Artist Potluck Party | 5:30pm – 7:30pm @ Julius M. Kleiner Park Shelter A4, Meridian

Painters can get festival details, tips for the best painting locations, hear the rules and ask questions. Canvas stamping and packet pick-up will be available. Bring a potluck dish to share.  We suggest that last names beginning A-I bring a dessert, J-R bring a side dish and S-Z bring a main dish. Plates, silverware & water will be provided. This event is for artists and their families.

Canvas Stamping | 5:30pm – 7:30pm @ Julius M. Kleiner Park Shelter A4

This is the artist’s first opportunity to get canvas, board or papers stamped for competition during our kick-off party Friday night. Artist Swag Bags will be available for pick-up. Stamping will continue throughout the Festival.

Canvas Stamping @ 9:00am

Artist check-in, packet pick-up and surface stamping at Old Valley Nursery, 4557 Old Valley Rd, Eagle, ID 83616. Stamping continues each day through the festival (except Sunday) at Finer Frames. Access during construction is through the back alley.

Art in the Garden – Quick Draw Challenge | 10:00am – 12:00pm | Old Valley Nursery, 4557 Old Valley Rd, Eagle, ID 83616
Canvas/paper stamping begins @ 9:30am. Turn in your finished framed painting by 12:00pm. The paintings will be displayed on artist easels immediately following and ribbons awarded.

Hyde Park Nocturnal Paint Out | 9:00pm – Midnight

This is an opportunity for artists to paint the historic Hyde Park in Boise’s North End area.  Located on North 13th Street a few blocks north of Downtown Boise, the Hyde Park Historic District is well known for it’s popular eateries and specialty shops. The 1900’s architecture and night life in this area make it a popular destination for night time painting.

No Stamping Today

Paint Out at 3 Horse Ranch Vineyard | 12:00pm – 6:00pm | 5900 Pearl Rd, Eagle, ID 83616

3 Horse Ranch Vineyard is the destination of the day. Located in the heart of the Eagle Foothills AVA, just 10 miles North of Eagle, this 850 acre winery and ranch offers beautiful scenes of rolling hills and grape vines, maybe even the crush pad and fermentation hall as the winery will be in the middle of harvest.  The Ranch House is open 12pm-6pm for food & wine. Reserve a table here.

Nocturnal Paint Out | Dusk to Dawn

This is an opportunity for artists to paint by the area moonlight and street lamp. Artists registered for the Plein Air Festival are eligible for this additional competition and prize money.

Stamping NOT available on Sunday. Finer Frames is closed today.

Paint Out at Schick-Ostolasa Farmstead | Dawn to Dusk |5506 W Farm Court, Boise Idaho 83714

This preserved Farmstead site covers 2 acres along Dry Creek, with seven historic farm buildings: the farmhouse, a detached kitchen and wellhouse (called the Red House), a root cellar, a wood shed, a saddle shed, a granary and a horse barn. This location is home to the Dry Creek Historical Society and members will have the museum open for tours this day. Restrooms will be open 9-4. Museum will be open 12-4

Daily Demo | 11:00am – 1:00pm | Merrill Park, 637 E Shore Drive, Eagle, ID 83616

Join popular oil painter David Mensing for a lesson on creating dramatic paintings with a palette knife. Bring a chair and join us for this free demonstration in Reid Merrill Park.  Look for us in the SW corner of the park near the observation shelter and pond. Bring your lawn chair and notebook. Free to the public.

Nocturnal Paint Out | Dusk to Dawn

This is an opportunity for artists to paint by the area moonlight and street lamp. Artists registered for the Plein Air Festival are eligible for this additional competition and prize money.

Canvas Stamping | 10:00am – 5:00pm @ Finer Frames

Artist check-in, packet pick-up and surface stamping at Finer Frames, 132 E State Street, Eagle, ID 83616. Stamping starts at 10am and continues daily throughout the festival. During construction, access will be available through the back alley, behind the shop.

Paint Out at Kathryn Albertson Park | Dusk to Dawn

Kathryn Albertson Park is a 41-acre natural park located near downtown Boise. A haven for wildlife and quiet contemplation, the park features wide, paved footpaths and outdoor gazebos in a beautiful natural setting. Located at 1001 S. Americana Blvd., Boise  GET DIRECTIONS

Daily Demo | 11:00am – 1:00pm | Merrill Park | 637 E Shore Dr, Eagle, ID 83616

Join our 2024 Best of Show winning artist Melanie Thompson at Merrill Park for a demonstration in oil painting. Look for us in the SW corner of the park near the observation shelter and pond. Bring your chair and notebook. Free to the public.

Paint the Moon: Depot After Dark | 8:00pm – 11:00pm  | Boise Depot | 2603 W Eastover Terrace, Boise

Experience the magic of moonlight and artistry at one of Boise’s most iconic landmarks! Join fellow painters for a stunning Full Moon Paint Out at the historic Boise Depot, perched above the city with breathtaking views of the skyline and foothills. Whether you paint the glowing cityscape, the serene gardens, or the moon itself, this is a rare chance to create something truly atmospheric.

Eagle Island Paint Out| Dawn to Dusk | Eagle Island State Park, 165 S Eagle Island Pkwy, Eagle, ID 83616

Eagle Island State Park is hands down one of the best hidden gems in Southwest Idaho. It’s 545 acre park that provides easy access to nature just 3 miles west of downtown Eagle. You’ll find a variety of subjects to paint from flat water reflections, old farm buildings and 5 miles of nature trails. $7 park entrance fee required, or free with a Idaho State Parks Pass on your vehicle.

Silas Thompson 2-Day Workshop | 8:00am – 12:00pm | Outdoor Location TBD

Join accomplished plein air painter Silas Thompson for an immersive two-day workshop designed to deepen your skills and sharpen your artistic vision.

Day 1: Painting in the Field Step into the landscape and experience the joy of painting en plein air. Silas will guide students through his process for selecting a scene, capturing natural light, and working efficiently outdoors. With hands-on instruction and individual feedback, participants will develop stronger observational techniques and increase their confidence in working directly from nature.

Daily Demo  | 11:00am – 1:00pm | Merrill Park | 637 E Shore Dr, Eagle, ID 83616

Join watercolor artist David Orrin Smith for our daily art lesson in Merrill Park.  He made an impression on us as the 2024 Best New Artist, and we invited him back to share his unique approach to large-scale watercolor painting in plein air. Look for us in the SW corner of the park near the observation shelter and pond. Bring a lawn chair and notebook. Free to the public.

Nocturnal Paint Out | Dusk to Dawn

This is an opportunity for artists to paint by the area moonlight and street lamp. Artists registered for the Plein Air Festival are eligible for this additional competition and prize money.

Paint Out at MK Nature Center | 10am – 3pm | 600 S. Walnut Street, Boise, Idaho 83712

The Idaho Fish and Game MK Nature Center offers a unique wildlife experience on a 4.6-acre site along the Boise River Greenbelt. The pathways and ponds offer enless opportunities for painting the natural habitat. The park is open dawn to dusk and the visitor’s center and restrooms are open 10-3pm. To protect the wildlife, no dogs are allowed.

Daily Demo   | 11:00am – 1:00pm | Merrill Park | 637 E Shore Dr, Eagle, ID 83616

Join popular oil painter Bonnie Griffith for a lesson on painting with pastels. Look for us in the SW corner of the park near the observation shelter and pond. Bring a chair and join us in Merrill Park for this free demonstration.

Silas Thompson 2-Day Workshop | 1:00am – 4:00pm | Board Room @ Hilton Garden Inn

Day 2: Studio Composition & Painting Principles The second day shifts indoors for a focused exploration of composition, value structure, and the foundational principles of painting. Silas will share insights into refining field studies into stronger finished works, offering critiques and demonstrations to help students develop their plein air practice further.

Nocturnal Paint Out | Dusk to Dawn

This is an opportunity for artists to paint by the area moonlight and street lamp. Artists registered for the Plein Air Festival are eligible for this additional competition and prize money.

Artist Deadline | 10:00am – 12:00pm! | Banbury Golf Club | 2626 S Marypost Place, Eagle

Artists must have their completed works at our check-in station at Banbury Golf Course Clubhouse beginning at 10am and no later than Noon on Friday! All artwork must be framed and wired ready to hang for the competition, show and sale. The maximum number of pieces that may be entered are; 1 for the Festival competition + 1 Nocturnal Paint Out (optional) +1 Quick Draw (optional). If you have signed up to enter an additional painting, the maximum number of paintings doubles; 2 for the Festival competition + 2 Nocturnal Paint Out (optional) +2 Quick Draw (optional).

Daily Demo | 11:00am – 1:00pm | Merrill Park | 637 E Shore Dr, Eagle, ID 83616

Join award-winning oil painter & this year’s festival juror Silas Thompson, for a demonstration in oil painting techniques. Look for us in the SW corner of the park near the observation shelter and pond. Bring a lawn chair and notebook. Free to the public.

AWARDS RECEPTION & ART SHOWCASE | 5:00pm – 8:00pm | Banbury Golf Club

Celebrate a week of creativity and plein air magic at our Awards Reception! Join us for an evening of art, community, and celebration as we showcase the incredible paintings created throughout the Eagle Plein Air Festival. Mingle with the artists, explore a gallery of fresh, original works, and enjoy delicious refreshments in the relaxed setting of Banbury Golf Club’s Harvey’s 19th Hole. Whether you’re an art lover, collector, or fellow painter, this is your chance to discover and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces straight from the easel.

The Awards Ceremony begins at 6:00pm and features the Grand Prize, Artist’s Choice, and more!

Don’t miss this special evening of art and accolades—everyone is welcome to attend!

PAINTING PICK-UP | 7:30pm – 8:00pm | Banbury Golf Club

We’ll be sad to see them go, but unsold artwork will need to be picked up between 7:30pm – 8:00pm on Friday. Artists are encouraged to bring all paintings created during the Festival to Saturday’s Show & Sale at the Eagle Library. Winning paintings will be displayed at Finer Frames through October and at Eagle City Hall in November.