March 5, 2025

Jim McVicker Wins Quick Draw at BAI’s 19th Annual Plein Air Invitational

Share

Quick Draw Winner: Jim McVicker, Loleta, CA (Photo Credit: Erin Saggese)

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.

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

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

July 23, 2025
Looking for something creative and free for kids this weekend? The Borrego Art Institute is hosting a KidsArt class on Sunday, July 27, from 1 to 3 PM where children ages 7 to 17 can make their own colorful pinwheel. All supplies are provided No registration required Held inside the Borrego Art Institute Gallery, 665 Palm Canyon Drive This fun, drop-in class encourages creativity and welcomes kids of all experience levels. KidsArt classes are always free , making it easy for families to explore art in a supportive setting. Questions? Contact the Education Coordinator at cody.magee@borregoartinstitute.org 
July 23, 2025
DAP Health provided free screenings and support today at Borrego Springs Community Resource Center. Visit borregocrc.org for future events.
July 23, 2025
Food, Fun, and Community in Borrego Springs Looking for something fun and social this weekend? Head to American Legion Post 853 on Sunday, July 27 for an afternoon of community connection, great food, and friendly trivia. Carnitas, rice, and beans will be available for purchase starting at 1:00 PM, followed by a trivia game at 2:00 PM. Everyone is welcome — locals, visitors, and newcomers alike. $1.00 buy-in Events like this are a great reminder that Borrego Springs is a year-round community. Whether it's summer or winter, there’s always something happening and someone to share it with. Post 853 continues to be a place where people gather for good causes and good company. Trivia at Post 853 is more than a game — it’s a way to stay connected, support local efforts, and enjoy an afternoon with neighbors. Location: American Legion Post 853 4515 Borrego Springs Rd, Borrego Springs, CA Come hungry. Leave connected. That’s Borrego Springs.
July 22, 2025
$60 Rounds for Borrego Springs Residents This Summer Mondays just got better for Borrego Springs residents. Rams Hill Golf Club is offering $60 rounds of golf every Monday after 9:00 AM through the summer. Just show a valid local ID at check-in to receive the discount. Call (760) 767-3500 or stop by the Rams Hill Golf Shop to book your tee time. Set in the foothills of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Rams Hill is a Tom Fazio–designed course known for its lush fairways, elevated greens, and panoramic desert and mountain views. Consistently ranked among California’s top public courses, it offers a challenging and rewarding round in a quiet desert setting. Locals looking for a break from the heat can turn their Monday round into a full staycation with Rams Hill’s Stay & Play packages . It’s an easy getaway without the drive—offering new scenery, a peaceful night, and an early morning round with fewer crowds and cooler temps. Offer ends August 31. Valid local ID required at check-in. Borrego Springs Year Round
July 22, 2025
Apply by November 15 for the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award If you’re a woman living in Borrego Springs, Warner Springs, Salton City, Ocotillo Wells, or Julian , and you are working to improve your life through education, the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award is here to support you. This grant offers $1,000–$4,000 in financial assistance to help cover education-related expenses. The deadline to apply is November 15 . About the Live Your Dream Award The Live Your Dream Award , presented by Soroptimist International of Borrego Springs , provides financial help to women who are: The primary financial support for their families Enrolled in an undergraduate or vocational training program Experiencing financial need Funds can be used for a variety of expenses, including: Tuition and school books Transportation or gas Childcare Uniforms or tools needed for school or work A previous recipient shared, “The award helped me a lot with gas money and to get uniforms and tools for school and for work.” Who Should Apply You are eligible if: You are a woman with financial need You are the main financial support for your family You are currently enrolled in a vocational training or undergraduate program You live in Borrego Springs, Warner Springs, Salton City, Ocotillo Wells, or Julian How to Apply Deadline: November 15 Apply online at: www.soroptimist.org/LYDA-apply
July 20, 2025
Coyote Steakhouse is open for summer Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00–8:30 PM. Prime rib, steaks, seafood, prix fixe menu, and specialty cocktails available.
Show More

Share This Post