Catiri’s Fresh Paint

Premier Iowa Plein Air Event

An action-packed weekend of art and collaborations!

Bold, painterly strokes and luminous colors will define the brilliance of the artists at the annual Catiri’s Fresh Paint, Iowa Plein Air event in Amana, Iowa. This event combines the strengths of the talented artisans of the Midwest with Iowa’s incredible scenery to produce the most collaborative and comprehensive event in the region. “We are creating a modern-day regionalism,” explained Jenise Catiri, owner of Catiri’s Art Oasis in Amana, the host of the event. Each year has grown to be bigger and better, with artists painting in various mediums with various degrees of talents and with many of them being nationally known and collected. The talent just gets better every year and provides an excellent opportunity to purchase affordable, fresh, regional artworks.

Enjoy the Painters + Explore Amana Colonies

This event embodies so many hidden interests including art, history, nature, and community involvement are all a part of this magical weekend. Over 40 artists from all corners of Iowa and many different states come to the Amana Colonies and paint from sun up and even into the darkness of night. It’s amazing to see the artists painting things that you see every day and turn them into masterpieces. The artists are happy to stop to talk about the different techniques they use and their perspective of what they are choosing to paint. On your search for the artists, you will see parts of the colonies that you don’t typically venture to while getting a personal connection with the beautiful historical surroundings! You may see an artist giving new light to an old barn while another is painting the landscape as you walk into the prairie where artists are set up. This makes you not only appreciate the painting but the beauty that is all around you in our community!

Kids Time

It is a great family event that kids will enjoy too! After seeing all the artists painting throughout Amana, on Saturday from 11 am – 2 pm, kids 12 & under are free to try their hand at Plein Air painting! Amana Art Guild volunteers supply easels, supplies & assistance to inspire the next generation of artists!

 Jury, Awards, Sale

Sunday, this action-packed weekend, turns into a full day in itself. Artists all turn in their work by noon Sunday, many volunteers come together to get it all displayed, ready for the professional judge & sale. If you missed the artists painting, there’s a 2-hour Quick Paint at and around Catiri’s Art Oasis! It is a fascinating part of the event, the artists are relaxed because their work is turned in and the highly anticipated part of the weekend has almost arrived, The Golden Brush Awards Dinner Party!

The Golden Brush Awards Dinner Party is the celebration of the whole weekend! The judge makes their decision, seals them in envelopes not to be revealed until 7 pm. Not only can you purchase affordable, freshly inspired art, but it may be a winner! This is the art party of the year! Not only do you get to see the whole body of work produced over the weekend, but you can also meet the artists, help vote for the people’s choice for the best artist that year, there is an amazing local dinner, and wonderful wine & beer.

Brochures + Forms

As event nears these will be available

This Year’s Event