From Plein Air to Studio

About the Show

The Sonoran Plein Air Painters invites all eligible Artist and Signature level members to apply to the show From Plein Air to Studio at St. Philip's in the Hills' Murphey Gallery in Tucson running from December 2, 2026 – January 7, 2027.

A Show of Studio Works

This show provides an exciting opportunity to exhibit studio works! Artwork that depicts our surrounding landscape ranging from representational to abstract styles is welcome. Artwork size is limited to a maximum of 36 inches in width including the frame. Each artist is limited to submitting two (2) pieces for consideration.

Special Paintout for Accepted Artists

A paint-out on the church campus is planned for the day of the Opening Reception on Friday, December 4, 2026 for accepted artists. Artwork created at this paint-out will be exhibited at the reception. More details about this paint-out will follow.

Artists notified of acceptance may participate in a paint-out on the St. Philip's campus on the day of opening reception. Works created during this event will be displayed outside on the easel during reception and may be sold at that time. Any unsold works created during this event may be hung for the duration of the show, provided they are framed on the day of opening.

Receptions

Accepted artists will be expected to attend at least one reception at the gallery. The receptions will be on Friday, December 4, 2026 from 4–7pm and Sunday, December 6, 2026 from 11am–1pm. There may also be a reception on Saturday, December 12, 2026.

Venue

St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church, Murphey Gallery 4440 N Campbell Avenue Tucson, AZ

Founded in 1936, St. Philip's was built in the style of Spanish Colonial architecture, also called Neo-Mission. St. Philip's is similar to the Franciscan mission churches built in California over 400 years ago and is on the National Register of Historic Places and is located at the corner of River and Campbell, 4440 N Campbell Avenue.

Juror of Selection

Anton Nowels

Anton Nowels is a contemporary landscape painter whose work bridges plein air observation with expressive abstraction. Drawing inspiration from the light, atmosphere, and vast landscapes of the American West, he creates paintings that emphasize memory, emotion, and place over literal representation.

His work has been recognized nationally, including Best in Show at the Sedona Plein Air Festival, First Place in the American Impressionist Society Signature Online Showcase, and the Landscape Award at the Oil Painters of America National Exhibition. His paintings have been featured on the cover of PleinAir Magazine, and he is a faculty member for the Plein Air Convention & Expo and Scottsdale Artists' School.

Nowels is currently represented by Mountain Trails Gallery in Sedona, Arizona; Peterson Contemporary Art in Bend, Oregon; and the Thunderbird Foundation for the Arts / Maynard Dixon Legacy Museum in Mount Carmel, Utah.

Artist Eligibility

• Art submitted with an application must be from current Artist and Signature level SPAP members. If you're not sure of your current membership status, confirm on the SPAP web page under Members.

Artwork Requirements

• This is your opportunity to show your studio work. Work must have been completed in the studio during the last two years and not created during a workshop.
• Artwork size is limited to a maximum of 36 inches in width including the frame.
• Art must be ready to hang, framed with wire on back, no sawtooth hardware.
• No wet works.
• Label back of art with Artist Name, Title and Price.

Entry Fee

• $40 for up to 2 works.
• Up to 2 works.

Delivery

Artists drop off their work at the Murphey Gallery on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 9–10am. Drop off art during designated window of time, or you must have someone bring it for you.

Artwork Pickup

Artists retrieve art at Murphey Gallery on Tuesday, January 8, 2027, 9–10am. Pick up your art during the designated window of time or you must have someone pick it up for you. Art that is not picked up will be donated to charity.

A juror of selection, Anton Nowels, a contemporary landscape painter whose work bridges plein air observation with expressive abstraction, reviews submitted works for acceptance into the show.