March 16-22 – 2008 Borrego Springs Plein Air Invitational. Sponsored by Borrego Art Institute and Borrego Valley Inn.  Twenty artists.  Week-long paintout, Quick draw, artist receptions,  Gala Reception and Awards Ceremony.  Contact:  Katalina Prince: (760) 767-5152. www.borregosprings.org

May 15-18  — Carmel Art Festival.  Sponsored by the Carmel Gallery Association. Week-long paintout, exhibit and silent auction. $20,000 in cash prizes.  Invitational. Gallery events including demonstrations, special exhibits and reception.  Contact: (831) 642-2503.  www.carmelartfestival.org

May 17-18  — MALT Show: Ranches and Rolling Hills.   Sponsored by the Marin Agricultural Land Trust.  Two-day exhibit and sale in Nicasio.   Preview Sale and Artists Reception. Contact: Elizabeth Ptak. (415) 663-1158. www.Malt.org

May 30-June 1 – Point Reyes Plein Air.  Sponsored by the William Lester Gallery, consists of a two-day paintout, Quick Draw and gallery exhibition and sale. Reception: Sunday, 4-7 p.m.  Call: (415) 663-9365 or www.WilliamLesterGallery.com

June 14-21 – Seventh Annual Paint San Clemente Plein Air sponsored by the San Clemente Art Association. Week-long paintout, quick draw, gala and exhibition. $13,000 in cash prizes. First Prize is $5,000. Contact Pam: (949)369-0260 scartgallery.com

July 1-6 - MarinScapes 20th Annual Event.  The annual landscape show at the historic Escalle Winery.  Top Northern California painters.  Includes a series of events leading up to show. Contact:  Darlene Fiscus: (415) 457-6966 # 347 or www.marinscapes.org

To be Announced – The Plein Air Affaire: Outdoor Painting in Scenic Santa Cruz County. Open to the public in Abbott Square (Museum Courtyard) at 705 Front Street, Santa Cruz CA 95060. Please call 831.429.1964 or visit MAH online at www.santacruzmah.org for more information. 

July 14-20 – The Alameda “Jewel by the Bay Paint Out.”  Sponsored by the Frank Bette Center for the Arts.  Quick Draw at sunset on July 19. Outdoor Awards Ceremony, Exhibit and Sale.  Contact Irene Thomas, email irose862@yahoo.com

To be Announced – Valona Plein Air Paintout.  Sponsored by Epperson and Nash Galleries, Crockett.  Some 30 artists paint out in Crockett, Sat. & Sun.  Awards ceremony, silent auction and reception.(510) 787-2925. www.eppersongallery.com

August 9-10 - Scene on the Strait.  Martinez Regional Shoreline.  Sponsored by Carquinez Regional Environmental Education Center.  Twenty five painters on location.  Sale, silent auction, music, and food.  Contact:  (510) 787-9772.  www.CREECYouth.org

To be Announced -- Sonoma Plein Air 2008. Week-long paintout.  One-day show and sale in Sonoma Plaza.  Plein Air Silent Auction and Dinner.  Quick Draw competition.  Artists’ Choice Award.  Contact:  Keith Wicks (707) 933-9756 or www.sonomapleinair.com

Sept. 29- Oct. 5 -- San Luis Obispo Painting Festival. Sponsored by the SLO Art Center.  Cash Awards.  Week-long paintout.  Opening Reception and Sale.  Public show and sale.  Quick Draw and live auction.  Contact:  (805) 543-8562. www.sloartcenter.org

Oct. 1-5 -- Seasons of Martis Plein Air Event. Four days of painting by noted local and regional artists at locations throughout Martis Valley.  Benefits Truckee Donner Land Trust and North Tahoe Arts.   Exhibition, Art Sale, Dinner and Auction. (530) 581-2787. www.northtahoearts.com.

To be Announced -- Laguna Plein Air Invitational Painting Competition. Organized by the Laguna Plein Air Painters and the Laguna Art Museum.  Gala Dinner and Sale.  Quick draw.  Cash prizes.  Public sale.  Contact:  Stuart Byer at (949) 494-8971 or www.lpapa.org