Plein Air Paint Out at Glen Arbor Art Association
From staff reports
Now in its sixth year, the Glen Arbor Art Association’s popular Plein Air Art Weekend is scheduled for August 1-2. Artists from across Michigan and throughout the Midwest are registered to participate in this special two-day event, which has become one of Michigan’s largest, and most popular, Plein Air Paint Outs.
On Friday, Aug. 1, the Quick Draw features over 40 registered artists who will paint in Glen Haven located in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Come early from 3-5 p.m. and watch as artists capture the charm of this historic village, then join the fun at the Quick Exhibit and Sale, which will be held on the enclosed porch of the historic inn from 5-6 p.m. The paintings are offered on a first-come basis. Free admission. A Park interpreter will be on hand to talk about the inn’s history and exciting plans for its future.
The main event will be held on Saturday, August 2 as 60 pre-accepted artists set up their easels around Glen Lake for the day. The aim and challenge of a Plein Air Paint Out is to “capture the moment”, working quickly to complete a painting as the sun moves across the sky and conditions change. Artists may enter up to two paintings in the juried competition.
This year’s juror is Jason Dake, curator of education, at the Dennos Museum Center in Traverse City. He will award the three cash prizes. The People’s Choice award will be given to the painting receiving the most votes during the exhibition.
The paintings will be exhibited and available for sale at the Wet Painting Sale and Reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Glen Arbor Art Association, 6031 South Lake Street in Glen Arbor. Sales begin at the sound of the gong at 5:45 sharp on a first-come basis. Admission is $15 per person, which includes a wine sampling and appetizers.
According to GAAA director Peg McCarty, each year the Paint Out attracts a very strong field of artists. This year, registration for the Saturday event filled in just 32 hours. Friday afternoon’s Quick Draw was added in 2012 so that more artists could participate and that accepted artists could have a “warm up” event. “It is the mission of GAAA to promote the arts in the Glen Lake area and that includes providing opportunities for artists to exhibit and sell their works.” A portion of the sales benefits the art association’s programs.
For more information call the GAAA at 231-334-6112 or visit GlenArborArt.org.
