PARK PLACE PLEIN AIR PAINTING FESTIVAL

PARK PLACE PLEIN AIR PAINTING FESTIVAL takes place on Saturday, September 6, 2025 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Park Place Mall, Tucson, AZ. Free to Enter | Limited to 50 Artists | Application Deadline: August 15, 2025. Paint what you see. Indoors or out.

Join the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) for a bold twist on a timeless tradition. The Park Place Plein Air Painting Festival invites artists of all ages and skill levels to create original artwork onsite—across the vibrant, bustling, and naturally lit indoor and outdoor spaces of Tucson’s Park Place Mall.

Set against the backdrop of desert gardens, mountain views, architectural angles, and human connection, this unique one-day festival celebrates live creativity in motion. Artists will paint from real life—no photo references or memory-based work—capturing architecture, nature, and community in real time.

Community Painting Activation
Everyone is invited to pick up a brush! Located near the Kids Play Area, SAACA will host a free drop-in Community Painting Zone, where artists of all ages and abilities can create their own plein air-inspired mini masterpiece.

Mini-canvases and supplies provided
Professional artists onsite to support and guide your creation
Open to all ages – no registration required

Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just testing the waters, come get creative and experience the magic of plein air painting for yourself.

Competition Categories
Architecture & Interior Scenes
People & Community
Nature & Landscape
Youth (Under 18)

How to Apply
Apply by August 17, 2025. Juried artist spots are limited. Apply to participate in the competition online at: https://saaca.formstack.com/forms/2025_park_place_plein_air_painting_festival_call_to_artist_september_6_2025

Awards
1st Place: $600 | 2nd Place: $350 (Each Category)
Youth Award: $350
Best in Show: $700

Festival Timeline
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Check-In & Canvas Stamping (Center Court)
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM – Live Painting
3:00 PM – Artwork Submission
4:00 PM – Awards Ceremony

MORE ARTIST & COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES

PAID TEACHING ARTIST OPPORTUNITY Teaching Artist Opportunity | August – November 2025

Application Deadline: August 1, 2025 at Midnight
In partnership with the Town of Oro Valley and Pima Association of Governments (PAG), SAACA seeks a Teaching Artist to mentor high school students in designing and fabricating three imaginative public art seating installations along La Cholla Boulevard.

Project Details:
· $20,000 Teaching Artist fee (paid bi-weekly)
· $20,000 materials & fabrication budget
· Students aged 16–18 will assist in design and fabrication
· Artist leads planning, design, installation, and community engagement
· Must have experience in youth mentorship and be available on-site in Oro Valley

Submit your teaching artist application, resume, work samples, and statements of community engagement and design vision at the following link:
https://saaca.formstack.com/forms/2025_taby_oro_valley_teaching_artist_application

NASCAR INSPIRED TEMPORARY ART INSTALLATIONS
Phoenix Raceway NASCAR Event | Fall 2025
Submission Deadline: August 15, 2025

Total Budget Per Installation: $6,500 (3 installations in total)
In collaboration with Phoenix Raceway, SAACA seeks artists to design bold, immersive art installations that fuse motorsports and Southern Arizona culture. Artists should explore themes of motion, adrenaline, speed, and innovation. The location of the installations will be showcased at high trafficked mall and shopping centers throughout the Greater Phoenix Vallery.

Submit your proposal here:
https://saaca.formstack.com/forms/call_to_artists_high_octane_art_at_the_speed_of_culture_nascar_phoenix_raceway_temporary_art_installation

ECHOES OF INNOVATION: WEARABLE ART GALLERY EXHIBITION Ventana Gallery, Roche Tissue Diagnostics, Oro Valley, AZ

Application Deadline: August 15, 2025
Exhibition Dates: September 2025 – January 2026

SAACA invites artists to submit wearable art inspired by the vibrant patterns and colorations of histology tissue stains. Works may include scarves, hats, jewelry, dresses, and accessories. No sales commission will be collected. Accepted artists will receive two complimentary tickets to the opening reception and fashion show.

Submit your wearable art for consideration here: https://saaca.formstack.com/forms/echoes_of_innovation_2025_gallery_exhibition_ventana_gallery

FREE VISUAL ARTS CLASS – THE INTERSECTION BETWEEN SCIENCE AND ART Join Michelle from Lucky Cat at the Catalyst Creative Collective on Wednesday, September 3, 10:30am–3:15pm for a hands-on, free community painting class. Explore the vivid world of histological stains and create one-of-a-kind abstract elements that will be incorporated into wearable art featured in the Ventana Gallery at Roche Tissue Diagnostics. All materials provided; open to the public—come ready to experiment, collaborate, and leave your mark on a gallery-bound piece. No fee to register. RSVP to amanda@saaca.org