Texas Artists Camp Revival 2025

An example of an en plein air painting in the early 1900s.  

The 1920's Texas Artists Camp in Christoval

In the 1920s, Christoval was a thriving little town nestled along the banks of the Concho River. Located about 20 miles south of San Angelo, it boasted two hotels, mineral baths and the Baptist Encampment Grounds, which sometimes hosted over 8,000 worshipers in a single summer. This campground, with its rustic cabins, showers, and recreational amenities, housed the Texas Artists Camp from 1921 until 1927.

Frances Fisk, in “A History of Texas Artists and Sculptors,” described the setting in this way:

“Here on the Concho with its emerald green water and the abundant foliage of numerous trees, at an altitude of 2,000 feet, with breezes and cool nights, an ideal site is offered the artists where several weeks can be spent each summer; and where the advantage of varied outdoor sports can be enjoyed with comfortable living quarters nearby….The pecan-shaded Concho, the big groves, the hills, and the winding roads through fields of wildflowers have been the subject of many splendid sketches.”

Founded in 1921 by Mrs. Sam (Mollie) Crowther of San Angelo, the Camp grew in its seven years of existence from a local gathering to one of the leading institutions of its kind in the Southwest. In its final year, 62 men and women from 22 different places attended. The Camp emphasized the opportunities of the West as a new field for art, with this work becoming increasingly appreciated and in demand. 

Contributed by Mary Chatfield, Museum Researcher.

The 2025 Texas Artists Camp Revival!
October 25 - 26, 2025

 They will be joined by past EnPleinAirTEXAS Artists who will all wander and paint with you, offering assistance or feedback and allowing you to observe their painting process!

Joining the Ranch Fellows ~
Suzie Baker, 2024 Ranch Fellowship Artist, 5-time EPAT Artist
Diane Frossard, 4-time EPAT Artist
Check back here often to see who else has committed to coming!

Revival Activities & more...
Check back often as we add more details!

Arrive early for opportunities to meet the Ranch Fellowship Artists and paint together prior to the weekend Revival!

• Thursday, October 23 ~ 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
  The STAMPEDE Exhibit & Sale at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts featuring paintings created during the 3 week fellowship on ranches in September.  Free admission.
• Friday, October 24
  - Come paint this morning with the artists at Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue
  - 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. ~ Ranch Fellowship Ranch Round-Up Panel
     The 5 Ranch Fellowship Artists will discuss their ranch painting experiences and more with Tim Newton as moderator.  Tim was juror and two-time Awards Judge for EnPleinAirTEXAS and is an avid art collector, curator, and art advisor.
  - Meet and Greet Happy Hour for Revival artists at the museum.  Time TBA
• Saturday, October 25
  - Arrive at the Cleere Ranch near Christoval around sunrise to begin your day!
  - Breakfast, lunch, and a Texas-style dinner await you after a day of painting with fellow artists!
• Sunday, October 26
  - Arrive at Mill Creek Ranch near Christoval around sunrise for Round Two!
  - Breakfast and lunch at the ranch are included.
  - Around 3:30 p.m. you'll move to the Christoval Winery for a sunset paint-out and the opportunity to exhibit and sell the artwork you have produced during the Revival!   All sales will have a 25% commission to the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts.
  - End the evening with a casual dinner at the winery with your new artist friends! 

Registration Opens in June - Date To Be Announced soon!

This exciting Revival/Artists Retreat is limited to the first 25 attendees who register.  The $350 fee includes all meals with the artists, opportunities to sell what you have painted at a pop-up exhibit open to the public at the Christoval Winery Sunday afternoon, and pre-event opportunities to network with other artists.  Not included:  transportation and lodging. 
A waiting list will be established once the Revival is full.