What is 'En Plein Air'?
'En plein air' is the French term for painting out in the open air. In the mid-1840's, artists began painting out in nature to capture the fleeting light and shadows.
What is En Plein Air TEXAS?
En Plein Air Texas (EPAT), from 2014 to 2023, was a premier juried outdoor painting competition and art event held annually, hosted by the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts. Some of the nation’s top plein air artists came to capture the beauty of West Texas, painting 'en plein air'. Today, EPAT continues to offer new exciting formats for artists to continue to experience San Angelo's western heritage and distinctive plein air history.
What is the EPAT Ranch Fellowship?
The Ranch Fellowship is an outgrowth of the original EPAT Competition. Four past EPAT Artists are selected to live & paint for 3 weeks on a West Texas ranch. The paintings are shown later in October during a week of community activities.
What is the Texas Artists Camp Revival?
The Revival is an exciting & immersive 2-day painting 'retreat' with past EPAT Artists offering guidance. The event takes place on historic ranches in the Christoval, Texas area which was home to the Texas Artists Camp of the 1920's. Registration opens June 25, 2025 with a limited number of spots.
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When is the next En Plein Air Texas/Ranch Fellowship event?
The events typically take place the last full weekend of October. Please visit our Events page for specific dates, daily activities, and exhibition details.
Can I attend painting events or watch the artists work?
Absolutely! The public is welcome at designated events during the week to watch and learn from these professional artists at work and discover the plein air process firsthand. Visit the Events page for details.
How can I purchase artwork from the event?
Artwork created by the Ranch Fellowship Artists is available for purchase at the popular Art Collectors STAMPEDE, October 23, 2025 and throughout the weekend, at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts. A Pop-up Exhibit on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 26th will include artwork from the EPAT Artists and Texas Artists Camp Revival participants. Meet and watch the artists paint at this free event at the Christoval Vineyards.
How are participating artists selected?
Artists apply through a juried process managed by EPAT organizers. The selection is highly competitive, with only a limited number of artists invited each year. Online Applications for the 2026 Ranch Fellowship are accepted July 1 - August 1, 2025.
How can I support or sponsor the event?
We welcome individual and business sponsors who want to support the outreach programs at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts through the EPAT events! Visit our Sponsorship page for details on benefits and how to get involved.
Who organizes En Plein Air Texas?
EPAT is hosted by the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, a nationally recognized and accredited museum dedicated to fostering the arts and enriching the cultural life of West Texas.
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