Shandel Sutherland • March 5, 2025

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

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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.

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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.

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