PLEIN AIR EVENTS SPONSORED BY APAA:

Fall 2025 through spring 2026December 14 – Water Users, Salt River 

December 14 – Water Users, Salt River - see below

January 11 - Prospector Park

January 18 – Superstition Mountains - see below

February 8 - Brown's Ranch

February 14 - Sheeps Crossing 

February 22 – Phon D Sutton - see below

March 15 - Jewels of Cave Creek 

March 21 – Boyce Thompson Arboretum - see below

March 28 - Saguaro Lake

April 5 – Paint Arizona Day 

February 8 Sunday— Brown’s Ranch

Meeting Location: Visitor Center (please arrive before 9:00 AM; we typically paint along the Jane Rau Interpretive Nature Trail)
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Host:  Beverly Bradshaw 
Fee: Free
Address / Map: 30301 N. Alma School Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Restrooms: Yes

February 14 Saturday— Sheep’s Crossing Recreation Area (Salt River)

Meeting Location: Main Parking Lot
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Host: Leila Langston
Fee: $8 Tonto Daily Pass or America the Beautiful Pass
Map: Google Maps search: “Sheep’s Crossing Recreation Area, Mesa, AZ”
Restrooms: Yes

February 22 Sunday— Phon D. Sutton Recreation Area (Salt River)

Meeting Location: Main Parking Lot
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Host: Leila Langston
Fee: $8 Tonto Daily Pass or America the Beautiful Pass
Map: Google Maps search: “Phon D. Sutton Recreation Area, Mesa, AZ”
Restrooms: Yes

About the Site:

A hidden gem along the Salt River, featuring peaceful riverbanks, mesquite trees, and expansive desert skies—perfect for late-afternoon light. 

March 21 – Boyce Thompson Arboretum 

• Meeting Location: Main Entrance 

• Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

• Host: Gary Binder & Nori Thorne

• Fee:  APAP will pay for members

• Map Link: 37615 E. Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173

• About the Site: Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden, with trails winding through cactus gardens, desert flora, and dramatic mountain backdrops.

April 5 – Paint Arizona Day 

(APAA will not host, but members are encouraged to attend events hosted by PAPA or Sonoran Plein Air Painters)