Glen Arbor Arts Center holds Youth Plein Air Month

Photo: Youth Plein Air participant Teddy Ullman

From staff reports

Following a wildly successful inaugural run last year that engaged more than 140 young creatives, the Glen Arbor Arts Center (GAAC) is thrilled to announce the return of the Youth Plein Air Month this July. This unique, month-long program invites children ages 6 to 15 to step outside the traditional classroom and into the fresh air to experience the historic tradition of plein air painting—the practice of painting entirely outdoors.

Designed to foster creative confidence, exploration, and a connection with nature, Youth Plein Air Month gives young artists the tools and guidance to translate Northern Michigan’s spectacular landscapes and historic buildings into their own unique artwork.

“We were absolutely blown away by the incredible response from the community and the sheer number of kids who participated last year,” said Scott Bouma, executive director of the Arts Center. “This program is entirely unique because it removes the barriers to outdoor painting, providing high-quality materials and real-world exhibition opportunities to kids completely free of charge and on their own time. We are so excited to bring it back and watch a new wave of young artists find their inspiration in the open air.”

Youth Plein Air Month features several interconnected, family-friendly components throughout July:

• Borrow a Free Plein Air Art Kit: Throughout the month of July, families can check out fully stocked, professional-style art kits from the GAAC office. Available at no cost for up to four days, each kit includes everything needed for an outdoor painting adventure: standing easels, canvases, paints, brushes, and a palette.
• The Youth Plein Air Experience (Saturday, July 11; Rain Date: July 12): From 10 am to 2 pm, children ages 6 to 15 are invited to Thoreson Farm in the Port Oneida Historic District for a hands-on painting event. Young artists will receive guidance from experienced, professional artists and watch live demonstrations. To further spark imaginations, this year’s event features a storyteller and historical props provided by Sleeping Bear Forever, allowing kids to visualize and paint the spirit of a vintage working homestead.
• Public Exhibit & Celebration (August 3-6): The experience comes full circle as every participating artist (ages 6–15) is invited to submit one completed plein air painting to be displayed in a public youth exhibition at the Glen Arbor Arts Center. Art drop-off is open through August 2, and the program will conclude with a celebratory public gathering and awards ceremony recognizing select peer-judged works on August 6.

All materials and events associated with Youth Plein Air Month are completely free, though supplies for the borrowable kits are limited based on daily availability. GAAC recommends contacting the office to check for availability, kit check-out is first-come, first-serve.

For more details on kit checkout hours, event registration for the Thoreson Farm experience, or exhibition guidelines, visit GlenArborArt.org or call (231) 334-6112.