ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida (February 11, 2026) – Artists from around the globe will converge on St. Augustine’s sidewalks, streets and lawns this spring to capture the city’s Old-World charm on canvas. Enticed by Spanish-style architecture, brick-lined streets and coastal landscapes, registered artists will set up at designated locations throughout downtown to paint “en plein air” (outdoors). Now in its 10th year, the Plein Air Paint Out will be held on the weekends of March 20-22 and April 24-26, 2026.
Hosted by the St. Augustine Art Association (STAAA), the event honors the city’s art history and celebrates the town’s beauty through the tradition of open-air painting. Popularized in Europe during the era of French impressionists such as Claude Monet, Edgar Degas and Camille Pissarro, plein air painting allows artists to capture the natural world from their surroundings.
“We are thrilled to host this event in our city,” says Jennifer Flynt, Executive Director of STAAA. “Our Plein Air Paint Outs showcase St. Augustine’s unique and European-like views in a fun, entertaining way. It also adds some excitement to walking around town as you spot the participating artists.”
There are many places for artists to paint in and around St. Augustine and St. Johns County. Artist registration is required. The fee for the March event is $30 for STAAA members and $50 for nonmembers; the deadline is March 13. The April event fee is $45 for members and $60 for nonmembers, with registration due by April 17.
The Plein Air Paint Outs have become a community favorite. The public is invited to watch the artists at work and encouraged to share sightings using the hashtag #staaacreative. Art lovers can view and purchase works-in-progress and finished pieces in the Wet Room, 22 Marine St., open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Two additional opportunities to view finished paintings include the Plein Air Closing Party & Pop-up Exhibit and the St. Augustine Plein Air Paint Out Exhibit. The non-juried pop-up exhibit will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, at STAAA. The juried exhibit will run from Nov. 19, 2026, to Feb. 8, 2027, in the St. Johns County Administration Building Rotunda Gallery, 500 San Sebastian View, open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. The Plein Art Paint Out is generously sponsored by the St. Johns Cultural Council and partially funded by grants from the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council and Community Foundation for Northeast Florida.
ABOUT ST. AUGUSTINE ART ASSOCIATION – The St. Augustine Art Association (STAAA), located at 22 Marine St. in downtown St. Augustine, Florida, is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting excellence in the arts since 1924. STAAA supports the vibrant arts community in St. Augustine and preserves its rich artistic heritage and culture. Through exhibitions, lectures, workshops, educational programs and outreach, STAAA fosters a creative and accessible environment for artists of all backgrounds and skill levels. Their permanent collection includes works by the founding members, known as the ‘Lost Colony’ artists. The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., and admission is free.
