Young artists take creativity outdoors during GAAC’s Youth Plein Air Month
From staff reports
In July, the Glen Arbor Arts Center (GAAC) launched its first annual Youth Plein Air Month, a month-long celebration of creativity designed to introduce children ages 6–12 to the art of painting outdoors. Nearly 150 free plein air art kits were checked out by young artists, encouraging them to explore the joy of creating in nature. The month concluded with a gallery exhibition and community awards ceremony on July 31, showcasing 58 original works of art.
During Youth Plein Air Month, children were invited to step outside and into the practice of plein air painting by creating art outdoors, inspired by the surrounding landscape and architecture. This immersive program encouraged play, exploration, and creative confidence while teaching kids how to observe their environment and translate what they see into art.
Inspired by Leelanau County’s natural beauty and historic buildings, participants created original works of art. They also had the unique opportunity to meet and paint alongside professional plein air artists during Meet the Plein Air Artist Day, Sunday, July 13, connecting with painters, learning techniques, and trying their hand at outdoor painting in a relaxed, encouraging setting.
Each young artist was invited to select one of their paintings for display at the GAAC during a special Youth Plein Air Exhibit that ran July 28–31. The program concluded with a joyful community gathering and awards ceremony on July 31. Families, friends, and art lovers came together to celebrate the creativity and accomplishments of these young plein air painters.
The community gathering included refreshments and an awards ceremony. Two youth judges presented awards that emphasized process, imagination, and creative expression rather than perfection.
“Youth Plein Air Month gave kids the chance to try plein air painting with everything they needed provided for them—from easels and canvases to paints and pastels,” said Kristie McCaw, GAAC Program Manager.
“It was wonderful to see how each child took those tools and used them to express their own vision of the world around them.”
“The awards ceremony is centered on process, not product,” added Sarah Bearup-Neal, GAAC Gallery Manager.
“It’s about honoring the joy of exploration, the courage to try, and the creativity that comes from simply creating.”
2025 Youth Plein Air award winners included: Kailyn Nicholson for “The Little Space” (Boldest Brushstrokes Award—For confident, creative mark-making); James Rink for “Sunset on the Beach” (Sky Watcher Award—For capturing sky, clouds, or atmosphere); Wheatley Denoyer for “Pig Barn – Port Oneida” (Tiny Detail Award—For focusing on small, thoughtful elements); Olia Ayotte for “Lake Eerie” (Creative Composition Award—For an interesting or unexpected layout); Teddy Ullman for “Love” (Silent Story Award—For a piece that made viewers stop and wonder) and Avery Tabberer for “Stormy Night” (Mood Master Award—For capturing emotion or atmosphere with color and style). Ari Denoyer and Mirielle Ivey also received Merit Awards for “Baker Pig Barn” and “Summer in the Greens”.
