A Century of Inspiration · A New Chapter in 2027
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 November 2027.
Art. History. Conservation. Community.
You're Invited
Catalina Plein Air Art Festival Revival 2027. Free and open to all — come learn about the vision and how to get involved.
RSVP to ensure your space and let us know your interest. All welcome!
The Story
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
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 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 November 2027 festival is an opportunity to preserve this history while creating something meaningful for the island's future.
Festival 2027
A proposed four-day November festival inspired by successful plein air events, while maintaining a strong Catalina identity and local community focus.
Artists working en plein air across Avalon and approved island locations throughout the festival.
A timed public painting challenge with wet-paint judging and an energetic island crowd.
Learn technique and history directly from participating painters and special guests.
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.
Featured Painting
A luminous plein air study of Catalina's iconic Casino and the boats moored below — the kind of island light and color the festival will celebrate.
Proposed Event Schedule
Invitational
November 15 – 20, 2027
Preceded by a three-day John Cosby workshop, November 12 – 14. Festival Show and Sale on Saturday, November 20th.
November 12 – 14
Thursday – Saturday
November 15
Monday
Catalina Island Museum for Art and History
November 16 – 19
Monday – Friday
November 16
Tuesday
November 17
Wednesday
Location TBD
November 18
Wednesday
Catalina Museum Gallery
November 19
Thursday
Location TBD
November 20
Saturday
El Encanto
Signature Featured Artists
The festival is honored to welcome signature featured artists John Cosby and Kevin MacPherson, who will headline the invitational and lead painting workshops for participating artists.
Signature Featured Artist
A celebrated California plein air painter known for his atmospheric coastal and harbor scenes, John Cosby brings decades of experience painting the light and landscape of Southern California and its islands.
Workshop
Three-Day Plein Air Workshop
November 12 – 14, 2027
20 artists, all invited / ticketed
Signature Featured Artist
An internationally respected painter, author and teacher, Kevin MacPherson is a leading voice in contemporary plein air painting, sharing his approach to color, value and light with artists around the world.
Workshop
Additional workshop and demonstration details to be announced.
Founder
The painter leading the effort to revive Catalina's plein air legacy and build a community-centered festival for 2027.
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. Drawn to the island's harbors, hillsides and everyday moments, she is leading the effort to revive Catalina's plein air legacy and build a festival rooted in community.
Community Impact
The project is intended to generate cultural, educational and economic benefits for the island and its community.
Creating paid opportunities and visibility for island and regional painters.
Bringing thoughtful cultural tourism to Catalina during quieter months.
Inviting island students to artist talks and panels on plein air painting and art history.
Partnering with restaurants, hotels and shops, including a local restaurant dinner reception.
Documenting and celebrating Catalina’s century of painting.
Encouraging stewardship of the island’s coastline and wild interior.
Coming December 2027
The Catalina Plein Air Festival is currently applying for 501(c)(3) status. Stay tuned for opportunities to become a founding sponsor or donor coming December 2027.
Join our mailing list for current updates and to join this local effort to encore Catalina's distinguished plein air legacy festival.