Mendocino Open Paint Out 2023
A Plein Air Festival on Northern California's Beautiful Mendocino Coast — September 18-23, 2023
The Mendocino Art Center (MAC) hosts the Mendocino Open Paint Out (MOPO), a plein air festival established in 2013. The Mendocino Coast, located along a beautiful expanse of the Pacific Ocean in northern California, is a spectacular setting to paint en plein air. Artists claim that the quality of light is unlike anywhere else in the world. From the rugged surrounding landscape, to the bay and beaches, to the quaint Victorian architecture and water towers in the town of Mendocino, to the nearby vineyards and wineries, artists are sure to find abundant creative inspiration.
MAC is welcoming artists from all over California and beyond, as well as and our featured artists, Juan Peña, Jim McVicker, and Natasha Isenhour. New paintings will be hung throughout the week as the artists complete them.
We thank Visit Mendocino and Blick Art Materials for their sponsorship of the Mendocino Open Paint Out.
Experience the Magic of Plein Air Painting at Mendocino Open Paint Out 2023
Join us on the beautiful Mendocino Coast for the Mendocino Open Paint Out 2023 from September 18 - 23. Hosted by the Mendocino Art Center, this plein air festival is a celebration of the unique light and diverse landscapes that have drawn artists to the area for years.
Witness the artistic process unfold as artists from all over California and beyond, including our featured artists Juan Peña, Jim McVicker, and Natasha Isenhour, paint on location. Immerse yourself in the artistic atmosphere by attending our artists showcase exhibition, daily happy hours, artist demonstrations, and the final gallery event with prizes!
The Mendocino Open Paint Out is free and open to the public!
All week …
• Watch the artists paint on location
• Shop wet paint sales featuring new paintings exhibited each day
• View the event opening Artists Showcase Exhibition with each participating artist showing a previously created painting
• See paintings by featured artists Juan Peña, Jim McVicker, and Natasha Isenhour
• Attend Featured Artist demonstrations
Daily Schedule of Events
Monday, September 18
8am - 5pm: Check-In, stamp substrate, Mopo café (muffins, coffee, fruit), Artists Hang Paintings brought with them, artists painting (en plein air), hang wet paintings
4:30 - 8pm: Happy Hour; Welcome pizza party announcements & questions
Tuesday, September 19
8am - 5pm: Mopo café, stamp substrate, Artists Painting, hang paintings all day
5 - 8pm: Happy Hour, pot-luck grill (artist supply there own food) or dine out at local restaurants offering discounts (present MOPO name tag for discount)
7 - 8pm: DEMO by guest artist
Wednesday, September 20
8am - 5pm: Mopo café, stamp substrate, Artists Painting, hang paintings all day
5 - 8pm: Happy Hour, Stone-Soup Bowl (bowls created by ceramics department for sale or dine out at local restaurants offering discounts (present MOPO name tag for discount)
7 - 8pm: DEMO by guest artist
Thursday, September 21
8am - 5pm: Mopo café, stamp substrate, Artists Painting, hang paintings all day
5 - 8pm: Happy Hour, pot-luck grill (artist supply there own food) or dine out at local restaurants offering discounts (present MOPO name tag for discount)
7 - 8pm: DEMO by guest artist
Friday, September 22
8am - 3pm: Mopo café, stamp substrate, Artists Painting and hanging paintings
3 - 5pm: Judging
5 - 8pm: Happy Hour, GALA paid event for Collectors/Buyers
Saturday, September 23
10am - 12pm: Quick Draw: stamp substrate, Quick Draw, Hang quick draw
2 - 4pm: Public voting, Awards presentation
5 - 9pm: Wrap Party with appetizers
Schedule subject to change.
Support the Mendocino Art Center by Shopping Wet Paint Sales
As a collector, you have a unique opportunity to support the vibrant art community that MAC fosters. Throughout the week of Mendocino Open Paint Out 2023, we will hold wet paint sales, where you can purchase freshly created paintings, still wet from the easel. These paintings capture the essence of the Mendocino Coast and will make a wonderful addition to any collection.
Your support is crucial to MAC's mission of nurturing artists and promoting the arts. By shopping our wet paint sales, you're helping MAC continue to make a meaningful impact on the art world. Join us in celebrating creativity, connection, and the beauty of wet paint!