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.

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

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 for Pecos and Tucumcari Paint Outs
May 1 to Aug 28 Paint out period is anywhere on Route 66 in Texas and New Mexico
May 29-31 Tucumcari, New Mexico Paint Out
July 11 Pecos, New Mexico Paint Out
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 each 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
Moriarty, New Mexico Paint Out Lead Susan Ammot
Texas Paint Out Event Lead- LaDonna Daniel
Amarillo Event Reception Lead - Lee Blakeney

PAPNM upcoming events

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

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