Leelanau County offers an idyllic setting that continues the venerated tradition of plein air painting. With its stunning vistas of rolling hills, cerulean waters, and dense woodlands, the area provides endless inspiration for artists. The Glen Arbor Arts Center annually hosts the Plein Air Weekend where myriad artists converge on the town to participate in a two-day painting event. It serves as a platform for creative practitioners to showcase their mastery of light, shadow, and perspective. This event is a summer pinnacle and, essentially, the foremost artistic gathering in Glen Arbor. Then there is Crystal Rivers Outfitters (CRO)—a seemingly unlikely venue for plein air art. Situated in the heart of Glen Arbor, it is most often associated with outdoor sports and recreational activities: kayaking on the Crystal River, biking on the Heritage Trail, and snowshoeing out in the Port Oneida Historic District. To further enhance CRO’s repertoire, owners Katy and Matt Wiesen, enlisted plein air artist Stephanie Schlatter for an annual summer art pop-up on its grounds. This one-day event was established in 2019. “I thought it would be fun to spend a week painting their many properties or areas [that] their businesses serve, like the Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Crystal River, the Heritage Trail, and such. And then showcase the art in a wet paint sale—in the spirit of artist residences,” Schlatter explained. Schlatter will arrive at the patio of M22 Wine Bar on Aug. 8 from 3:30–5 p.m. where she will share her wondrous work and her ethereal, creative energy.
