St. George Plein Air Festival
FESTIVAL | FACEBOOK GROUP
The 2025 St. George Plein Air Festival brought together over 60 talented artists from 12 states to celebrate the vibrant landscape of Southern Utah through the art of painting outdoors. For one unforgettable week, easels popped up in gardens, parks, historic districts and desert vistas — capturing light, shadow and story in real time.
Photo credit: Marilyn Rose
A Week of Painting Across Southern Utah
From the red cliffs of Pioneer Park to the serene paths of the Red Hills Desert Garden, artists explored every corner of St. George and beyond. Greengate Village, the charming downtown district, Snow Canyon, and the Social Hall lawn offered countless scenes to capture — each more breathtaking than the last.
Photo credit: ART Provides
Community, Music and Creative Energy
Throughout the week, the festival buzzed with more than just brushstrokes. Artists gathered not only to paint, but to connect — sharing techniques, stories and inspiration in spontaneous sidewalk conversations and scenic overlook gatherings.
Photo credit: Marilyn Rose
One highlight of the week was our community paint-out at Red Hills Desert Garden, where artists were joined by the gentle soundtrack of Hannah, a talented local violinist. It was a moment that reminded us all why we paint outdoors: to be fully present in nature, surrounded by people who feel just as inspired by the land as we do.
Photo credit: Mo Atkin
Photo credit: Virginia Howard
This spirit of collaboration and joy carried through the entire week, creating a sense of belonging and celebration that we’ll carry with us long after the easels are packed away.
Photo credit: Michelle Joy Montrose
A Master’s Perspective: Roland Lee Artist Talk
One of the most memorable moments of the festival was a special talk by celebrated Utah watercolorist Roland Lee, held at the St. George Social Hall. Roland shared insights from his decades-long career painting the landscapes of the American West, offering wisdom, humor and heartfelt reflections on the plein air tradition.
Photo credit: EL Gunter
It was a rare chance to hear from a master who has spent a lifetime capturing Southern Utah’s beauty — and to be reminded that plein air isn’t just a style, but a way of seeing. His talk left attendees inspired, grounded and grateful.
Photo credit: EL Gunter
Whether tucked under an umbrella painting in solitude or participating in bustling paint-outs with fellow creatives, every artist found something magical to capture on canvas. The result? A stunning body of work rich with personal expression and regional beauty.
Photo credit: Elise West
Photo credit: Elise West
Photo credit: EL Gunter
This year’s festival welcomed artists to some of the most breathtaking locations in Southern Utah — from the red rock vistas of Snow Canyon to the vibrant botanicals at Red Hills Desert Garden. Artists captured the light, texture and spirit of place in plein air, braving wind, sun and the occasional curious onlooker. The variety of scenes painted throughout the week — historic Greengate Village, shady corners of Ancestor Square, lava rock ridges, and blooming cactus — showcased the incredible diversity of the region.
Awards & Recognition
We congratulate our 2025 award recipients! With over 60 artists from 12 states participating, the level of talent on display this year was nothing short of inspiring.
Here are the winners by category:
General Category
1st Place: Sean Rowley — Three Crossings (Watercolor)
2nd Place: Kevin Szuch — Eden’s Crossing (Pastel)
3rd Place: Gunther Johannes Hadenthaller — Respite from the Heat (Oil)
Honorable Mentions:
• Megan Reiker — Kolob View (Oil)
• Virginia Howard — 1st Cactus Flower (Watercolor)
Artist’s Choice
Timothy Padillas — Protected Buy a Rock Wall (Oil)
People’s Choice
Kevin Szuch — Eden’s Crossing (Pastel)
Paint Out Category
1st Place: Susan D'Armond — Oh What a Feeling (Watercolor)
2nd Place: Megan Reiker — Asparagus Agave (Oil)
3rd Place: Timothy Padilla — Caretaker (Oil)
Honorable Mention: Terry O’Chacon — Garden Life (Oil)
Minis Category
1st Place: Virginia Howard — Cactus Bloom Bluff (Watercolor)
2nd Place: Evan Stevens — Canyon Crossing (Oil)
3rd Place: Collette Pitcher — St. George Evening (Acrylic)
Honorable Mention: Megan Reiker — St. George Evening (Oil)
Total Cash Prizes Awarded: $3,200
A special thank you to our juror, Brian Astle, for sharing his time and expertise in reviewing this year’s work. His thoughtful selections reflect both the technical skill and creative depth of plein air painting at its finest.
Photo credit: Charm Crumrine and Mary Jabens
Thank You & What’s Next
A heartfelt thank you to every artist, volunteer, committee member, board member and art lover who helped make the 2025 St. George Plein Air Festival a success. From behind-the-scenes support to vibrant community attendance at the show and sale, this festival is only possible because of you.
A heartfelt thank you to the City of St. George and the Social Hall for providing such a beautiful venue for our community to gather, celebrate, and connect through art. Spaces like these make events like ours possible — and remind us that creativity thrives when supported by community.
Photo credit: Virginia Howard
Photo credit: Elise West
Photo credit: Elise West
We’re already looking ahead to next year — and hope you’ll join us again to celebrate the stunning landscapes and creative spirit of Southern Utah.
To stay in the loop about future events, workshops, and next year’s festival, follow us on Facebook at St. George Plein Air and check our website for updates.
Until then — keep painting, keep exploring, and keep sharing your vision with the world.
BOOKMARK THIS PAGE AND FOLLOW ART PROVIDES TO REGISTER FOR 2026
MISSION STATEMENT
To promote the centuries-old tradition of painting directly from life and its many benefits. We provide members with:
- Paint outs in inspiring locations.
- Opportunities to expand knowledge through shared experiences.
- Engaging talks and expert-led workshops.
- Participation in public exhibitions.
We recognize excellence, encourage curiosity, and promote the conservation of Southern Utah’s public lands. Above all, we value the camaraderie that our event brings to the plein air community.
Come find inspiration in the breathtaking landscapes of Southern Utah! With a rich history and a stunning variety of canyons, this event offers a truly unique plein air experience.
Join our community by visiting the St. George Plein Air Facebook Group HERE.