28th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Invitational
2026 Best in Show Award Winner
“The Approach” by Michael Obermeyer
Gratitude to our Best in Show Judging Panel:
Kathleen Dunphy, LPAPA Signature Artist & 2026 Lifetime Achievement
Kathryn Kanjo, Director of the UCI Langson OC Museum
James Irvine Swinden, Co-Founder of The Irvine Museum
CLICK TO VIEW ALL AWARD WINNERS
2026 Artists | 2026 Sponsors & Donors
The Grand Finale: Invitational Art Show & FestivalExperience the historic Festival of Arts grounds transformed into a massive, interactive outdoor art gallery. Wander the beautiful open-air layout, watch live artistic creation, and purchase original fine art straight from the source.
10:00 AM | Gates Open: Free entry to the public. The main exhibition opens featuring original plein air works.
11:00 AM | “Sunday Best” Small Works Award Ceremony: Be the first to view a brand-new collection of intimate 6″ x 8″ small masterworks, with Sunday Best Award announcement happening live.
All Day (10 AM – 4 PM) | Live Demos & Artist Meetups: Interact with 30 of the nation’s top award-winning landscape painters as they demonstrate their techniques live.
Lunchtime | Food Truck: Pair world-class art with great culinary eats.
Sunday is an exceptional day to buy. To keep the exhibition dynamic, artists will be hanging freshly finished, new original paintings on Sunday morning to replace pieces sold during Saturday’s Collectors Art Party. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, you will have access to an entirely unique selection of art.
By taking home a piece of Laguna’s heritage, you directly support the nonprofit mission of the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA), our year-round art and education programs, and our local youth art mentorship programs.
We look forward to celebrating the Laguna plein air legacy with you!
Not a LPAPA Member? Click HERE to learn more and join!
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
BECOME A 2026 SPONSOR or PATRON *
*Sponsorship print deadline extended to September 15th!
Click to view or print schedule of 2026 Invitational Events.
Please note: The LPAPA Gallery will close October 2nd and reopen October 15th.
Need assistance? Contact LPAPA by phone (949) 376-3635 or by email info@lpapa.org.
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.
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).
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.
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.
