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

         

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