2026 FIRST BRUSH OF SPRING PAINT OUT
The First Brush of Spring Plein Air Paint Out in New Harmony begins its 27th year on Wednesday, April 22, 2026! Art and spring in New Harmony are a perfect combination, with historical landmarks, labyrinths, rolling hills, blooming peonies, endless landscapes, and Victorian homes as painting subjects!
While the artists are creating their masterpieces, the rest of the community and visitors will enjoy the spectator sport of cruising through the streets and river paths in golf carts, by foot, or on bicycles to see what is being created. It is truly a marvelous experience to witness!
The Hoosier Art Salon co-hosts the 4-day event with the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association (IPAPA) with many competitions, art sales, receptions, and exhibits. Over 130 artists from across the country – including students from local high schools – will come to town to put paint on canvas, creating day and night to enter their pieces into a categorial competition held on Saturday, April 25 at Holy Angel’s lawn for their chance to win Best of Show and cash prizes.
USI is hosting their Heritage Days by the Athenium on Thursday & Friday of the First Brush of Spring. Registered artists will have access to the event with their badge. There will be many opportunities to paint different subjects including walking traffic, demonstrations, etc.
REGISTER THROUGH THE LINK BELOW TO PARTICIPATE!
2026 Judge: Kathie Odom, TN
Photo by Andy Batt
Best of Show 2025 Field to Finish
“By the Side of the Road”
Alan Larkin
FIELD TO FINISH exhibit
Each year a “Field to Finish Exhibition” is featured in the Hoosier Art Salon Gallery. Artists bring a completed ‘field study’ from the prior year to the First Brush of Spring to exhibit with a studio ‘finish’ piece inspired by the same subject. Pieces may be in any type of medium. All field studies must be stamped by the Hoosier Art Salon before finishes are produced. The exhibition kicks off the First Brush of Spring on Wednesday, April 22.
For complete information, to register, and pay entry fee, follow the links below!
WORKSHOPS
CLICK ON ANY OF THE LINK TO THE RIGHT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WORKSHOPS!
Saturday Art Show and Sale
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026
This year brings a refreshed layout and a new venue featuring a beautiful central courtyard with a small pond, surrounded by natural light and windowed walls at The Mews! Artists will be thoughtfully placed throughout the building to encourage steady visitor flow and an engaging experience for all. The check in and cash out process will remain the same and will be located in the center of the building.
Due to limited space, NO WALK-IN ARTISTS will be accepted for 2026, and booth locations cannot be self‑selected. See Sale Details for complete information.
Important New Details
- New location: The Mews, 531 & 533 Church St., New Harmony; at the corner of Church and Brewery St.
- New Sale time: Saturday, April 25, 2026, 8:30 – 11:30 AM CDT; allowing time for entries to be transported to competition site
- Install: Friday, April 24, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM CDT / Saturday 7:30 – 8:30 AM CDT
- Removal: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM; Building will be locked and closed during award ceremony and will reopen after they conclude. All items must be removed by 4:00 PM CDT
Booth Details
- Total booths available: 40
- Booth size: 8′ x 8′
- Wall‑hanging permitted to maximize floor space – artist is responsible for tools and materials for hanging
- Provided: one chair
- Available upon request: 8 ft tables and additional chairs
- Optional rental: black full‑length table linens for $32 each (must be reserved in advance)
- Limited window booths available
Photos by Andy Batt
"First brush, second look"
The winner's exhibit
Displayed at the Owen Community House, the Winner’s Exhibit, “First Brush, Second Look,” showcases the top seven winners from the prior year’s First Brush of Spring Paint Out.
Featuring works from Tom Woodson, Lon Brauer, David M. Seward, Mark Vander Vinne, Darrell Bryan, Jason Bailey, and Alan Larkin.
ATTENTION NEW HARMONY RESIDENTS& BUSINESSES!
Residents of New Harmony are invited to be part of the magic of the First Brush of Spring by signing up to allow artists to paint their homes, gardens, and unique properties as subjects during the Paint Out. Each year, artists seek out inspiring locations that capture the charm and character of our town, and your property could become one of the treasured scenes brought to life on canvas. If you’re willing to welcome an artist onto your property—or simply allow them to paint from a nearby public vantage point—we’d love to add you to our list of host sites. Your participation helps keep this beloved tradition vibrant and gives artists an authentic glimpse into the beauty of our community.
You can register your property through the link below or clicking the easel to the left.
