PAPNM upcoming events

Mother Road Paint Out in Tucumcari, NM; May 29-31, 2026 (Opens April 21) (31 May 2026)

Sun, 31 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

You’re invited to join us for a vibrant 3-day paint out in Tucumcari, New Mexico—Friday, May 29 through Sunday, May 31, 2026. You must be a registered participant in the Mother Road event before you sign up for any paint out

Please let us know what medium you would like to use for your Mother Road Tiny Treasure (water media, dry media, oil media) when you register.

Stephanie West will be coordinating this paint out and would love to see you there for a weekend of painting, Route 66 charm, and good company. She can be contacted at cell: 505-470-8844

Daily Rhythm

• Breakfast (op:onal): 7:00–8:30 AM

• Lunch: On your own

• Group Dinner: Around 5:50–6:00 PM (typically at Del's Restaurant or La Cita; a local steakhouse is also an op-on)

Places to Stay (and Paint on Property)

• Motel Safari, hEps://themotelsafari.com

• Blue Swallow Motel, https://blueswallowmotel.com

• Roadrunner Lodge, https://roadrunnerlodge.com Note: Some commercial hotels in town allow pets.

Paint Out Locations

1. Old Texaco Sign

2. Odeon Theatre

3. Tee Pee Curios

4. Tucumcari Railroad Museum

5. Vintage signs, buildings, and homes throughout town

6. Nocturne painting opportunities

7. La Cita (iconic “Mexican hat” building)

Good Eats

1. Watson's BBQ (Closed Sundays)

2. Donut Pro (5 AM–2 PM, Closed Sundays)

3. Del's Restaurant (vegan options, Closed Sundays)

4. La Cita (limited Sunday hours)

5. Stone Ranch Steakhouse (4–8 PM, inside Best Western)

6. Lick Me 'Til Ice Cream

7. Plus several fast food op-ons

Optional Sightseeing

Mesalands Dinosaur Museum Open Friday or Saturday: 10 AM–1 PM & 2–4 PM

This is a relaxed, self-directed paint out—come for a day or stay the full three. Tucumcari offers rich subject matter, classic Route 66 nostalgia, and great opportunities for plein air work

I hope you’ll join us for a memorable weekend of painting and connection.

Make sure you register for the 2026 Mother Road Event prior signing up for this fun Paint out

2026 Signs of Spring Contest (10 Jun 2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 05:55:00 GMT

Painting Period: Mar 1-Jun 10, 2026.

PAPNM Members. Log on and upload your ONE painting image by 11:55 pm MST on Jun 10 to the Album. Note you must be logged in to the website in order to upload an image.

2026 Signs of Spring Album

Voting Period: June 11-20, ending Jun 20 at 11:55 pm MST.

Description of the Contest.

We are trying something new. This time only Artist and Student PAPNM members are invited to participate in the 2026 Signs of Spring Online Contest with spring-themed paintings, "en plein air". Only plein air paintings painted during the Painting Period: Mar 1 - Jun 10, 2026 qualify. Out-of-state members are strongly encouraged to participate.

Visit Online Contests for a general description of PAPNM Online Contests and the current year's planned contests. - when scheduled.

Also visit the Online Contest Prospectus page for instructions and information.

Email Reminders will be sent. Reply to any email with questions.

Happy Painting/Voting,

Jane Frederick

PAPNM Contest Coordinator

If you wish to enter a contest, renew your artist* membership if lapsed (see instructions here). If not an artist member (yet) select Join Us.

The Mother Road Open Air Open Road Paint Out and Show (Open Registration April 14, 2026) (04 Aug 2026)

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 06:00:00 GMT

The Mother Road Open Air - Open Road, Paint Out and Show

Celebrating the Iconic Route 66 in New Mexico, Arizona and Texas

This is a non juried plein air event open to artist members of Plein Air Painters of New Mexico (PAPNM) and the Amarillo Art Institute (AAI) Artists may paint plein air anywhere along the historic route 66 in either Texas, Arizona or New Mexico during this event. Participating artists may exhibit up to 4 paintings and one Tiny Treasure completed during the event at AAI Gallery. AAI is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization located at 3701 Plains Boulevard, Suite 72D, Amarillo, Texas 79102

event page

Registration is open to PAPNM and AAI artist and student members in good standing working in two-dimensional media, excluding photography and digital media. Your membership must be current during the entire time of the event

$35.66 is due at time of sign up (non-refundable)

Dates

April 14 to Aug 3 or full - Sign up period. Sign up are on PAPNM website. Must be in good standing of either AAI or PAPNM.
April 21 Sign up open Tucumcari Paint Outs
May 1 to Aug 28 Paint out period is anywhere on Route 66 in Texas and New Mexico
May 11 Pop Up Paint out ABQ
May 29-31 Tucumcari, New Mexico Paint Out
June 1 Palo Doro, Texas
June 18 Grants Mining District along Route 66, Lead Ginny Bracht
June 26-27 Adrian and Vega Texas
July 6 Palo Doro, Texas
July 11 Pecos, New Mexico Paint Out
July 24-26 Cadillac Ranch/Slug Bug Ranch, Amarillo Texas
August 3 Palo Duro Canyon Plein Air.pdf , Texas
August 28 - Last date to receive Shipped work at the AAI.
August 29 - 12 to 5pm Early Drop off at Lee Blakeney's Home in Santa Fe, NM. We will have a potluck, art materials swap and drop off of your wonderful work
September 1- from 10am to 4pm drop off ready to hang artwork at AAI.
September 3 and 4 - Workshop presented by PAPNM Signature Member Dick Wimberly, Details will be posted on websites
September 3 - AAI and PAPNM websites Gallery will go live.
September 4 at 4pm Reception at AAI to formally open the show.
September 4 to October 3 Paintings shall be available for display of up to 4 works plus your Tiny Treasure for each registered member of PAPNM or AAI.
October 3 Show ends.
October 7 Unsold work may be picked up at AAI TBD. Stay tuned for art pick up opportunities in New Mexico.

Event Team

Event Co-Chair - Phyllis Gunderson

Event Co-Chair - Kirk Winn

PAPNM Event Director - Marcia Williams, Marge Garcia Loehr

PAPNM Treasurer - Jane Frederick

PAPNM Sponsor & Donations Director - Deb Fowler

Pecos, New Mexico Paint Out Lead - Phyllis Gunderson
Tucumcari and Albuquerque New Mexico Paint Outs Event Lead - Stephanie West
Adrian/Vega, Cadillac/Slug Bug Ranch, Palo Doro, Texas Paint Outs Event Lead- LaDonna Daniel
Moriarty, New Mexico Paint Out Lead TBD
Amarillo Event Reception Lead - Lee Blakeney