September 2026 Event Culminates with Exhibition at the Amarillo Art Institute in Amarillo Texas
Santa Fe, NewMexico — The legendary Mother Road has become an open-air studio this summer as plein air artists from across the country are painting the iconic landscapes, roadside landmarks, historic towns, and expansive vistas of Route 66 during a multi-state painting adventure through Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona entitled The Mother Road Open air, Open Road
This unique event celebrates America's most famous highway through the timeless tradition of painting outdoors, offering artists an opportunity to document the ever-changing beauty and enduring character of Route 66 while traveling one of the nation's most historic corridors.
Registered painters participate painting opportunities in classic Route 66 communities, dramatic desert landscapes, colorful main streets, vintage neon districts, and panoramic Southwestern scenery. Artists of all skill levels are welcome to experience the camaraderie of painting on location while exploring the rich cultural heritage of the American West. Check it out at The event concludes with a special exhibition and gallery opening at the Amarillo Art Institute in Amarillo, Texas, where selected works created during the journey will be showcased in a public exhibition and fine art sale celebrating the landscapes, history, and spirit of Route 66.
https://papnm.org
"Our goal is to preserve the visual story of Route 66 through contemporary plein air painting,” says Phyllis Gunderson, event chair. "Every plein air painting becomes a unique interpretation of one of America's most treasured byways connecting artists with our treasure heritage and communities"
Event Highlights for registered participants
- Multiple painting locations featuring historic Route 66 landmarks
- Organized paint outs
- Opportunities to paint iconic roadside architecture, classic Americana, desert landscapes, and vibrant communities
- Gallery exhibition and opening reception at the Amarillo Art Institute
- Opportunity to sign up for workshop with award winning PAPNM Signature artist Dick Wimberly
- Public opportunity to view and purchase original artwork inspired by Route 66
The Route 66 Plein Air Expedition invites painters to slow down, observe, and celebrate the landscapes that have inspired generations of travelers. From the wide-open skies of the Texas Panhandle to the mesas of New Mexico and the colorful deserts of Arizona, artists will create an enduring visual record of one of America's most beloved highways.
Registration information, is on the Plein Air Painter of New Mexico website: https://papnm.org. Please note you must be a member of PAPNM or AAI to register.
About the Mother Road - Open Air - Open Road Paint out and Show
The Route 66 Mother Road Plein Air event is a collaborative celebration of outdoor painting, historic preservation, and cultural tourism. By bringing artists together along the historic highway, the event honors the artistic, historical, and scenic legacy of Route 66 while creating new works that capture its enduring appeal for future generations.
For more information, please check out our website or contact our team below
Add in logos for Papnm, AAI and Mother road
