Plein Talk with Art Experts
Exploring Plein Air’s Past, Present & Future
Join LPAPA at the Laguna Art Museum for an inspiring, insider look into the world of outdoor painting. As LPAPA celebrates 30 years of artistic excellence and our 28th Annual Invitational, we are gathering the top minds in the art world to discuss the evolution of the outdoor painting tradition.
Event Details
- Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
- Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Location: Laguna Art Museum
- Moderator: Celeste Gilles, LPAPA Vice President
- Features: Elite Panel Discussion, Audience Q&A, and a Wine & Charcuterie Reception
- No-Host Dinner: Immediately following the Plein Talk, join us for a no-host dinner at Nirvana to continue the conversation! Confirm your Dinner Reservations through the link below
Our Panel, moderated by Celeste Gilles (LPAPA’s Vice President), will include Saim Caglayan (LPAPA Founder & 2026 Invitational Artist), Mary Linda Strotkamp (LPAPA Board Member, Collector & Early Laguna Settler), Michael Obermeyer (the only Artist to have been invited to participate in the Laguna Plein Air Invitational all 28 years), and James Irvine Swinden (Chairman and Co-Founder of the Irvine Museum Collection at UCI). Moderator Celeste Gilles (LPAPA’s Vice President).
Why Attend?
This unique, interactive “Plein Talk” strips away the standard formalities. Our panel of master artists, legendary collectors, and respected art experts, will delve into LPAPA’s history and Laguna’s artistic legacy, with discussion about what makes a plein air masterpiece, how the market is shifting, and what the future holds for the next generation of outdoor painters.
The talk will begin a 6:00 PM and conclude after Q&As at 7:30 PM. Come early at 5:30 PM to enjoy wine and a delightful spread provided by Chef Lindsay of Nirvana, LPAPA’s 2026 culinary partner, mingle with the experts and artists, and soak in the vibrant community spirit that has defined Laguna Beach for over a century.
Seating is limited—advance tickets recommended!
LPAPA & Museum Members: $35
Non-Member Guests: $45
LCAD Next Generation Students $10
Ticket sales support the program, as well as both the Museum and LPAPA!
All attendees are invited for a no-host dinner at Nirvana immediately following the talk!
Advance Dinner Reservation required – Confirm dinner reservation thru link below.
Tickets on Sale Soon thru the Laguna Art Museum!
Gratitude to our 2026 Invitational culinary partner…
A huge thank you to the Laguna Art Museum for hosting this special LPAPA event!
The Museum is located at 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach (Google Map Link)
Learn how you can support the Laguna Plein Air Painters & the Laguna Art Museum…
by becoming a Member!
BECOME A LPAPA MEMBER BECOME A MUSEUM MEMBER
Follow the journey using hashtag:
#LPAPA28th #LagunaPleinAir #ExperienceCollectors on our
Facebook and Instagram channels,
or click to sign up for free as a LPAPA E-News Subcriber!
MEET THE 2026 INVITATIONAL ARTISTS
Click to view or print schedule of 2026 Scheduled Events.
Need assistance? Contact LPAPA by phone (949) 376-3635 or by email info@lpapa.org.
