The Durango Arts Center is proud to announce a juried exhibit for members of the Plein Air Painters of the Four Corners, running from August 21 – October 10, 2026. We will host a grand opening celebration in the DAC Gallery on August 21, 5:00-7:00pm, with snacks, cash bar, gallery viewing, and a meet-and-greet with the artists. The exhibit will be juried by award-winning Mancos artist Veryl Goodnight prior to the grand opening, with first, second, third, and honorable mention ribbons being awarded.
The Plein Air Painters were founded in the 1990s. Their goal was to inspire and encourage painting enthusiasts to collaborate, sharing techniques and locations while honing their skills in the southwestern countryside. Following in the tradition of French impressionists, Plein Air Painters paint on-site, immersed in nature and working together to express joy, friendship, and a love of the outdoor painting experience.
QUICK DRAW COMPETITION
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 (8:00am-1:00pm)
We will be hosting a Quick Draw Competition on August 18, sponsored by DAC and the Plein Air Painters. The event is open to any community artist who wants to participate!
How does it work? It’s simple: if you want to paint, meet in front of the Durango Public Library at 8:00am. Bring your blank paper, canvas, or panel where it will be stamped and a $10 fee will be collected. You are then free to paint at the location of your choice: downtown, in the neighborhoods, or out in nature! You must return your painting, framed, wired, and ready to hang to DAC by 1:00pm.
All Quick Draw entries will hang on a separate wall from the main show and will be juried and awarded.
Participants can pick up rejected work after the event.
OXBOW DEMO
Saturday, October 3, 2026 (9:00am-12:00pm)
Come to the Oxbow Preserve and observe local artists paint the landscape and explain their techniques! Artists are welcome to participate, free of charge, but must provide their own art materials.
