Bisignano Art Gallery Opens the 2026-2027 Season with Plein Air Painters of Dubuque

DUBUQUE, Iowa - Experience the University of Dubuque in fresh and unexpected ways through the creative vision of the Plein Air Painters of Dubuque with "UD Expressions: Plein Air Painters of Dubuque" at the Bisignano Art Gallery on campus.

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.

"UD Expressions: Plein Air Painters of Dubuque" is free and open to the public Wednesday, August 12, 2026, through Friday, September 25, 2026, at the art gallery inside Heritage Center, 2255 Bennett Street.

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 6:00 p.m. Saturday, August 15, 2026, in the art gallery. The reception will take place in conjunction with Dailey and Vincent: A Beautiful Life Tour at 7:30 p.m. in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center. For more information or to purchase tickets to the performance, please visit https://www.dbq.edu/HeritageCenter.

Bisignano Art Gallery hours are noon to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday during the academic year. The gallery is also open in conjunction with all major events in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center.