"Old Chapel Hall" by Alda Kaufman in "UD Expressions: Plein Air Painters of Dubuque" at the Bisignano Art Gallery -- through September 25.
Exhibit:Through Friday, September 25
Reception: Saturday, August 15, 6 p.m.
University of Dubuque's Bisignano Art Gallery, 2255 Bennett Street, Dubuque IA
Visitors of the Bisignano Art Gallery are invited to experience the University of Dubuque in fresh and unexpected ways through the creative vision of the Plein Air Painters of Dubuque, the exhibition UD Expressions: Plein Air Painters of Dubuque on view through September 25.
Eighteen artists brought their unique style, color palette, and preferred medium to create 35 pieces of work en plein air showcasing UD’s main campus, the Babka Aviation Learning Center, and Wolter Woods and Prairies Environmental Stewardship and Retreat Center.
The Plein Air Painters of Dubuque are a talented group of artists from the tri-state region who share a passion for painting outdoors. Their members are actively involved in the local community and support one another through a variety of en plein air painting events and artistic endeavors in diverse landscapes and settings. This tradition of painting on location originated with the early Impressionists, who embraced the opportunity to capture the ever-changing effects of natural light and color.
During the warm and more comfortable months, the Plein Air Painters of Dubuque gather on Thursday mornings at a location in the area that offers them a glimpse of life. On many occasions, they have been spotted at the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Eagle Point Park, O’Leary’s Lake, and many other locations. UD partnered with the Plein Air Painters of Dubuque to visit campus locations during summer 2026.
“These works are envisioned and created once the artist sets foot and eyes on the space,” said Jean Holdener, PhD, co-head of the Department of Digital Art and Design and assistant professor of digital art and design. “As you explore the exhibition, you will discover how multiple artists interpreted the same buildings and landscapes, with each work offering its own distinctive perspective and artistic voice. These ‘expressions’ of the University of Dubuque have been a journey and an adventure.”
A free pre-show reception for “UD Expressions: Plein Air Painters of Dubuque” will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in the art gallery. The reception will take place in conjunction with Dailey & Vincent: A Beautiful Life Tour at 7:30 p.m. in the Heritage Center's John & Alice Butler Hall.
UD Expressions: Plein Air Painters of Dubuque will be on view through September 25, regular gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and admission is free. For more information, call (563)589-3267 and visit Dbq.edu/HeritageCenter/BisignanoArtGallery.
