can plan the food! (Friends, family and traveling companions are welcome) Here is the schedule if you would like to know where we will be, but of course, feel free to paint whenever and wherever you like! Remember to bring some warm or light weight warm-ish clothes. Just because its hot where you live, don't forget that the weather can change quickly at our elevation (Almost 6,000 ft) Also bring anything you have for shade: hats, umbrellas, awning chairs, pop up's, etc. I have done my best to find shade for us, but sometimes the scenery is just too good to resist!
We have good Cell reception in Town. Contact me through Messenger to make sure you have my address and phone number, so you can find us if the plans change due to weather, smoke or group consensus.
Keep in mind, plans may need to change due to Smoke and/or weather. (So far no smoke up here!) There is no fee to participate and there is no Canvas stamping (Haha) We have lots of rivers, streams, fields, barns, blue skies and clouds. But of course, we are known for our mountains! Check out some photos from past years, I added them here, under "Discussion" for this event! All levels of painters and all mediums are welcome. Your non painting spouse and kids can ride the trails w a Mountain bike, ATV or UTV, hike, fish the rivers and reservoir, kayak (Rentals in town) ride a horse, bird watch, etc. Message me w any questions or suggestions. Hope to see you then! Approx 4 hrs from Boise, 1 1/2 hrs from Idaho Falls and Pocatello, 1 hr from Blackfoot.There is a free tourist park, other campgrounds, motels and Air BnB's. Paint one or all 3 days
Friday "Urban Painting" (Mackay style) that means not very "Urban" Meet at Field Day at 9 AM Address: 211 Main St in Mackay. We will paint in and around town. Lunch on your own (we are close to restaurants and coffee shops in town) We might go out for dinner as a group L7 Grill and Tap House at 6pm.
Saturday-TBD (Possibly Pass Creek) Bagels and coffee for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch provided. Group Dinner, 6 PM at my house (IM me for the address)
Sunday-Mackay Reservoir. Meet at the large shelter at 9AM. Breakfast and lunch same Saturday above. Paint half day or full day based on your travel plans!
Here is the map for The Group Shelter at Castle Rocks State Park (Not to be confused with the one at Smoky Mountain Campground, also inside Castle Rocks)
A quick note about E 2800 S. It can be easy to miss coming from Almo. Keep an eye out for it. The road is marked with a street sign. It's a very good gravel/dirt road. There is a pit toilet at the picnic shelter and plenty of parking.
City of Rocks has many fabulous areas for painting. The times posted are just a guide, you can arrive early, stay later or just attend for 1 day if you like.
• The visitor center in Almo has free maps of the reserve, as well as a short video of the history of the reserve—worth watching. They also have free Wi-Fi (accessible from inside the building and the parking lot). The rangers can answer any logistics questions you might have. There is a Phillips 66 gas/convenience in Albion. The road through the reserve is dirt. Last time I was on it, it was very smooth and fine for passenger cars—however, take it slow! You don’t want a flat! Expect it to be a bit breezy to super breezy! Last year, when it rained, we were able to paint from the Almo Inn covered porch area, several members have let me know that they are staying there. Dogs are permitted on-leash in the park and are welcome to paint with you! We’ll be painting in a number of locations. including Bath Rock area inside City of Rocks National Reserve. This is a gorgeous area, with plenty of shade options if it’s hot and good areas to set up an easel. DO NOT use online mapping directions to Bath Rock, the directions will likely take you a very, very lengthy and curse-worthy wrong way. I plan to paint late afternoon on Friday and all day Saturday, plus half day on Sunday, but others may wish to stay all day Sunday and travel on Monday. Feel free to arrive/depart whenever you want—the times are flexible. There are restrooms at the Bath Rock parking lot. There is not always potable water at the Bath Rock area—it is suggested to bring your own just in case. Breakfasts and Lunches: You’re on your own for breakfasts and lunches. It’s suggested to pack a lunch and/or snack to have while painting during the day.
City of Rocks Paint Out
City of Rocks Paint Out
September 4-6, 2026 .
***Please print your directions ahead of time as there is very limited Cell reception in that area!*** https://www.nps.gov/ciro/index.htm You might want to send me your Cell # in case anything changes.
Yes, its Labor Day weekend. I will be painting on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so I can have an easy drive home Monday morning, but as always, painting is optional on any and all days. Camp at any of the campgrounds in the area or stay at the Almo Inn. You should be prepared for Heat, cold, rain and/or wind, just in case! This is a "Dog on leash area." You can follow any directions in google maps or Garmin to get there, but make sure you are going to The City of Rocks National Reserve near Almo, Idaho. There are a "City of Rocks" on the map! Stop by the visitor center in the Town of Almo and get a paper copy of the map. It has all trails (Bike, hike and climb) all parking lots and restrooms. Plus attractions like: Bread Loves, Window Arch, Circle Creek Outlook, Elephant and Bath rock, etc..
***The only Cell reception is near the Visitor center, even outside in the parking lot***.
Friday: I'm planning to paint at Window Arch starting around 2 pm Friday afternoon. But you can paint anywhere you like. Friday night, meet at the Pizza place in town at 5pm for dinner. You can see it from the Main road or ask anyone, the town is really small! (We need to keep an eye on closing time to get our orders in) We can also go to the Hot springs later that night, its right in town as well (So bring a bathing suit, its not THAT kind of Hot springs, haha )
Saturday: We like to go to Bath Rock, because its easy to find shade and there are lots of views. Let's plan to leave from the parking lot of the Almo Inn at 8 am. (Since its a Holiday weekend) to get parking at Bath rock. It would be good to carpool. You might want to bring a sandwich for lunch, so you don't have to leave, but its up to you. The Bath Rock parking lot and trail are on the right. That parking lot has restrooms. Assume no Potable water. I will put out my PAPI sign. As always, feel free to paint wherever you like! Saturday night Bar-B-Que and Potluck 6PM. We have the group Shelter at Castle Rocks State park (Not the shelter in Smoky Mountain campground) Its just down the road, there is an entrance fee unless you have an Idaho State parks pass, so please carpool. See map in Discussion (Also thanks to Tracy!) Bring something to throw on the grill, drinks and something to share like a side or a dessert (If you like) We will bring: Charcoal, condiments, Ice, paper plates, cups and utensils. Plus extra serving spoons, since you are all traveling. Bring your paintings for a show and tell.
Sunday: We can make a plan for Sunday, based on what everyone wants to do. Last year we went to Twin Sisters and that was pretty great!
Monday: Some people might paint on Monday
City of Rocks National Reserve https://www.nps.gov/ciro/index.htm
Camping/Lodging: Google for up-to-date camping/lodging info in the area. We stayed at "City of Rocks Camp and Climb" last year, no frills RV sites w power or tent sites. We are staying at Castle Rock State park this year (But you need to book early!) Amenities in Almo: (Google to check hours of operation) Tracy General Store, 3001 S. Elba Almo Rd. Phillips 66 gas station and convenience store, 883 S. 883 ID-77 Gas, convenience store items, homemade ice cream Rock City Mercantile: 3049 S. Elba Almo Rd.(between the national reserve and the City of Rocks Visitor Center) Pizza Piggy Sue Barbecue, 262 Main St.One Punch Pizza, 247 W. North St., snacks, wine, beer. Almo Outpost Steakhouse, 3020 S. Elba Almo Rd. The Lunchroom (sandwich shop), 2992 S. Elba Almo Rd. Durfee Hot Springs, 2798 S. Elba Almo Rd. City of Rocks Visitor Center, 3035 S. Elba Almo Rd. Maps, Wi-Fi, T-shirts, books, advice, etc.
Non-PAPI members are welcome to attend, since I know you will want to join PAPI once you see how fun we are!
The Almo Inn, which is the most desirable location to stay, has a limited number of rooms and has been growing in popularity. Reserving a room now if you’re interested is a good idea. The Steakhouse at the Almo Inn is open again!
There is camping available in the City of Rocks National Reserve (among a few other camping options in the area). Visit this link for more info: https://www.reserveamerica.com/.../cit.../ID/315044/overviewhttps://www.nps.gov/ciro/index.htm
Almo Inn URL:https://www.almoinn.com/ Albion, Idaho
PAPI ANNUAL MEMBER MEETING/DEMOS/LUNCH/PAINT OUT
PAPI ANNUAL MEMBER MEETING/DEMOS/LUNCH/PAINT OUT
SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 11:00AM-2:00PM
MK Nature Center
600 S Walnut St, Boise, ID 83712
Look for the RSVP notification in your email so you may order your complementary box lunch.
Eagle Plein Air Festival October 3-10, 2026
Eagle Plein Air Festival October 3-10, 2026
The Eagle Plein Air Festival is a festival, exhibition, and competition open to professional and non-professional artists of all skill levels. More than 80 artists visit beautiful Southwest Idaho to paint, draw, and sketch the natural landscape. Watch a demonstration, take a painting lesson and talk with the artists. At the end of the Festival, the public can view and purchase these unique visions of Eagle at the Festival Exhibition and Awards Reception.
Quick Draw Sept. (2026 dates TBA)
Quick Draw Sept. (2026 dates TBA)
Click Here To Register: https://idahoartgallery.com/quick-draw/
Nelli Garibyan
Idaho Art Gallery
208.404.6217
Join in on the fun in the great outdoors this winter!
Join in on the fun in the great outdoors this winter!
January 1-25
Check out our calendar on this website to find out where we are painting.
Click the link for details on the contest: https://www.eaglepleinair.com/extreme2026/
CLICK THIS LINK FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY: downtowndriggs.org/plein-air-festival
Driggs Plein Air Festival
Driggs Plein Air Festival
WORKSHOP REGISTRATION AND THE DRIGGS PLEIN AIR ARTIST APPLICATION PROCESS WILL GO LIVE ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 13TH AT 10AM. The 15th Annual Driggs Plein Air Festival will take place for registered artists from July 22 - August 1, 2026. Public Festival dates are Sunday, July 26 – Saturday, August 1. Artists and collectors enjoy many activities like the extended Exhibition & Sale, Opening Reception, Quick Draw Competitions, Collectors Night, Workshops, Paint-Outs, Competition Awards Ceremony, and Closing Reception. 2026 marks the second year the Festival will have a juried entry process, with 75 national selected artists invited to participate in both events and the formal competition.
WORKSHOP REGISTRATION AND THE DRIGGS PLEIN AIR ARTIST APPLICATION PROCESS WILL GO LIVE ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 13TH AT 10AM. The 15th Annual Driggs Plein Air Festival will take place for registered artists from July 22 - August 1, 2026. Public Festival dates are Sunday, July 26 – Saturday, August 1. Artists and collectors enjoy many activities like the extended Exhibition & Sale, Opening Reception, Quick Draw Competitions, Collectors Night, Workshops, Paint-Outs, Competition Awards Ceremony, and Closing Reception. 2026 marks the second year the Festival will have a juried entry process, with 75 national selected artists invited to participate in both events and the formal competition.
Stanley Paint Out
Stanley Paint Out
2026 DATES TBA
Collister Garden Tour
Collister Garden Tour
Sunday September (DATES TBA)
The Collister Garden Tour is set to return in 2025 for the AUTUMNAL EQUINOX! Come gander at gardens resembling the comfort of cyclical change and explore the richness of early fall colors in beautiful Boise.
There will be a MAXIMUM of 400 tickets available. Our goal every year is to sell out prior to the event, so buy your tickets early and mark your calendars for this one of a kind event!
Enjoy , food trucks, Plein Air painters, live music, Molly the Boise Trolley will shuttle you from garden to garden. Tickets on sale NOW and selling fast!
*If you haven't signed up to paint during the tour and would like to please contact us.
Makers' Market At Edwards Greenhouse
November (2026 Dates TBA)
Plein Air Painters of Idaho have been invited to sell their art at this market event.
Plein Air Convention & Expo (PACE)
Plein Air Convention & Expo (PACE)
May 17-21, 2027
The 14th Annual Plein Air Convention & Expo (PACE) is coming to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. Scheduled for May 17–21, 2027, it is the largest gathering of outdoor painters in the world and will feature over 75 leading artists, daily demonstrations, and evening paint-outs Over five days, you’ll paint in landscapes with strong value patterns, shifting light, rich color temperature, and clear atmospheric depth.
Registration is open and you may secure your spot now. Some of our PAPI members have already signed up to attend. Join us!
Here's the link with for more information and to register: https://pleinairconvention.com/
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