En Plein Air: Mid-Show Art Reception (A Celebration of Art and Alameda)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

The Frank Bette Center for the Arts invited 40 talented painters to Alameda to participate in our 21st annual weeklong, juried Plein Air Paint Out event.

Plein air painting—French for “open air”—is the practice of creating art outdoors, directly from life. Rather than working from photographs or memory, artists responded in real time to shifting light, moving clouds, and the energy of a place as it unfolded.

Throughout the week, artists painted across the island, drawing inspiration from Alameda’s Victorian homes, lush gardens, docks, boats, and working waterfronts.

A selection of paintings from the 2026 Plein Air Paint Out is now on display at the Frank Bette Center for the Arts through September 27. Visit the gallery to experience the artists’ diverse interpretations of Alameda’s unique character and beauty.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.