PLEIN AIR EVENTS SPONSORED BY APAA:

Fall 2026 through Spring 2027

October 24, 2026 – Blue Point Recreation Site

October 29 - Tlaquepaque, Sedona

October 31 – Butcher Jones Recreation Site

November 14 - Jewel of Cave Creek

December 12 - Water Users/Salt River

January 9, 2027 - Brown's Ranch

January 23 - Lost Dutchman State Park

February 13 - Phon D Sutton

February 20 - Boyce Thompson Arboretum

October 29, 2026 (Thursday) - Tlaquepaque, Sedona

Meeting Location:  Parking Lot at left side of buildings
Time: 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Host:  Nori Thorne, norithorne@gmail.com
Fee: Free
Address / Map: https://tlaq.com/  336 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ 
Restrooms: Yes
About the Site: Charming Spanish colonial-style architecture with a collection of art galleries, restaurants, and shops located along Oak Creek

Contact Nori Thorne if you plan on coming

January 9, 2027— 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:  Leila Langston
Fee: Free
Address / Map: 30301 N. Alma School Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Restrooms: Yes

February 13, 2027— 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. 

Register Here 

November 14, 2027 – Jewel of Cave Creek   

Meeting Location: Main Parking Lot
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Host: Leila Langston
Fee: No fee
Map: Google Maps search: “Jewels of Cave Creek, Cave Creek, AZ”
Restrooms: No

Register Here:

February 20, 2027 – Boyce Thompson Arboretum 

Meeting Location: Main Entrance 
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Host: Gary Binder & Nori Thorne
Fee:  APAA 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.

Register Here: 

April 5 – Paint Arizona Day 

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