ART Provides & St George Plein Air Presents The 5th Annual
St George Plein Air Festival
April 6–11, 2026 | Registration Now Open
ON THIS PAGE
- 2026 FESTIVAL INFORMATION & ITINERARY
- 2026 FESTIVAL REGISTRATION
- 2026 PRE-FESTIVAL WORKSHOP INFORMATION
Paint the Desert. Capture the Light. Join the Community.
For one inspiring week each spring, artists from across the nation gather in Southern Utah to celebrate the art of painting outdoors. From the red cliffs of Pioneer Park to the shaded streets of historic downtown, the St. George Plein Air Festival offers endless opportunities to capture light, color, and story directly from life.
This year marks the 5th Annual Festival — and you’re invited to be part of it.
April 6–11, 2026
Festival Itinerary
MON 4/6
7 AM–12 PM · Artist Check-In & Stamping
Social Hall · 212 N Main St, St. George
5–6 PM - Meet & Greet
Social Hall · 212 N Main St, St. George
TUES 4/7
9 AM–12 PM · Community Paint-Out at Red Hills Desert Garden
375 E Red Hills Parkway, St. George · All are welcome!
1–2 PM · Plein Air Talk with Steve Stauffer
Social Hall · 212 N Main St, St. George
WED 4/8
5–7 PM · Nocturne Paint-Out
Social Hall · 212 N Main St, St. George
THURS 4/9
Open Painting Day (no scheduled events)
FRI 4/10
10 AM–4 PM · Artwork Drop-Off
Social Hall · 212 N Main St, St. George
SAT 4/11 · Exhibit, Reception & Awards
Social Hall · 212 N Main St, St. George
- 3–6 PM · Public Reception – All are welcome!
- 3–4 PM · People’s Choice Voting
- 4 PM · Awards Ceremony
- 5–6 PM · Music & Mingling
- 6–7 PM · Artwork Pick-Up
Special Pre-Festival Workshop
“Painting the Desert Light” with Steve Stauffer
Fri–Sat, April 3–4, 2026
Kick off your festival week with a two-day intensive plein air workshop taught by acclaimed artist Steve Stauffer. This hands-on experience offers in-depth techniques for capturing the light, texture, and atmosphere of Southern Utah’s desert landscapes.
- Location: St. George (details provided upon registration)
- Open to artists of all levels
- Separate registration required
HOW TO REGISTER
DETAILS & FEES
- Festival Dates: April 6–11, 2026
- Location: St. George, Utah & surrounding landscapes
- Eligibility: Open to all artists 18+ working in plein air traditions (oil, watercolor, pastel, acrylic, mixed media)
Fees
- $65 · Early Registration (deadline: February 6, 2026)
- $80 · Regular Registration
- +$25 · Add-on: Limited supply of the 1st edition Plein Air Festival apron (remaining stock only – available while supplies last)
What’s Included
- Access to festival paint-outs and events
- Artist packet at check-in
- Eligibility for awards and exhibit sales
- Entry to community gatherings and artist talk
Juror: Kathy LaFave
We’re honored to welcome Kathy LaFave as this year’s juror for the St. George Plein Air Festival. A longtime advocate for the arts in Southern Utah, Kathy brings decades of experience in gallery leadership, curation, and arts administration. She is the former owner of LaFave Gallery in Springdale and currently serves as co-manager of Worthington Gallery in Springdale. Kathy has also been heavily involved in the Zion Plein Air Event, working closely with plein air artists and exhibitions over many years. Her curatorial eye, deep understanding of the plein air tradition, and commitment to artistic excellence make her a thoughtful and respected juror for this year’s festival.
Refund Policy
- Cancellations received before February 6, 2026 will be refunded in full (minus processing fees).
- No refunds will be issued after February 6, 2026.
- Registrations are non-transferable.
👉 Please Note: Registration for the festival is separate from the pre-festival workshop with Steve Staufer (April 3–4, 2026).
About the Festival
The St. George Plein Air Festival promotes the centuries-old tradition of painting directly from life and its many benefits. We provide:
Paint-outs in inspiring locations
Opportunities to expand knowledge through shared experiences
Expert-led workshops and engaging talks
Public exhibitions and sales
We recognize excellence, encourage curiosity, and promote the conservation of Southern Utah’s public lands. Above all, we value the camaraderie and creative spirit this festival brings to the plein air community.
Come paint the desert light with us this April. Whether you’re returning or joining for the first time, you’ll find inspiration, challenge, and community in every brushstroke.