The American Impressionist Society is known for offering four juried exhibitions annually, including the popular Impressions Small Works Showcase.For its 10th edition, attendees can expect to find 171 small artworks in oil, watercolor, casein, gouache, acrylic and pastel, all in the impressionist style.
Mark Mehaffey, Afternoon Light, acrylic, 12 x 16 in.
“The Impressions Small Works Showcase is a fabulous event for purchasing artwork, since you can always find a spot for artwork that is under 12 by 16 inches,” says Elizabeth Ahrens, AIS executive director. “Collectors will have the chance to meet and talk with artists visiting from across the United States during the opening weekend, [April 29 through May 2]. AIS encourages collectors to seek out those artists whose work is appealing, and ask them about their inspiration and experiences as an artist.”
Chris Rapa, Pink Peonies, oil, 12 x 16 in.
One such artist is Mark Mehaffey, who will feature his 12-by-16-inch acrylic piece, Afternoon Light—a colorful, textured landscape bordering a two-way road. “[This piece] was painted during a local plein air event last summer,” the artist notes. “I love painting roads! I always wonder, ‘where do they lead? What will I see on the way?’ The perspective (one and two point) of roads naturally leads the viewer into the picture space. Once in, I can use the shapes of the landscape, value contrast—or keep the value range close—color, texture, edges and more, and in this painting, that wonderful warm afternoon light, to keep the viewer involved.”
AIS artists painting on location during the 2025 Paint Out event.
Donna Yeager presents her 12-by-9-inch pastel Just Looking, depicting a street scene, and referenced from a picture the artist took on a trip to Portugal. “I love to draw and paint a variety of subjects, but I am probably known mostly for my figurative and portrait work,” Yeager shares. “I love to work from life but find working from photos can be helpful as well.”
Yeager explains of her show piece, “I went to my studio and started working primarily with a set of Great American pastels, enjoying their square, chunky shapes and soft texture. It worked so well for creating the buildings in the scene. It just seemed to click. I had so much fun doing it. I didn’t really plan it out, and it came together rather quickly—almost without thinking, just reacting.”
Besides the many impressionist small works available for purchase, on display at J. Petter Galleries beginning May 2, the opening weekend will also offer workshops, a Wet Wall pop up exhibition, painting demos, critiques, panel discussions, an introduction to a new AIS webinar series, three receptions and the popular Paint Out. Many of these events are open to the public.
Donna Yeager, Just Looking, pastel, 12 x 9 in.
“The Paint Out features over 50 artists painting in the [Douglas and Saugatuck, Michigan], region,” Ahrens adds. “Paintings will be on sale for one day only on Saturday, May 2, so we highly encourage visitors to look for the artists as they capture the local scenery.”
The opening reception is Saturday, May 2, where over $25,000 in prizes/awards will be presented. The awards judge is AIS Master Howard Friedland AISM, who will also lead a workshop, painting demo and panel discussion. Remaining small works will hang at J. Petter Galleries in Douglas, Michigan, through May 30.
Visit the AIS website for additional information. —
American Impressionist Society: 10th Annual Impressions Small Works Showcase
April 29-May 30, 2026
J. Petter Galleries
161 Blue Star Highway, Douglas, MI 49406
www.americanimpressionistsociety.org
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