Back Bay Plein Air Art Festival

35% of the proceeds for art sales donated to protecting and preserving the Bay

All events include free parking/admission

We love our furry friends, but they are not recommended at the festival.

NOTE: Registration on this page is for the Painting Classes. To register as an artist/competitor for Saturday, July 13 Painting Competition, go to the link in the description below.

Painting Competition July 13, 8 am - 11 am: Watch artists compete in a friendly competition as they paint alongside many of the trails surrounding Big Canyon. Take time to explore the natural beauty that attracts so many to the Bay. Artists enter the competition at . Artwork will be available for viewing from 2 pm - 4 pm that day at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center and on display and for sale through July 19.

Best of OC Parks and Newport Bay Show and Sale July 13-19, 10 am - 4 pm (closed Monday, July 15): View art pieces that were curated and preselected for this special exhibit. Highlighting the beauty of OC Parks landscapes including iconic areas such as Irvine Regional Park, Peter's Canyon, Salt Creek Beach, and the Bay.

Adult Classes: All materials are supplied and participants will take home a completed painting at the end of class. $10 materials fee.

• Tues, July 16, 10am-12pm - oil class with Karen Wadsworth
• Wed, July 17, 10am-12pm - pastel class with Mike Major

Children's Classes: Art instructors will provide students ages 7-12 with an unforgettable fine art experience. All materials are supplied and participants will take home a completed painting at the end of class. Donations accepted.

• Thurs, July 18, 10am-12pm - acrylic with Ellen Emmer
• Fri, July 19, 10am-12pm - acrylic with Sandra Morrison

Weekend Show & Sale on Saturday, July 20 & Sunday, July 21, 10 am - 4 pm: View several hundred additional original paintings. SOCALPAPA artists will display award-winning artwork, live music, and food and beverage will be available for purchase.

Gold Sponsors:

Davinci Paints

Randy Higbee Gallery

Silver Sponsors:

Art Supply Warehouse

Blick Art Supplies

Artwork Essentials Inc.

Framing Artistry

Original Pizza, Sports Bar & Grill

Viviva Colors

This festival of fine art is a collaborative event organized by the following partners:

Host or Publisher Newport Bay Conservancy