5th DEGART International GRAND ART EVENT
For Local, National, and International Artists & Art Lovers
Every year. First Week of April.
March 27-April 3, 2026
Central Texas, City of Bryan, DEGALLERY
The DEGART International Grand Art Event is a week-long immersive art retreat hosted in Bryan, Texas, where creativity, education, and community come together. Organized by DEGALLERY and the DEGA International Art Association, this event welcomes both invited and visiting artists from around the world.
Throughout the retreat, participants enjoy:
Plein-air (paint-out) sessions
Hands-on demonstrations
Skill-building workshops
Open studios with live models and still life setups
Artist talks, meet-and-greets, and community events
Invited master artists lead teaching sessions, while visiting artists paint, learn, collaborate, and grow together in a supportive environment.
Supported by the Arts and Culture Development Grant of the City of Bryan, TX.
Our Mission
To expand access to meaningful artistic experiences for artists of all levels and to enrich our community through education, collaboration, and inclusion.
Community Impact
This event is designed not only to elevate artistic excellence but also to serve our community.
100% of event proceeds fund our year-round free art classes for children and adults with disabilities.
These programs provide healing, confidence-building, and joyful opportunities for self-expression to those who face medical, emotional, or physical challenges.
Invited Artists 2026:
Who Can Participate?
Invited Artists:
Award-winning artists leading workshops, demos, paint-outs, and mentoring sessions (by Special Invitation).
Visiting Artists:
Artists of all backgrounds who REGISTER to participate, paint, learn, and grow together.
Whether you are an emerging artist or an experienced professional, you will find meaningful opportunities to develop your skills and join a creative community.
A Collaborative Creative Experience
This is more than a conference — it is an artistic retreat, where professionals and rising talents create side by side, exchange ideas, build friendships, and experience the joy of art together.
A Legacy of Inclusion
Your participation has a lasting impact.
By supporting this event, you help provide free art classes for patients and individuals with special needs year-round.
Art brings hope.
Art builds community.
Art changes lives.
About the Event
Each spring, when Central Texas is blanketed in Bluebonnets, the landscape becomes a sanctuary for creativity.
The DEGART Grand Art Event is an immersive art retreat—a time to slow down, create deeply, and connect meaningfully. Artists gather not only for plein air painting and workshops, but also for live demonstrations, conversations, shared meals, studio sessions, and the exchange of ideas and experiences that make art communities thrive.
Supported by the City of Bryan Arts & Culture Grant, this program is rooted in purpose as well as beauty. DEGART helps strengthen the cultural life of the City of Bryan while expanding access to the arts by supporting free art classes for people with disabilities.
Open to artists of all levels, the DEGART Grand Art Event is more than a retreat—it is a collective experience where art, place, and community come together to transform creativity into lasting cultural impact.
For Art Lovers
Join us for the DEGART 2026 GRAND EVENT, where you can watch art come to life each day at different locations around town. From wineries to historical sites, local businesses and neighboring communities will host unique events daily.
At DEGALLERY, you’ll find artworks by participating artists available for purchase.
You can also buy art directly from the easels at the event locations. Experience the beauty of Central Texas with its rolling hills and river bluffs as the backdrop.
Art created during the event will be on sale daily at DEGALLERY and the event sites. The judging, awards, and final sale will be held at DEGALLERY during GALLA on April 2nd.
Stay updated with our website for the latest news, and follow us on Facebook for ongoing announcements!
Application Fee for Visiting Artists
Non-Members of DEGA International Art Association – $65, Members (VAS BCS and DEGA IAA) – $45 includes:
- Participation in all DEGART events, including Plein Air Week on private ranches, businesses, and country/cities sites
- Welcome, Meet, and Greet with wine and cheese with Music Performance
- Art Show “Art and Body” and Auction (1-7 artworks accepted)
- Open Studio with Life Model
- Free admission for Lectures and Demo
- 1 Ticket for GALA (April 2nd)
- 10% OFF for Workshops
*Additional payments if needed:
- Lodging (hotel, B&B)
- Workshops
- Refreshment
Program & Schedule
Registration and Application:
September 1, 2025 – March 10, 2026
March 27
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Welcome Meet and Greet for All Artists at Degallery (930 North Rosemary Dr., Bryan) with Music Performance
March 28
10:00 am – 5:00 pm Community Plein Air Painting Day in Downtown Bryan
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Sunset Paint Out and Cocktail Party in The LaSalle Hotel, Bryan
March 29
1:00 pm – 6:00 pm Plein Air event at Messina Hof Winery
March 30
9:00 am – 5:00 pm Plein Air event in Rosemary Drive, Bryan (Beverly Estate) area
9:00 am – 5:00 pm Still Life Open studio at Degallery
9:00 am – 5:00 pm Still Life in gouache Workshop with Natalia Andreeva
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Lecture and Presentation with discussion: “The Price of my Painting. Truth and Reality” at Degallery
March 31
9:00 am – 5:00 pm Plein Air event in Private Property and Ranch
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Open Studio with Live Model at Degallery
April 1
8:30 am – 5:00 pm Plein Air event on private property on Hunting Ranch
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm “Art and Body” art show and Auction at Degallery (Presentation of Figurative Art)
April 2
9:00 am – 12:00 pm Plein Air event in Degallery Square
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm Art Gala (tickets)
Thank you, our Partners and Sponsors
Become a Supporter!
By supporting the DEGART 2026 Grand Art Event, you are contributing to the vitality of the arts in Brazos County. Your gift—no matter what size—is important. We invite you to become a sponsor and celebrate this rich cultural art event. Thank you!
AWARDS SPONSORSHIP
PRESENTING SPONSORSHIP “Diamond Patron” ($2000)
Corporate, Media & Individual Sponsorships
- Presenting sponsor with Finer Frames as the Title Sponsors
- Your business logo is printed on all event-related print and electronic publications: invitations, postcards, email blasts, website, banners, community posters, and recognition in DEGART Program Guide (logo needs to be received 30 days in advance)
- Full-page ad in the DEGART Program Guide
- Acknowledgment at key locations during the festival
- Speaking opportunity at Opening & Closing Ceremonies
- 8 tickets (including a $400 vouchers for the purchase artworks) to Friday’s Grand Art GALA
- Become a PRESENTING SPONSOR
PREMIER SPONSORSHIP “Gold Patron”($1000)
Corporate, Media & Individual Sponsorships
- Your business logo is printed on all event-related print and electronic publications: invitations, postcards, email blasts, website, banners, community posters, and recognition in the Festival Program Guide
- 1/2 Page ad in DEGART Grand Event Program Guide
- Verbal recognition by emcee
- 6 Tickets to the Grand Art GALA (including a $300 voucher for purchasing artworks)
- Become a PREMIER SPONSOR
SPONSOR “Silver Patron” ($500)
Corporate, Media & Individual Sponsorships
- Your business logo is printed on all event-related print and electronic publications: invitations, postcards, email blasts, and website.
- 4 Tickets to the Grand Art GALA event (including a $200 voucher for purchasing artworks)
- Recognition in Festival Program Guide
- Become a SPONSOR
FRIENDS OF THE DEGART EVENT “Friend of Art” ($150)
The Friends of the DEGART Sponsorships provide recognition to individuals interested in supporting the festival
- Recognition as a “Friends of the Event” during the DEGART Grand Art Event
- 2 Tickets to the Grand Art GALA (including a $100 voucher for purchasing artworks)
- Be Our FRIEND
IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS
Businesses interested in contributing promotional and gift items, coupons, and event swag for the Artist Welcome Bags will receive special recognition at the Welcome Reception and throughout the Art Event. The ten INVITED artists of the DEGART 2025 Grand Art Event will be given a bag. We’ll be happy to pick up the ten promotional or gift items from your office. Please say YES! and email contact@artdega.org, contact@degallery.us
Become a supporter today!
Sign up to volunteer! We always need your help!
Sign up today to start making a difference in the community.
Please contact Dr. Dary Dega contact@artdega.org, contacr@degallery.us, to learn more about becoming a sponsor or volunteer.