March 5, 2025
Jim McVicker Wins Quick Draw at BAI’s 19th Annual Plein Air Invitational
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Artists Capture Desert Beauty Among Golfers at Rams Hill
BORREGO SPRINGS, CA – The BAI 19th Annual Plein Air Invitational, running March 3 – April 27, 2025, brings together 16 accomplished artists to paint the landscapes of the Anza-Borrego Desert and Borrego Valley.
A key event of the week was the Plein Air Quick Draw Competition, held on March 5 at Rams Hill Golf Club, where artists had two hours to complete a painting on location. Jim McVicker was awarded first place by Quick Draw juror Jeanne Plekon.
Crowd Gathers at Rams Hill for Quick Draw Judging
Photo Credit: Erin Saggese
Golf & Landscape: A Fusion of Sport and Art
The Quick Draw took place as golfers played nearby. Some artists incorporated elements of the golf course and players into their composition. Others focused on the surrounding desert scenery, painting the mountains, native plants, and water features.
Artists in Action: Painting at the Quick Draw
Slideshow featuring artists capturing the beauty of Rams Hill in real time.
The Invitational: A Week of Artistic Excellence
The Plein Air Invitational, curated by Kay Levie, features 16 artists working in oils, watercolor, and pastels, all producing new works between March 3-8, 2025. New paintings are added to the gallery each day, with extended hours during the first week.
Invited Artists for 2025
- Geoffrey Allen (Encinitas, CA)
- Steve Curry (Ojai, CA)
- Larry Hemmerich (Thousand Palms, CA)
- Debra Huse (Costa Mesa, CA)
- Ellen Howard (San Mateo, CA)
- Natasha Isenhour (Socorro, NM)
- Margaret Larlham (San Diego, CA)
- Jason Li (Yorba Linda, CA)
- Patty McGeeney (Del Mar, CA)
- Jim McVicker (Loleta, CA)
- Lynn Mehta (Stephenson, VA)
- Natalie Richards (San Bernardino, CA)
- Stock Schlueter (Eureka, CA)
- Jeff Sewell (Costa Mesa, CA)
- Richie Vios (Austin, TX)
- Jim Wodark (Orange, CA)
Jurors of the Invitational
The Juror of Awards for the Invitational is Chuck Kovacic, an artist known for his post-Impressionist plein air style. Kovacic is a Signature Member of the California Art Club and the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, and has exhibited in the California Art Club’s Gold Medal Exhibition.
The Quick Draw juror, Jeanne Plekon, is an artist and President of the Borrego Springs Art Guild. She divides her time between Borrego Springs, CA, and Holmes, NY.
Calendar of Events
- March 3-7 – Artists painting throughout Borrego Springs & Anza-Borrego Desert
- March 5 – Quick Draw Competition (8:30-10:30 AM) at Rams Hill Golf Club Pavilion (Open to the public)
- March 8 – Reception & Awards (3:00-5:00 PM) at the McQuown/Wermers Gallery (Public invited)
- March 9 – April 27 – Exhibition continues at Borrego Art Institute
Gallery Hours
- March 3-8: 10 AM – 7 PM (New work added daily)
March 9-April 27: 10 AM – 4 PM (Closed Monday/Tuesday)
Looking Ahead
The 19th Annual Plein Air Invitational will continue through April 27.
For more details, visit www.borregoartinstitute.org or contact Kay Levie at (760) 767-5152.
Learn More About Borrego Springs
The 13th Borrego Springs Film Festival wrapped January 18, 2026, with sold-out screenings, red carpet moments, awards, and strong community turnout. The 13th Annual Borrego Springs Film Festival wrapped up January 18, 2026, closing five days of independent cinema, conversation, and community energy. Events were held throughout Borrego Springs, including free screenings at the Borrego Springs Library and ticketed block screenings and awards ceremonies at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. Presented by the Borrego Springs Film Institute, the festival continued its traditional, theater-first format that brings people together to watch films in shared spaces and talk about them afterward. Several screening blocks sold out during the week, reflecting strong local interest and visiting attendance. That connection was clear during the live-streamed red carpet. Host Brianna Pinto described one of the festival’s defining qualities by saying, “Filmmakers get to interact directly with the audience,” noting that Borrego Springs draws viewers who truly watch and engage with the films. Filmmakers echoed that experience in different ways. A King’s Curtain director Grannan Johnson said it was especially meaningful to hear audience members tell him, “Oh yes, I saw your film,” calling Borrego Springs “a fun place to be” with “really nice, great people.” Documentary filmmaker Mitch Yapko (Watching Walter) described a moment when a full theater reacted together, saying the shared gasp from the audience made it clear they were fully engaged. The setting itself also left an impression. Actress Laura Bolin (Rage, Rhonda) called the enthusiasm of Borrego Springs audiences “contagious” and encouraged visitors to explore the landscape, describing the area as a place to “just wander” and take in the desert views.
Event Overview The Doobie Doubles present The Ultimate Doobie Brothers Tribute, a live concert celebrating the music of the legendary rock band The Doobie Brothers . The performance recreates the sound, harmonies, and stage energy associated with decades of Doobie Brothers hits. The Band The Doobie Doubles is a professional tribute band known for faithfully performing classic Doobie Brothers material. Band members include Rick Erbe, Mike Leffler, Sheldon Bonada, Ray Bergstrom, Pete Hopkins, and Daniel Osterstock. Date, Time, and Venue Date: January 25, 2026 Time: 3:00 PM Venue: Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center Address: 590 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, California The Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center hosts a range of concerts, theater productions, and community performances throughout the season. Tickets Tickets: Available online Website: bspac.org Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Tribute concerts like this one offer audiences the opportunity to experience iconic music performed live in an intimate setting. With a focus on musical accuracy and stage presence, The Doobie Doubles deliver a performance designed for longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Event Overview The Denim & Diamonds Gala is a hoedown-style fundraising event celebrating three decades of community care by the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund (BVEF) . Proceeds from the gala support programs that strengthen the well-being of Borrego Valley residents, including healthcare, education, arts, environmental initiatives, and community development. Live Music and Entertainment Live music will be provided by Sean Oliu and the Coastline Cowboys. The program also includes cowboy poetry by Carey Peck, along with line dancing, auctions, and interactive activities throughout the afternoon. Date, Time, and Location Date: February 21, 2026 Time: 2:00–5:00 PM Location: The Center 590 Palm Canyon Drive Borrego Springs, California Tickets and Food Tickets: $100 per person Pre-order: give@bvefund.org Availability: Limited tickets available at the event Food will be served by Pablito’s, with a cash bar available.
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Supervisor candidate Rebecca Jones met Borrego Springs residents at a BBQ luncheon at Rams Hill to discuss housing, education, busing, healthcare, and quality of life.
The 27th Annual Borrego Springs Golf Classic takes place on Friday, February 20, 2026, at de Anza Desert Country Club. Hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego , this annual event brings golfers, supporters, and community members together for a day of golf and giving in Borrego Springs. All proceeds from the tournament directly benefit the Borrego Springs Branch , supporting programs that help local youth succeed academically, build good character, and develop healthy lifestyles. The event features a scramble-style round of golf , on-course activities, auctions, and a hosted lunch. It’s designed to be both competitive and social, welcoming participants looking to enjoy a meaningful day on the course while supporting youth programs in the Borrego Valley. Sponsorship & Participation A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals interested in supporting the event and the Borrego Springs Branch. Sponsorships provide visibility throughout the tournament and help fund essential youth services. Event Details Date: Friday, February 20, 2026 Location: de Anza Desert Country Club 509 Catarina Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 Registration and additional event details are available through the event website. Learn More About Borrego Springs
