There’s always something happening with Plano Art Association. Check this page often to view information about meetings, exhibitions and other opportunities to be involved!
Click the event to learn more about how to get involved or attend.
Calendar of Events
Upcoming Events
2024 Plano Art Association Members’ Show
The Plano Arts Association invites you to join us for our 2024 Members’ Show at the beautiful new PAA Gallery located on the second floor inside the Shops at Willow Bend; 6121 W. Park Blvd Suite A218, Plano, Texas 75093.
Holiday Market (@PAA Gallery)
Our Holiday Market is now open.
Plano Art Association Gallery - 2nd Level across from Crate and Barrel. Inside the Shops of Willow Bend.
Gallery Hours:
Monday -Thursday 12 noon till 5 pm
Friday & Sat. 11-8
Sunday 12-6 pm.
Downtown Plano Art & Culture Quest
Come on over to McCall Plaza each 1st Saturday to experience the rich culture offered by the Downtown Plano Art District. This free event is a perfect opportunity to explore Plano from a fresh perspective. There is plenty of parking downtown and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) stops at the Downtown Plano station, just steps away from McCall Plaza. This event is coordinated in conjunction with the Downtown Plano Arts District.
2025 Invitational Exhibit
Announcing Plano Art Association’s 2025 Invitational Exhibit.
January 8 through January 28.
This exciting exhibit will feature the art of PAA members, including those who have not exhibited recently. Art types will include paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture…the works. The exhibit will be held in the beautiful new PAA Gallery in the Shops at Willow Bend. Please visit the exhibit and join us in kicking off an exciting new year celebrating the work of Plano’s local artists.
Gallery Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12:00 – 5:00 pm;
Friday-Saturday, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm;
Sunday, 12:00 – 6:00 pm.
Friday Night Lights and Shadows
You are welcome to attend the PAA Reception at the same and place on Friday, November 15, 2024
Plano Art Association’s Friday Night Lights and Shadows is a weekly gathering of artists who get together to paint and draw from a live model. The three-hour sessions are held at the Plano Art Association Gallery from 6:30 till 9:30 every Friday evening (exceptions are made when conflicting with major PAA events at the gallery).
A live model is provided along with props and excellent lighting. A limited number of easels are provided, although we ask that you bring your own portable easel is you are comfortable doing so. You must provide all your own art supplies.
Attendance Fee
General - $20
Student - $10
Cash only, to be paid at the beginning of each session
Reservations are suggested, and can be made through MeetUp at this link:
https://www.meetup.com/friday-night-lights-and-shadows/
You must join this group to make weekly reservations. It’s free and easy to join.
If you wish to visit without joining, contact Gene Dillard at:
If you have questions, contact:
Gene Dillard
gene@thedillardgroup.com
214-403-9171
Downtown Plano Sip & Shop
Come on over to McCall Plaza each 1st Saturday to experience the rich culture offered by the Downtown Plano Art District. This free event is a perfect opportunity to explore Plano from a fresh perspective. There is plenty of parking downtown and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) stops at the Downtown Plano station, just steps away from McCall Plaza. This event is coordinated in conjunction with the Downtown Plano Arts District.
How It Works:
• Mingle with local artists and browse the pop-up art shops and downtown art installations
• Stroll along the authentic brick street as you discover exciting art retailers and galleries
• Explore the eclectic collection of downtown shops, boutiques, coffee shops & restaurants
• Seek the more than one dozen restored historic homes and a wide offering of museums
• Wind down and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Haggard Park
Downtown Plano Art & Culture Quest
Come on over to McCall Plaza each 1st Saturday to experience the rich culture offered by the Downtown Plano Art District. This free event is a perfect opportunity to explore Plano from a fresh perspective. There is plenty of parking downtown and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) stops at the Downtown Plano station, just steps away from McCall Plaza. This event is coordinated in conjunction with the Downtown Plano Arts District.
How It Works:
• Stop by the Plano Art Association table at McCall Plaza to pick up a map
• Mingle with local artists and browse the pop-up art shops and downtown art installations
• Stroll along the authentic brick street as you discover exciting art retailers and galleries
• Explore the eclectic collection of downtown shops, boutiques, coffee shops & restaurants
• Seek the more than one dozen restored historic homes and a wide offering of museums
• Wind down and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Haggard Park
Friday Night Lights and Shadows
Plano Art Association’s Friday Night Lights and Shadows is a weekly gathering of artists who get together to paint and draw from a live model. The three-hour sessions are held at the Plano Art Association Gallery from 6:30 to 9:30 every Friday evening.
Friday Night Lights and Shadows
Plano Art Association’s Friday Night Lights and Shadows is a weekly gathering of artists who get together to paint and draw from a live model. The three-hour sessions are held at the Plano Art Association Gallery from 6:30 to 9:30 every Friday evening.
Downtown Plano Sip & Shop
Come on over to McCall Plaza each 1st Saturday to experience the rich culture offered by the Downtown Plano Art District. This free event is a perfect opportunity to explore Plano from a fresh perspective. There is plenty of parking downtown and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) stops at the Downtown Plano station, just steps away from McCall Plaza. This event is coordinated in conjunction with the Downtown Plano Arts District.
How It Works:
• Mingle with local artists and browse the pop-up art shops and downtown art installations
• Stroll along the authentic brick street as you discover exciting art retailers and galleries
• Explore the eclectic collection of downtown shops, boutiques, coffee shops & restaurants
• Seek the more than one dozen restored historic homes and a wide offering of museums
• Wind down and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Haggard Park
Friday Night Lights and Shadows will not be held this week but will resume next week.
!! Friday Night Lights and Shadows will not be held this week but will continue next week. You are welcome to attend the PAA Reception at the same and time and place on Friday !!
Friday Night Lights and Shadows
Plano Art Association’s Friday Night Lights and Shadows is a weekly gathering of artists who get together to paint and draw from a live model. The three-hour sessions are held at the Plano Art Association Gallery from 6:30 till 9:30 every Friday evening (exceptions are made when conflicting with major PAA events at the gallery).
Downtown Plano Art & Culture Quest
Come on over to McCall Plaza each 1st Saturday to experience the rich culture offered by the Downtown Plano Art District. This free event is a perfect opportunity to explore Plano from a fresh perspective. There is plenty of parking downtown and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) stops at the Downtown Plano station, just steps away from McCall Plaza. This event is coordinated in conjunction with the Downtown Plano Arts District.
How It Works:
• Stop by the Plano Art Association table at McCall Plaza to pick up a map
• Mingle with local artists and browse the pop-up art shops and downtown art installations
• Stroll along the authentic brick street as you discover exciting art retailers and galleries
• Explore the eclectic collection of downtown shops, boutiques, coffee shops & restaurants
• Seek the more than one dozen restored historic homes and a wide offering of museums
• Wind down and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Haggard Park
Downtown Plano Sip & Shop
Come on over to McCall Plaza each 1st Saturday to experience the rich culture offered by the Downtown Plano Art District. This free event is a perfect opportunity to explore Plano from a fresh perspective. There is plenty of parking downtown and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) stops at the Downtown Plano station, just steps away from McCall Plaza. This event is coordinated in conjunction with the Downtown Plano Arts District.
How It Works:
• Mingle with local artists and browse the pop-up art shops and downtown art installations
• Stroll along the authentic brick street as you discover exciting art retailers and galleries
• Explore the eclectic collection of downtown shops, boutiques, coffee shops & restaurants
• Seek the more than one dozen restored historic homes and a wide offering of museums
• Wind down and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Haggard Park
Hispanic Fusion Art Exhibit
Join us Saturday October 4th from 6-7:30 PM for our Artist’s Reception. The Hispanic Fusion Art Exhibit is a collaboration between NTPA and the Plano Art Association.
Downtown Plano Art & Culture Quest
Come on over to McCall Plaza each 1st Saturday to experience the rich culture offered by the Downtown Plano Art District. This free event is a perfect opportunity to explore Plano from a fresh perspective. There is plenty of parking downtown and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) stops at the Downtown Plano station, just steps away from McCall Plaza. This event is coordinated in conjunction with the Downtown Plano Arts District.
How It Works:
• Stop by the Plano Art Association table at McCall Plaza to pick up a map
• Mingle with local artists and browse the pop-up art shops and downtown art installations
• Stroll along the authentic brick street as you discover exciting art retailers and galleries
• Explore the eclectic collection of downtown shops, boutiques, coffee shops & restaurants
• Seek the more than one dozen restored historic homes and a wide offering of museums
• Wind down and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Haggard Park
North Texas Carnival of the Arts
The Shops of Willow Bend and the Collaborative Arts of Plano will host the largest indoor arts festival for families on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at The Shops of Willow Bend.
Plano Art Association Gallery: Grand Opening
Our official Grand Opening & Awards Reception will be held at the Plano Art Association Gallery September 27th from 7:00PM to 8:30PM.
“125 Show 2024: Revisited” Exhibition
The Plano Art Association Gallery at The Shops at Willow Bend opens September 20th with our “125 Revisited” Exhibition. This exhibit brings together original work created by North Texas artists who live or work within a 125 radius of Plano. Our official Grand Opening & Awards Reception will be held at the Plano Art Association Gallery September 27th from 7:00PM to 8:30PM.
Downtown Plano Sip & Shop
Come on over to McCall Plaza each 1st Saturday to experience the rich culture offered by the Downtown Plano Art District. This free event is a perfect opportunity to explore Plano from a fresh perspective. There is plenty of parking downtown and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) stops at the Downtown Plano station, just steps away from McCall Plaza. This event is coordinated in conjunction with the Downtown Plano Arts District.
How It Works:
• Mingle with local artists and browse the pop-up art shops and downtown art installations
• Stroll along the authentic brick street as you discover exciting art retailers and galleries
• Explore the eclectic collection of downtown shops, boutiques, coffee shops & restaurants
• Seek the more than one dozen restored historic homes and a wide offering of museums
• Wind down and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Haggard Park
Global Reflections: Art, the Universal Language
This exhibition is part of the Plano International Festival. The art in the exhibition is by members of the Plano Art Association. Each piece represents a way of looking at the world from a global perspective. You can visit the exhibition in person or enjoy the art online. We will also have an online store available to make it easy for you to add a beautiful and interesting work of art to your collection.
Downtown Plano Art & Culture Quest
Come on over to McCall Plaza each 1st Saturday to experience the rich culture offered by the Downtown Plano Art District. This free event is a perfect opportunity to explore Plano from a fresh perspective. There is plenty of parking downtown and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) stops at the Downtown Plano station, just steps away from McCall Plaza. This event is coordinated in conjunction with the Downtown Plano Arts District.
How It Works:
• Stop by the Plano Art Association table at McCall Plaza to pick up a map
• Mingle with local artists and browse the pop-up art shops and downtown art installations
• Stroll along the authentic brick street as you discover exciting art retailers and galleries
• Explore the eclectic collection of downtown shops, boutiques, coffee shops & restaurants
• Seek the more than one dozen restored historic homes and a wide offering of museums
• Wind down and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Haggard Park
Downtown Plano Art Drop Day
Last year’s Art Drop Day was so much fun, we’re doing it again!
On Thursday, Sept. 5 we’re hosting Downtown Plano Art Drop Day, a scavenger hunt of creative proportions. It’s a day when artists leave a piece of original artwork for someone else to find, helping neighbors feel more connected to one another through the act of creating and giving, and bringing awareness of local artists.
Celebrate the ARTS
Celebrate the ARTS on Saturday, August 17 at the Courtyard Theatre! New this year - a Children's Matinee at 2:30 p.m. Come early and enjoy activities with ArtCentre of Plano, Plano Art Association, and Plano Symphony Orchestra. Evening performance at 7 p.m. - Event Chair - Plano Metropolitan Ballet!“
TICKETS: Children's Matinee $12 and Evening Performance $22. Click on the date to purchase tickets for this event.
https://ci.ovationtix.com/36072/production/1205818
Downtown Plano Sip & Shop
Come on over to McCall Plaza each 1st Saturday to experience the rich culture offered by the Downtown Plano Art District. This free event is a perfect opportunity to explore Plano from a fresh perspective. There is plenty of parking downtown and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) stops at the Downtown Plano station, just steps away from McCall Plaza. This event is coordinated in conjunction with the Downtown Plano Arts District.
How It Works:
• Mingle with local artists and browse the pop-up art shops and downtown art installations
• Stroll along the authentic brick street as you discover exciting art retailers and galleries
• Explore the eclectic collection of downtown shops, boutiques, coffee shops & restaurants
• Seek the more than one dozen restored historic homes and a wide offering of museums
• Wind down and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Haggard Park
Downtown Plano Art & Culture Quest
Come on over to McCall Plaza each 1st Saturday to experience the rich culture offered by the Downtown Plano Art District. This free event is a perfect opportunity to explore Plano from a fresh perspective. There is plenty of parking downtown and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) stops at the Downtown Plano station, just steps away from McCall Plaza. This event is coordinated in conjunction with the Downtown Plano Arts District.
How It Works:
• Stop by the Plano Art Association table at McCall Plaza to pick up a map
• Mingle with local artists and browse the pop-up art shops and downtown art installations
• Stroll along the authentic brick street as you discover exciting art retailers and galleries
• Explore the eclectic collection of downtown shops, boutiques, coffee shops & restaurants
• Seek the more than one dozen restored historic homes and a wide offering of museums
• Wind down and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Haggard Park
Downtown Plano Sip & Shop
Come on over to McCall Plaza each 1st Saturday to experience the rich culture offered by the Downtown Plano Art District. This free event is a perfect opportunity to explore Plano from a fresh perspective. There is plenty of parking downtown and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) stops at the Downtown Plano station, just steps away from McCall Plaza. This event is coordinated in conjunction with the Downtown Plano Arts District.
How It Works:
• Mingle with local artists and browse the pop-up art shops and downtown art installations
• Stroll along the authentic brick street as you discover exciting art retailers and galleries
• Explore the eclectic collection of downtown shops, boutiques, coffee shops & restaurants
• Seek the more than one dozen restored historic homes and a wide offering of museums
• Wind down and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Haggard Park
Downtown Plano Art & Culture Quest
Come on over to McCall Plaza each 1st Saturday to experience the rich culture offered by the Downtown Plano Art District. This free event is a perfect opportunity to explore Plano from a fresh perspective. There is plenty of parking downtown and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) stops at the Downtown Plano station, just steps away from McCall Plaza. This event is coordinated in conjunction with the Downtown Plano Arts District.
How It Works:
• Stop by the Plano Art Association table at McCall Plaza to pick up a map
• Mingle with local artists and browse the pop-up art shops and downtown art installations
• Stroll along the authentic brick street as you discover exciting art retailers and galleries
• Explore the eclectic collection of downtown shops, boutiques, coffee shops & restaurants
• Seek the more than one dozen restored historic homes and a wide offering of museums
• Wind down and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Haggard Park
PAA Member’s Meeting
VENUE: Sam Johnson Recreation Center, 401 W 16th St, Plano, TX 75075
PAA 125 Show
JUNE 29
PAA 125 Show Scheduled at the Eisemann Center
June 29 through July 24
The PAA flagship show of the year is scheduled from June 29 though July 24. A tentative reception date is Saturday, July 9.
In late April or early May, a call for entries will go out for all artists who reside within 125 miles of Plano.
The three categories of art that will be eligible to be submitted are 2-Dimensional Works, 3-Dimensional Works and Photography. The call for entries will provide full detail about the exhibit, the awards and the parameters of the show.
This year, we will be able to host a full reception as we did prior to the pandemic. The beautiful Eisemann Center is a wonderful venue for showcasing our artwork. It is located at 2351 Performance Dr, Richardson, TX 75082. (Note: dates are subject to change.)
PAA Members’ Meeting
At May Members’ Meeting the election will be finalized including online votes and in-person votes at the meeting.
PAA Member’s Meeting
At April Members’ Meeting the nominating committee will present a slate of candidates who will stand for election.
Sunflowers for Ukraine
SUNFLOWERS FOR UKRAINE
The PAA event: “SUNFLOWERS FOR UKRAINE” will be held at event1013. It will be a sale of PAA and Richardson Civic Arts Society artists’ artwork featuring sunflowers to raise donations for Ukraine. (Details will be provided)
NEW PROGRAM, "The Secret Life of Bicycles" Set for March PAA Members’ Meeting Tuesday, March 29, at Sam Johnson Center
There has been a change of plans for our program at the March members' meeting.
Our program will feature one of our own members who has a highly interesting subject to present that will greatly appeal to your creative sensibilities.
Robertus van der Wege is a noted creator of imaginative 3-dimensional art. The story of his artistic developmental journey is amazing. So amazing that he has been featured in a TedX video, entitled "The Secret Life of Bicycles." TedX described it this way: "This talk reveals how a learning difference led to extraordinary creativity. Is there more we can learn about how individuals with dyslexia learn?" Robertus will show the TedX video and address the group with additional "show and tell" material. This is a program you don't want to miss!
Our meeting will also be the occasion for selecting a nominating committee assigned the task of providing a slate of candidates for officers for the next fiscal year beginning in June. So, think about volunteering for this committee and/or think of someone you would like to nominate.
The meeting will begin at 6:30 (New Time) on Tuesday, March 29, at the Sam Johnson Center, located at 401 W. 16th Street Plano, TX 75075. Link to Map
PAA Members’ Meeting
At March Members’ Meeting a nominating committee will be named for developing a slate of officer candidates.
PAST EVENTS
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April 2023
Art & Culture Quest
April 6, 2024 | 12:00 - 3:00 PM
McCall Plaza, Downtown Plano
998 E. 15th Street, Plano, TX 75074
Come on over to McCall Plaza each 1st Saturday to experience the rich culture offered by the Downtown Plano Art District. This free event is a perfect opportunity to explore Plano from a fresh perspective. There is plenty of parking downtown and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) stops at the Downtown Plano station, just steps away from McCall Plaza.
How It Works:
Stop by the Plano Art Association table at McCall Plaza to pick up a map
Mingle with local artists and browse the pop-up art shops and downtown art installations
Stroll along the authentic brick street as you discover exciting art retailers and galleries
Explore the eclectic collection of downtown shops, boutiques, coffee shops & restaurants
Seek the more than one dozen restored historic homes and a wide offering of museums
Wind down and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Haggard Park
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Friday Night Lights & Shadows
April 5, 12, 19, 26 @ 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Collin College Plano Campus - Building A, Rm 183
2800 E Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75074
Each Friday night we hire a model and stage a single long pose so you have lots of time you to finish your masterpiece! We encourage you to come early to get a good spot. We are open to the public and anyone is welcome by signing up for free on meetup.com. Be aware we may feature a nude model on some nights. You must be 18 years or older.
The fee is $20 per session to cover the cost of the studio and the models. Please be aware we can only accept cash. We offer a student rate of $10 to students registered in art classes in colleges and universities in the area.
Please bring your own supplies, paint, drawing implements, canvas, etc. The class room will have easels, tables and sinks to wash up.
At the end of the session, please be sure and take everything with you and help us by throwing away any trash.
Directions:
From 75 (Central) exit Spring Creek Pkwy EAST to Jupiter Road. Take a RIGHT on Jupiter road and then a LEFT at the second turn to enter West Collin College Campus. Turn RIGHT at the large "COUGAR TENNIS" sign to reach Building A and park on the right. Class room A183 is just inside on the right.
Attendance Fee:
$20.00 / $10.00 Student (Cash only)
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Member Meeting
April 23, 2024 | 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Sam Johnson Rec Center, Rm #3
401 W 16th St, Plano, TX 75075
Join us at the next PAA Membership Meeting. This will be an “Art Share” and we will provided details about our upcoming “125 Show.” Bring your current project to share and for feedback from the group.
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SEPTEMBER 2023
Meetings
PAA Monthly Members’ Meeting: September 26 at the Sam Johnson Recreation Center 6:30 - 8:30 ART MARKETING Presentation by Julia Beaton & Jose Angel Hernandez
Exhibitions
Downtown Plano Art & Wine Walk
Calls for Entry
Landscape Mini Art Show - Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
Downtown Plano Art & Wine Walk
OCTOBER 2023
Meetings
PAA Monthly Members’ Meeting - October 24th at the Sam Johnson Recreation Center 6:30 - 8:30 ART SHARE!
Exhibitions
Global Reflections Art Exhibition
Land & Sea Mini Art Show - Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea (October-late November)
Downtown Plano Art & Wine Walk - October 19, 2023, 5:00 - 8:00
Calls for Entry
Holidays & Winter Days Mini Art Show - Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
NOVEMBER 2023
Meetings
PAA Monthly Members’ Meeting
Exhibitions
Winter Whimsy Mini Art Show - Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea (Late November - January)
Downtown Plano Art & Wine Walk
Calls for Entry
Theme TBD Mini Art Show - Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
JANUARY 2024
Meetings
PAA Monthly Members’ Meeting: featuring a member’s art share
Exhibitions
Winter Whimsy Mini Art Show - Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea (Late November - January)
FEBRUARY 2024
Meetings
2/27 PAA Monthly Members’ Meeting: Featuring artist Kay Byfield in an informative talk about Design 6:30-8:30
Exhibitions
Faces, Figures, People, Portraits - Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea (February - March)
Calls for Entry
Theme TBD Mini Art Show - Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
MARCH 2024
Meetings
PAA Monthly Members’ Meeting
Exhibitions
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
Downtown Plano Art & Wine Walk
3/23/24 Texas Forever Festival in Downtown Plano
Calls for Entry
Theme TBD Mini Art Show - Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea