San Mateo artist Mila Kirillova uses oil paint on board to paint a scene in Capitola VIllage Thursday afternoon during the 10th annual Capitola Plein Air. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)

Since Nov. 3, 40 artists from near and far have been taking part in the 2025 Capitola Plein Air, a six-day outdoor art event that will culminate in a show and sale on Sunday from 11am—4pm at New Brighton Middle School at 250 Washburn Ave. 

Plein Air, which means to paint outdoors, is an annual event that welcomes artists to paint the town of Capitola Nov. 3 through Nov. 9 to paint scenes from around town and take part in various activities along the way. 

This oil painting by Mila Kirillova is nearing completion Thursday. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)

One such activity is “Quick Paint,” on Saturday from 10am—2pm in Esplanade Park. Artists are challenged to create an entirely new piece of artwork in two hours. It will feature live music by Clay Moon.

“To mark this tenth year of Capitola Plein Air,” said Jaquelyn Johnson, event specialist. “We have a host of special activities in store, honoring the rich history of this celebration of art, artists, and the city itself.” 

A public exhibition and sale will showcase art created during Plein Air. a $1,000 first prize, sponsored by Dan Aspromonte, will be awarded by a panel of judges. For information about Capitola Plein Air, visit the City of Capitola’s website at bit.ly/47y9f3G and check out the Artists’ Spotlight Posts on the Capitola Community Services and Recreation Instagram account @CapitolaRecreation. 

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Tarmo Hannula has been the lead photographer with The Pajaronian newspaper in Watsonville since 1997. More recently Good Times & Press Banner. He also reports on a wide range of topics, including police, fire, environment, schools, the arts and events. A fifth generation Californian, Tarmo was born in the Mother Lode of the Sierra (Columbia) and has lived in Santa Cruz County since the late 1970s. He earned a BA from UC Santa Cruz and has traveled to 33 countries.

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