A Century of Inspiration · A New Chapter in 2027
Preserving Catalina's Plein Air Legacy
For more than a century, artists have traveled to Catalina Island to paint its dramatic coastline, changing light, historic architecture and timeless natural beauty. We are working to carry that tradition forward through a new community-centered plein air festival planned for fall 2027.
Art. History. Conservation. Community.
The Story
A Century of Painting Catalina
Beginning in the late 1880s, Catalina Island attracted celebrated California Impressionists, including Granville Redmond, William Wendt and Edgar Payne. The island became a favorite subject during the movement's golden age and continued to inspire generations of painters, collectors and visitors.
Discover Catalina's Artistic HistoryThe Gap Today
A Tradition Worth Continuing
Catalina has been home to several important island art traditions, including the Catalina Art Association Festival of Art, the juried Catalina Show founded by Denise Burns, and the Catalina Island Conservancy's Wild Side Art Show.
With the conclusion of the Catalina Show and the Wild Side Art Show, Catalina currently has no dedicated plein air festival. The proposed 2027 festival is an opportunity to preserve this history while creating something meaningful for the island's future.
Festival 2027
A New Catalina Tradition
A proposed four-day fall festival inspired by successful plein air events such as the Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational, while maintaining a strong Catalina identity and local community focus.
Live Paint-Outs
Artists working en plein air across Avalon and approved island locations throughout the festival.
Quick Draw Competition
A timed public painting challenge with wet-paint judging and an energetic island crowd.
Artist Talks & Demonstrations
Learn technique and history directly from participating painters and special guests.
Collector & Artist Cocktail Mingle
An evening meet-and-greet cocktail event and preview where collectors and artists connect over new island work.
The festival will include local artist participation, community programming, island conservation, a local restaurant dinner reception and opportunities for visitors and youth to meet participating artists at talks and panels.
Membership
Help Build the First Chapter
Founding members will help establish the festival, support artist programming and preserve Catalina's artistic heritage.
Island Friend
$50annually
For residents, visitors and art lovers who want to support the mission.
- Digital membership card
- Festival email updates
- Name listed on the website
- Early access to public program announcements
- Member sticker or digital badge
Plein Air Patron
$150annually
- All Island Friend benefits
- Early access to selected festival tickets
- Invitation to a members-only preview or virtual presentation
- Recognition in the festival program
- 10% discount on official festival merchandise
Collector's Circle
$500annually
- All Plein Air Patron benefits
- Priority access to the collector reception
- Invitation to a private artist or curator talk
- Collector's Circle recognition
- Early digital preview of selected festival artwork
- Two festival membership credentials
Founding Legacy Circle
$1,000annually
- All Collector's Circle benefits
- Recognition as a Founding Legacy Member
- Invitation for two to the opening or collector event
- Priority purchasing window where permitted
- Annual founders gathering
- Prominent recognition on the website and festival materials
Featured Artist
Meet the Artists Inspired by Catalina
A rotating gallery of participating, historic and local artists who have found inspiration in the island.
Kymberlee Stanley
Painter · Nashville & Catalina Island
Kymberlee Stanley is a plein air and studio painter whose luminous, impressionist canvases capture Catalina's harbor light, historic architecture and coastal life. She spends summers on the island and returns throughout the year to paint its ever-changing views.
- Featured Work
- “Casino View”
- Style
- California Impressionism
Community Impact
Created for Catalina
The project is intended to generate cultural, educational and economic benefits for the island and its community.
Supporting local artists
Creating paid opportunities and visibility for island and regional painters.
Shoulder-season visitors
Bringing thoughtful cultural tourism to Catalina during quieter months.
Inspiring island youth
Inviting island students to artist talks and panels on plein air painting and art history.
Supporting island businesses
Partnering with restaurants, hotels and shops, including a local restaurant dinner reception.
Preserving art history
Documenting and celebrating Catalina’s century of painting.
Appreciating nature
Encouraging stewardship of the island’s coastline and wild interior.
Stay Connected
Follow the Journey to 2027
Receive festival announcements, meeting dates, artist opportunities, volunteer information and membership news.