Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 California Desert Plein Air Festival and the Quick Draw at the Gardens on El Paseo! Your exceptional talent and hard work have truly shone through in this vibrant celebration of art. We applaud your creativity and dedication to capturing the beauty of the desert landscape. Well done to all the participants for making these events a remarkable success!
WHAT WE DO
FOUNDERS: DIANE MOORE AND DANIEL FOSTER
In 2020 Diane Moore, past President of Coachella Valley Watercolor Society, and past President of Desert Art Center, conceptualized forming a plein air society encompassing all mediums.
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A chance meeting with Daniel Foster, who also had this vision, supported and enhanced the depth and complexity of this vision. Daniel Foster is past Executive Director of the Riverside Art Museum, and the Oceanside Art Museum. In addition, he has created and founded several other art related nonprofits in the Inland Empire.
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In early 2021 they began developing Desert Plein Air Association (DPAA) as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, its related plein air programs, and an annual festival.
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EDUCATION
JESSICA SCHIFFMAN: OIL, ACRYLIC, DRAWING, WORKSHOPS
Jessica Schiffman jscaschiffman@gmail.com 951-212-3783
DAVE HOWELL WATERCOLOR CLASSES
Watercolor Art by Dave Howell
Instruction in Watercolor
Dave Howell david.onefreeebird@gmail.com 425-319-5858
CONTACT DESERT PLEIN AIR ASSOCIATION
Get in touch with Desert Plein Air Association to join our organization, to learn more about our festival, and how you can get involved with like-minded, inspiring, and creative artists!
Riverside - Palm Springs - Indio -
La Quinta - Borrego Springs - Joshua Tree
California
