Art Season is upon us

Art Season in Eastern Madera County returns for 2026 with major events spanning Oakhurst, Coarsegold, Bass Lake and North Fork, stretching into surrounding communities and Mariposa.

From public art and juried exhibitions to plein air gatherings, open studio tours and monthly art walks, the season offers meaningful opportunities for artists to participate and art lovers to plan ahead for an exciting and enriching spring, summer and fall.

Together these events highlight the always-growing creative energy of the Sierra foothills while strengthening connections between artists, businesses and the broader community.

Yosemite Renaissance 41

The 41st annual competition and exhibition featuring artworks that celebrate Yosemite National Park and the California Sierra Nevada range up now at Yosemite Gateway Art Center (40982 Highway 41) in Oakhurst through May 24.

The exhibit showcases the work of artists from across the country and around the world who are inspired to share their vision.

The traveling exhibit moves from Oakhurst to the Kings Art Center in Hanford on June 12, the Carnegie Arts Center in Turlock on Aug. 4 and the Madera County Arts Council’s Circle Gallery in Madera on Dec. 3.

Visit www.yosemiterenaissance.org for more information.

Mariposa Paint Out

Sierra Artists Gallery invites artists to its second Mariposa Paint Out, welcoming all mediums.

Participants receive a schedule, map and guidelines for painting scenic locations around Mariposa, with cash awards presented Sunday afternoon.

The Paint Out takes place Wednesday, April 22 through Sunday, April 26, 2026. The cost is $60 for entry and optional workshops. Visit www.sierraartistsgallery.com for details and registration.

Au Naturale

A juried exhibition exploring the human form across styles and mediums, the Au Naturale Exhibition at The Gallery at Oakhurst Spirits opened April 10 and will appear through Saturday, May 23.

An artists’ reception will be held on Saturday, April 25 from 3-5 p.m. with cocktails available for purchase and complimentary light bites.

The Gallery at Oakhurst Spirits is located at 40300 Greenwood Way in Oakhurst. www.yosemitesierraartists.org/au-naturale/

Mountain Artisans Market

Mountain Artisans Market at Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park is a vibrant monthly gathering featuring local artists and artisans, food vendors, live music and family-friendly community activities.

Admission is free and open to all ages, with vendor sign-ups currently available.

The market is open on the third Saturday of each month from March through October. Day markets are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and night markets are from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The next Mountain Artisans Market will convene on Saturday, April 18 at 11 a.m.

Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park is located at 49777 Road 427/School Road in Oakhurst.

Visit www.yosemitefoothills.org/mountainartisansmarket for details and application.

Oakhurst Art & Wine Hop

The Oakhurst Art & Wine Hop returns for its third season as a lively monthly art walk featuring local artists, live demonstrations, food and wine tasting and special events at venues throughout town along the Highway 41 corridor.

The popular event takes place on the third Thursday from May through October, from 5-8 p.m. The Oakhurst Trolley compliments the Art Hop. A wristband is available for purchase with a reusable wine glass for future discounts.

The first Oakhurst Art Hop of the year is set for Thursday, May 21.

For more information and artist submissions visit www.oakhurstarthop.com/get-involved.

Art Banners

Mountain communities will once again transform their streets into an open-air gallery as the third annual Art Banner Project graces the stage. Look up! The banners will begin hanging in May.

Artists from Oakhurst, Coarsegold, Bass Lake and North Fork were invited to submit an original banner design inspired by America’s 250th Anniversary. Banners are sponsored by local businesses and organizations. The artists and sponsors names are printed on the banners.

Save the date: the Art Banner Auction Soiree, where banners are available to the highest bidder and a people’s choice honor is awarded, is set for Friday, Oct. 6 at the Oakhurst Community Center in Oakhurst.

For more information visit www.yosemitethisyear.com/community art-banners

Yosemite Sierra Artists

Yosemite Sierra Artists 55th Annual Art Competition and Exhibition, currently celebrating its 55th year, is set for June 15 through July 6 with a submission window of April 15 through May 31.

The juried exhibition showcases regional artists across multiple disciplines and highlights the depth and diversity of talent throughout the Sierra Foothills.

The exhibit will show at Yosemite Gateway Art Center’s Gallery 5 (40982 Highway 41) in Oakhurst. www.yosemitesierraartists.org/anniversary-show/

Sierra Art Trails

The 23rd Annual Sierra Art Trails Open Studio Tour takes place Friday through Sunday over two weekends: Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 9-11.

The beloved regional tradition invites the public into artists’ homes, studios, galleries and businesses across Eastern Madera and Mariposa counties for a rare behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.

A Preview Exhibit Reception will take place on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Yosemite Gateway Art Center in Oakhurst.

Visit www.sierraarttrails.org for information.

And the whole month of October is known locally as ARTober so stay tuned for more later on.