Each first full weekend in August, artists from Michigan and the Midwest gather for a two-day event celebrating art, nature, and creativity. The Glen Arbor Arts Center’s Plein Air Weekend is a cherished community event supporting both the center and the artists. As one of Northern Michigan’s first Plein Air Paint-Outs, it continues to attract talent eager to paint outdoors and “capture the moment.”

What is Plein Air Painting?

Plein air painting means creating art outside, a method made famous by French Impressionists in the 19th century. Artists work quickly to finish their 2D paintings in a single day—rain or shine!

Weekend Highlights – August 6-8, 2026

• Thursday
  
  • Sunsetter: Artists head out to paint beautiful sunsets.
    
• Friday
  
  • Quick Draw: Artists have 3 hours to create works based on a theme, like “Village Life” or “Pastoral Life.”
  • Wet Painting Sale: Sunsetter and Quick Draw paintings are displayed and sold at the Glen Arbor Town Hall.
• Saturday – The Main Event
  
  • Paint Out: The “Paint Out” invites 80 artists to capture the area’s natural beauty, from lakes and rivers to gardens and landmarks.
  • Wet Painting Sale: Paintings are displayed and sold at the Glen Arbor Town Hall.

Awards and Community Fun

Saturday night celebrates creativity with the Amy L. Clark-Carels Award, honoring artistic excellence in memory of the local watercolorist. This lively event showcases diverse artwork, offering the community a chance to view, connect, and purchase unique pieces while supporting talented artists.

Admission and Donations

Both sales are open to the public, and admission is free. Donations are appreciated to support the Glen Arbor Arts Center.