I arrived in Branson, Missouri a few weeks ago to a welcoming array of green hills and luscious scenery—an ideal setting for the days that awaited me.
It was the 2026 Plein Air Convention & Expo (PACE), and my fourth time having the privilege of attending.
Only this time, I had something I’d never had before: a coveted green hat.
The green hat is given to all faculty members to make them easier to spot throughout the convention, and for the first time, I’d been invited to be a field painter.
In the days that followed, I set up a canvas out in the field, doing demos in front of waterfalls and old mills, while also wandering to make myself available to painters who needed guidance.
The vibe was energetic. The atmosphere was open and welcoming. The feeling was enthusiasm, joy, and positivity. It was pure connection, and there’s nothing quite like it.
Each and every artist at PACE, no matter their years of experience or skill level, was there to learn, to practice, to experiment, to grow, and to simply get out and do something they love.
Being in community with people who get it—the love of creation; the appreciation of nature; the camaraderie of a shared craft—is the connection we need to survive in a world that seems devoted to dividing us.
With nearly 1,000 artists gathered and spread throughout the Ozarks capturing its beauty, I couldn’t help but think: This is how we push out the bad. With the good.
I wore my green hat with pride; a symbol of years of painting and living a creative life. The experience itself embodied my word of the year, breakthrough, because in wearing that hat and being surrounded by so many like-minded, passionate painters, I felt like anything was possible. For me, and for all of us.
As the summer unfolds and opportunities abound, I’ll be carrying the jolt of energy, commitment, and sheer happiness that came from PACE with me, continuing to allow breakthroughs to happen and guide my path.
And along the way, I’ll be doing my part to gather the people who are committed to spreading the good.