I’ve put together a collection of artist resources for the Algarve.
Artist Conferences and Exhibitions in the Algarve
Art Expo Algarve
Location: Portimão, West Algarve
An International Contemporary Art Fair held a couple of times per year in Portimão.
The next edition, will take place September 22 and 24.
- Email: artexpoalgarve@hotmail.com for information about being an exhibitor.
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/artexpoalgarve
- Website: Art Expo Algarve
- Instagram: @artexpoalgarve
Artist Organisations
Algarve Art
Location: Online, Algarve
This large group of artists works together to organise art exhibitions, festivals, and social gatherings that provide a platform for local artists from across the Algarve to connect to buyers. Their goal is to promote and elevate the level of art and to empower artists to reach a bigger audience.
- Email: info@algarve-art.com or fill in their Exhibitor Request form to participate in an upcoming event.
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/artexpoalgarve
- Website: www.Algarve-Art.com
- Instagram: @algarve.art
Urban Sketchers Algarve
Location: Primarily West Algarve, but the occasional East Algarve event
The Urban Sketchers Algarve are a collective of authors who draw the Algarve region. This group is part of the worldwide Urban Sketcher’s organization. The organiser, João Pinto, arranges events for the sketchers to meet-up and sketch from life.
When this group meets nearby, I go along to get some company while sketching. Here’s the articles I’ve written about my Urban Sketching Algarve activities.
Olhao Painters
Location: Olhao, East Algarve
This group of painters based in the Olhao was established in 2016, and has exhibited as the Olhao Artists Initiative at various sites in Olhao, including the Associação Cultural Re-Criativa República 14.
Their website features all the member artists who have exhibited, as well as exhibitions and events.
Website:
- Website: https://www.olhaopainters.com
Algarve Art Classes
Ink and Watercolour Art Events
Location: Cabanas/Tavira area, East Algarve
Do you have a passion for sketching or watercolour and want to practice your art with like minded creatives? No matter whether you’re a novice or seasoned professional, all are welcome to these art events. Whether you live in the area, or are just visiting on holiday, get inspired by the Algarve to capture a moment in time. Sometimes we meet at a local venue to sketch and paint, other times we’ll go to an outdoor location to capture our surroundings with pen and brush.These aren’t lessons, they’re an opportunity to gather with other artists. But we’ll use our shared experience to offer advice and tips to help our fellow artists grow their skills and learn new techniques. I started this Meetup group as an opportunity to create with company!
- Meetup Group: https://www.meetup.com/ink-and-watercolour-art-events/
Eolis d’Arte (Various art and craft classes)
Location: Cabanas, East Algarve
Based in Cabanas de Tavira and part of the Elios sport activities centre, this art gallery also hosts intermittent watercolour, acrylic, and collage classes for adults and children.
- Website: https://eolis-darte.negocio.site
- Phone: +351 962 337 285
Art in the Afternoons (Acrylic Art Classes)
Location: Tavira, East Algarve
Art in the Afternoon is a weekly painting event hosted by Barry Overn, a muralist who provides professional instruction and materials at each session.
Classes are held every Wednesday at 1:30 in Clube de Tavira. Leave a comment on his Facebook page under the relevant image to reserve your spot. These events are put on hold during the peak summer months.
- Facebook Page: Art in the Afternoons
- Email: barryomurals@gmail.com
- Phone: +351 913 815 773
First Class Art (Oil Painting Classes)
Location: Faro, East Algarve
Karen Wride hosts oil painting classes in her studio, the First Class Art gallery. Classes are restricted to a maximum of four so there is plenty of space between the easels and lots of one-on-one tutoring. Everyone works at their own pace and on their own projects.
Classes run each morning Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 12 noon. She is closed on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday although viewings of the gallery can be arranged by appointment on these days. All classes must be booked in advance.
- Website: www.first-class-art.com and www.karenwride.com
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/firstClassArt
- Instagram: @karenwrideartist
- Email: a2zdesign@mac.com
Paint Brushes and Tea
Location: Loule
Hosted in Louie’s municipal park, next doors to the 8100 Café. This group welcomes artists of all ages for an informal art class and cup of tea. Canvas, paints, apron, and brushes provided, and of course a cup of tea. Meet-ups every Sunday and Monday. Contact Stephan through their Facebook page or WhatsApp.
- Website: Facebook/PaintBrushes&Tea
- Email: paintbrushesandtea.pt@gmail.com
- Telephone: +351 932 720 096
If you have information about other art resources or classes etc, please leave me a comment below. The only stipulation is that it’s relevant to the Algarve. Look forward to discovering more art classes and events.
I am an American abstract painter looking for a professional painter to study with in Portugal or Spain. I would appreciate suggestions ….thank you