2026 Morgan Hill Plein Air Paint Out: Join us for our 5th annual painting event in beautiful Morgan Hill!
Please join us for the 5th Annual Morgan Hill Plein Air Paint out at CURA Contemporary! The Morgan Hill Plein Air Paint Out is an annual event that brings together several accomplished artists from across California. Over the course of three days, these professional painters work outdoors within a 20-mile radius of Morgan Hill, capturing the region’s diverse and beautiful landscapes. The event culminates in more than 60 completed paintings, which are judged and recognized with awards. We are thrilled to welcome artist Paul Kratter as the judge for this year’s invitational.
What is plein air? “Plein air” is a French term meaning painting outdoors, on location. This approach allows artists to respond directly to their surroundings, capturing natural light, shifting color, and movement, resulting in works that convey the true spirit of a place and moment.
Important Dates:
Live Painting Event: Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 from 12-5PM
Watch a dozen professional artists painting live at Cottage Creek Vineyards, accompanied by live music! This event is free and open to the public, children over the age of 12 and well behaved pets are welcome.
RSVP to the Live Painting Event on Eventbrite here
Plein Air Paint Out Reception & Awards Ceremony: Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 from 3-6PM
Join us for the reception of our Plein Air Paint Out exhibition. Enjoy a "wet paint sale," awards ceremony, live music, and refreshments at Cura Contemporary.
RSVP to the Exhibition Reception and Awards Ceremony on Eventbrite here
The finished works in the Plein Air Paint Out will be shown in a two month long exhibition shown in Cura Contemporary from Sunday, May 3 – Sunday, June 28th, 2026. Learn more about the exhibition here.
When: Thursday, April 30 – Sunday, May 3, 2026
Price: FREE and open to the public, please RSVP on Eventbrite for the Live Painting Event and the Reception & Awards Ceremony separately.
Live Painting Event: Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 from 12-5PM
Location: Cottage Creek Vineyards | 12537 Watsonville Rd, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Plein Air Paint Out Reception: Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 from 3-6PM
Location: Cura Contemporary in the Edes Building | 17395 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill CA, 95037