New Harmony First Brush of Spring just around the corner

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 four-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.

To participate in the Saturday IPAPA competition register at the Indiana Plein Air Painter’s Association website.

The event is open to the public and spectators are encouraged to engage with artists and attend the scheduled events. The First Brush of Spring is made possible from all the community volunteers. If you’d like to be involved, contact Paul Allison at 812-205-7651.

This year’s judge is Kathy Odom.

Three workshops will be held prior to the event, Monday – Wednesday, Douglas David from Indianapolis will be instructing Drawing Basics on Monday, April 20 and Basics of Oil Painting.

Tuesday and Wednesday, April 21 – 22, Jed Dorsey from Washington state is instructing Radiant Landscapes. To reserve a spot in any workshop, register online at Hoosier Art Salon under Workshops.

First Brush, Second Look 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.

Field To Finish Reception And 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. All field studies are stamped by the Hoosier Art Salon before finishes are produced. The exhibition kicks off the First Brush of Spring on Wednesday, April 22. Kent and Laurie Parker and the late Dr. George and Peggy Rapp sponsor the exhibit and awards.

Reception: Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Time: 5 – 7 p.m. CDT

Location: Hoosier Art Salon, 507 Church Street, New Harmony

Awards will be presented around 5:30 p.m., in Red Bud Park.

Refreshments will be served and sponsored by Tri Kappa Associated of New Harmony. The event is open to the public.

Saturday Art Show And Sale

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, we will not be taking and walk-in artists. The sale will feature 40 artists. Art whisperers will be present to guide visitors to their favorite artist.

Sale: Saturday, April 25, 2026, 531 and 533 Church Street, New Harmony; at the corner of Church and Brewery Streets.

Time: 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Location: The Mews

Attention New Harmony Residents And 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 at www.hoosierartsalon.org/first-brush-of-spring.

Visit the Hoosier Art Salon website for all First Brush of Spring information, registrations, links, etc.