AIS Event Schedule and Details

This schedule outlines all events surrounding the 26th Annual AIS National Juried Exhibition, including painting demonstrations, panel discussions, artist gatherings, and the opening reception. here's what to expect and how to take part.

 


Current AIS Members are welcome to register for events, regardless of whether their work is in the show. Most events are free to attend, and all members are encouraged to take part in the full experience! Not a member of the American Impressionist Society? Artists are welcome to join at any time and, once enrolled, are eligible to register for all AIS events and programming. Become a member here. 

 

Opening receptions and Wet Wall receptions are open to the public, and no registration is required to attend as a guest.

AIS All Member Paint Out
July 29 - August 2

Registration: Open to AIS Members only.

 

This is the first AIS Paint Out of the exhibition week, culminating in a one-day show on Saturday, August 2. This event is open to all current AIS Members, and artists are invited to paint anywhere in the Bitterroot Valley beginning July 29. Participating artists must have their materials stamped before painting begins. Materials can be stamped at Cassens Fine Art from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, or at any official AIS painting location, workshop, or event. Once stamped, artists are free to explore and paint across the valley. Several suggested locations are available, and artists can register for those individually. If you would like to look over FAQs on AIS Paint Outs, follow this link. If you would like to learn more about this specific Paint Out, details and registration can be found here.


Plein Air Workshop with Ned Mueller AISM
July 29 and August 1

Registration: Open to AIS Members only.

Ned Mueller, AISM, will lead a two-day workshop during the week of the AIS exhibition. Tuesday begins indoors with a morning presentation on composition, value studies, and the development of studio work, followed by a plein air session in the afternoon. Ned will share examples of his paintings and offer insights on how artists can deepen their process and practice. On Friday, participants will join Ned for a dedicated plein air painting day on location. He will offer demos, critiques, and guidance throughout. Enrollment is limited! If you register for the Friday session, your fee covers both days, and you will automatically be enrolled for Tuesday. Details and registration can be found here.


Painting on a Private Ranch
July 30, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.M.

Registration: Open to AIS Members only.

Artists are invited to spend the day painting on a 10,000-acre private ranch in the Bitterroot Valley. With wide open views, active cattle and horse operations, and mountain ranges in every direction, this location offers a classic Montana experience. Details and registration can be found here.


AIS Member Welcome Reception
July 30, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Registration: Open to AIS Members with one guest per member.

AIS Members are invited to gather for an evening reception at the scenic Teller Wildlife Refuge. This welcome event is a chance to reconnect with fellow artists, meet new faces, and enjoy the start of exhibition week together. Light bites, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages will be served, with refreshments generously provided by American Art Collector magazine. Open to all AIS Members, with one guest per member. Registration is required to attend so that catering can be planned accordingly. Details and registration can be found here.


Painting at Daly Mansion
July 31, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Registration: Open to AIS Members only.

AIS members are invited to paint at the historic Daly Mansion, a Georgian‑Revival estate set on 46 acres in the heart of the Bitterroot Valley. Originally built by Copper King Marcus Daly in the late 1800s and fully restored by the Daly Mansion Preservation Trust, the mansion features over 50 rooms, seven fireplaces with Italian marble, and beautifully maintained grounds. Painters will enjoy a morning with the “Victorian Ladies” as models. It’s a rare chance to combine historical elegance with onsite portraiture and landscape. Learn more about the estate here, and details and registration can be found here.


Awards Presentation: 26th Annual AIS National Juried Exhibition
July 31, 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Registration: Suggested | Open to the public.

Join us for the official Awards Presentation for the 26th Annual AIS National Juried Exhibition. This celebratory evening is open to the public and will be held at the Bitterroot Inn and Conference Center. Awards Judge Ned Mueller, AISM, will offer brief remarks before presenting awards alongside AIS Chairman Debra Joy Groesser. Over $105,000 in awards and prizes will be presented. The evening includes light bites, refreshments, and a video presentation of the winning artwork. The celebration continues the next evening, August 1, with the opening reception at Cassens Fine Art! Details and registration can be found here.


Opening Reception: 26th Annual AIS National Juried Exhibition
August 1, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

All are welcome! No registration needed.

The 26th Annual AIS National Juried Exhibition officially opens on Friday evening at Cassens Fine Art! Join us for a celebratory reception with artists, collectors, and guests as we welcome this year’s selected works to the gallery. Remarks will be shared by Awards Judge Ned Mueller, AISM, and AIS Board Chairman Debra Joy Groesser. Winning pieces will already be on display, with ribbons in place following the previous evening’s awards presentation. All work will be on view and available for purchase throughout the month. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome! If you wish to RSVP, details can be found here.


Critique Session with AIS Signature Members
August 2, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Registration: Open to AIS Members only.

AIS members are invited to take part in a focused critique session led by a team of AIS Signature Members. This is a unique opportunity to receive feedback from experienced artists who have been recognized for their work within the society. Details and registration can be found here.


AIS Panel Discussion: The Business of Art with Scott Jones
August 2, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Registration: Free for AIS Members. | $20 for non-members and guests.

This is a special panel discussion on the business of art, led by longtime gallery professional and art industry expert Scott Jones. With decades of experience across galleries, publishing, and consulting, Scott brings practical insights into building a sustainable art career. Details and registration can be found here.


Painting Demonstration with Ned Mueller, AISM
August 2, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Registration: Open to the public.

AIS Master and Awards Judge Ned Mueller will present a two-hour live painting demonstration at the Bitterroot Inn and Conference Center. It will be focused on composition and technique, all while working from a live model. This event is open to the public. No registration required for guests. Details and registration can be found here.


Wet Wall Exhibition and Awards
August 2, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

All are welcome! No registration needed.

Join us at Cassens Fine Art for the final event of opening week! The Wet Wall Exhibition features artwork created by AIS members during their time painting in the Bitterroot Valley. All work will be on view and available for purchase from 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This event is open to the public, so please join us for the 26th Annual AIS National Juried Exhibition’s opening week finale. If you wish to RSVP, details can be found here.

 

Cassens Fine Art is honored to host the 26th Annual AIS National Juried Exhibition here in Hamilton and looks forward to welcoming artists, collectors, and guests throughout the week.

For questions about the opening reception, the Wet Wall Exhibition, or purchasing artwork, please contact the gallery at 406-363-4112. 

For details on general events or registration, reach out to AIS Executive Director Liz Ahrens at 231-881-7685.

 

We look forward to seeing you in August!

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