Past Events

The Heartland Plein Air Festival is the inaugural signature event for the Ralston Hinge Creative District, certified by the Nebraska Arts Council as an official Creative District. 25 nationally recognized professional artists will be invited to paint for the week of September 13-19th culminating in an awards presentation and sale of the work created during the festival. There will be a number of free and ticketed events, most of which will be open to the public. Check the website, www.ralstonarts.org, for the most current information as details are confirmed.  

It's such an honor to be invited to participate in the 20th Annual Door County Plein Air Festival this year. This will be my 19th year! Be sure to check out the list of other outstanding artists who will be there and the schedule of events here: https://penart.org/doorcountypleinair  It's going to be a great time!

CALL FOR ENTRIES
You’re invited to be a part of this community art project in celebration of Ralston and our heritage, embracing our community’s part in America’s tradition of being a “melting pot” of many cultures!

Our goal is 500 individual 6x6 inch canvases that will be painted or decorated by community members of all ages and ethnicities. The panels will be assembled around a center print of the “Ralston” sign at 72nd and Main St, which is titled “Everyone Belongs.” We will create two mosaics, each with 250 canvases (for America 250!), which will be unveiled on a float in the 2026 Ralston Independence Day Parade. It will be displayed at different locations throughout the community through June 2027.

Theme: Canvases should depict “Celebrating our Cultural Heritage-Everyone Belongs.” This could include something that represents your own personal or family heritage, your connection to Ralston or simply your connection to the USA.

Materials/Medium: paint, collage, drawing, pastels, photography, mixed media, etc. All mosaic pieces must be created on the 6x6” canvases that we will provide at no cost.

Pick up Your Blank Canvas: Pick up during one of the Community Paint Days or at the Ralston Baright Public Library, 5555 S. 77th St during regular business hours. You will need to fill out and sign a form when you take a canvas, so we can make sure all pieces are returned. You’ll also receive an “Inspiration form” to fill out and return with your completed piece that explains your inspiration for your artwork.

Community Paint Days: If you don’t have painting supplies at home, we will schedule several painting events where you can come and paint your canvases. Paints, brushes and other art materials will be provided. You will be able to sign up for those. Anyone under age 18 must by accompanied by a parent/guardian/grandparent. Paintout days/times will be listed at www.ralstonarts.org and on the Ralston Hinge Creative District Facebook and Instagram pages.

Deadline for Completed Works: Your mosaic piece will need to be completed and turned in with your “inspiration form” no later than June 15, 2026. Deliver to the Ralston Baright Public Library during regular business hours.

Questions? Contact Deb Groesser, 402-592-6552, Susi Franco, 402-331-6677 or Amanda Pena, 402-331-7636, or email [email protected].

Sponsored by the Ralston Hinge Creative District, City of Ralston, Wiebe Ralston Foundation and the Ralston Archives Museum.

My painting, "Painters at Musgrove Retreat" (11x14 oil) is included in this juried exhibition hosted by the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society. The host gallery is the beautiful Anderson Fine Art, St Simon's Island, Georgia. If you're in the area, be sure to check it out! Opening reception is Friday, May 1st from 5 to 7pm. 

Honored to have may painting, Prairie in Bloom, included in this juried exhibition. Join us for the opening reception on Saturday, May 1st, from 4 to 6pm at J. Petter Galleries in Saugatuck, Michigan!

"Calm Before the Storm" (12x16 oil)

has been selected for the 5th Annual LPAPA Signature Showcase!

For more information visit https://lpapa.org/010526-signature-showcase-lpapa-gallery/

Tickets are available for the private sale for this show on November 23rd - must be purchased in advance. For tickets, call 520-623-3417. 

Visit www.americanimpressionistsociety.org to view the online exhibition. Awards presentation will be online on November 24th with AIS Master Kenn Backhaus as the judge of awards. 

Very honored to have the three paintings below included in this invitational exhibition! "Pianissimo" 8x10 oil, "After the Rain" 6x8 and "The Marsh at Musgrove" 6x8. Contact the gallery if you would like to add one or more to your collection!