Island Vibes and History Recorded via Plein Air
Outdoor Painters Society partners with the Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) for the 7th year to present Plein Air Southwest, the annual members competition of the OPS to paint and record the vibe of the island. Our juried selection of plein air artists add motion and excitement to the local interest and flavor to the city during the 52nd Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour in early May. The entire art event will span May 3-9th.
Forty-four selected artists will assist Galveston Historical Foundation with its goal to “preserve and revitalize the architectural, cultural and maritime heritage of Galveston Island”. Their visual representations of Galveston Island in oil, pastel, and water media will serve as record of the Island in 2026. These artists live on the island for a week and are totally immersed in the history, culture, smells, sunshine, wind, rain, and people. Art preserves what fact-based historical records cannot: how it felt to exist in a particular place at a particular time.
Also, during this same week Outdoor Painters Society is sponsoring a 3-day plein air workshop with artist Bill Davidson, right on Galveston Island. Bill will bring his brand new, playful absorption and awareness processes to the workshop participants. Outdoor Painters Society combines art, activity, education, and interaction to this 2026 Plein Air Southwest event week.
As wonderful as it is to paint on this diverse barrier Island, with the ocean landscape on one side and the working harbor/marine/cruise industry on the other side, a combination of notable 19th Century Architecture contrasting with the present-day progress, the weekend exhibit of fresh paintings is equally special. The Grand Ball Room at the 1859 Ashton Villa on Broadway, the main boulevard, is a perfect background for the art display of over 250 plein air pieces. Preview night, Friday May 8th, is exclusive for Galveston Historical Foundation Members to meet the artists and have first choices on the paintings.
The PASW Exhibit and Sale opens up to the public on Saturday, May 9th so visitors and islanders can enjoy visiting with the artists as they paint smaller surfaces on the lush lawn of the 1859 Ashton Villa, often buying the piece in progress. Enjoying the interior of the historic mansion, and viewing the large assortment of paintings in the ballroom adds to the public’s experience. It is truly an entertaining event on the island and the artists welcome everybody to enjoy the day with them. Seasoned, and nationally known California artist Bill Davidson, will present awards in the late afternoon to tie up the event-filled week.
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For More Information:
Calendar Dates: May 3-9, 2026
Location: Texas
Award Judge: Bill Davidson, OPA, AIS, LPAPA
GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
Contact: Will Wright, Publications & Marketing for GHF, 409-765-3404, will.wright@galvestonhistory.org
Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) was formed as the Galveston Historical Society in 1871 and merged with a new organization formed in 1954 as a non-profit entity devoted to historic preservation and history in Galveston County. Over the last sixty years, GHF has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation, coastal resiliency and stewardship of historic properties. GHF embraces a broader vision of history and architecture that encompasses advancements in environmental and natural sciences and their intersection with historic buildings and coastal life, and conceives of history as an engaging story of individual lives and experiences on Galveston Island from the 19th century to the present day. Throughout the year, thousands of volunteers assist Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) with its goal to “preserve and revitalize the architectural, cultural and maritime heritage of Galveston Island”. The staff, members and volunteers work hand in hand daily supporting this vital non-profit foundation.
OUTDOOR PAINTERS SOCIETY
Contact: Steven Harris, steven.harris@stevenharrisart.com, cell: 281-460-6780, https://www.outdoorpainterssociety.com
The Outdoor Painters Society was formed in 1996 with nine charter members. The goal was to create opportunities and incentive for artists of like mind to come together and paint en plein air (outside in the open air). Now a nationally known plein air artist’s organization with an annual average membership of around 350 members continues to grow. About 75% of OPS members reside in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado. The membership is ‘without borders’ and includes artists all across the country from the eastern seaboard to the west coast. There are 8-9 scheduled paint-outs each year with the outings ranging from one to five days. Locations vary all around Texas including Big Bend National Park, Palo Duro Canyon, and small towns such as Glen Rose and Mineola. At least one event each year can be in another state with favorite locations being New Mexico, Colorado, Arkansas, Arizona, and the Grand Canyon. The premier juried “members only” annual event known as Plein Air Southwest attracts national attention, elite artists, savvy collectors, decorators and locals who just enjoy art. For more information visit our website- www.outdoorpainterssociety.com
and our facebook page.
