The 5th Annual St. George Plein Air Festival returns April 6–11, 2026, bringing 60–70 artists from more than 15 states to paint the landscapes of Southern Utah in real time. Throughout the week, artists will set up easels across Washington County, transforming public spaces into open-air studios where the community can witness the creative process firsthand.
Plein air painting, a tradition rooted in capturing light and atmosphere on location, offers a unique experience for both artists and observers. Passersby may encounter painters at parks, along downtown streets, or overlooking red rock vistas, each working to translate the landscape onto canvas in a single sitting or over multiple sessions.
The festival culminates in the St. George Plein Air Festival Art Show, held Saturday, April 11 from 3 to 6 p.m. at STG Social Hall, 212 N Main St. The exhibition is free and open to the public and will feature hundreds of original works created during the week.
The opening event invites visitors to view the full collection, meet the artists, and experience the immediacy of work created just days prior. The show offers a rare opportunity to see a direct connection between place and painting, with each piece reflecting a specific moment in time across Southern Utah’s varied landscapes.
In addition to the exhibition, the festival includes artist talks, workshops, and informal opportunities for the public to engage with artists throughout the week. These elements are designed to make the creative process more accessible and to encourage participation from both experienced artists and those new to plein air painting.
“The festival creates a bridge between artists and the community,” said Elizabeth Gunter, founder of ART Provides. “The festival creates a bridge between artists and the community. You can watch a painting come to life during the week and then see it finished and on display just days later. It’s a powerful way to experience art, and a really exciting way to collect something meaningful.”
Now in its fifth year, the St. George Plein Air Festival continues to grow, drawing artists, collectors, and visitors while contributing to the region’s expanding arts and cultural landscape.
For more information, visit artprovides.org.
