The morning of the Paint Out in Glen Arbor was hot and sticky, but that didn’t deter approximately 70 Artists who had registered for the annual fundraiser for the Glen Arbor Arts Center. 

Several told me they were prepared with bathing suits for a quick cool down as they completed their work.  

I had no idea that Plein Air events are so popular with artists all over the country including the loyal group who have been participating in the one held in Glen Arbor, a charming small town situated right by Sleeping Bear Dunes with lots of opportunities for outdoor painting,  for 14 years.  

In the Moment

And that is what Plein Air means.  Painting Outdoors.  The kicker with a festival like this is that the artists have to paint within a time frame.  Their canvases actually get stamped with the date  when they check in with  the organizers so there is proof it wasn’t painted before the event. 

It is truly “in the moment” painting.  Historically it was all about capturing the light.  

Artists can go anywhere around the Glen Arbor area.  Michelle Jahraus, owner of Duck to Swan gallery at The Gallery in Cedar, said she had challenges with her painting.  

“Between the kids swimming and the fishermen, I had a challenge on this floating dock,”  Michelle says.  She grins and turns in her painting for judging and the sale.  

Stephanie Schlatter told me, “It’s our marathon.”  Prizes are awarded and the paintings are sold with 40% going to the Glen Arbor Arts Center.  

Some artists know exactly where they are going to paint, others are more flexible.  

Debra Graetz planned to go to the beach so she could take her four children along.  A win win for everyone.  

I spotted Wilheimer KoreVaar at a Farmers Market in Empire while Tracy Goal  choose a dramatic  spot on the P Stocking Drive with quite the view.  

Plein Air painting is so popular that it has a national convention. Judy Kelly went to Sante Fe where she got this fun visor.  The next one is in Colorado.  https://pleinairconvention.com

I especially enjoyed these two ladies who came from Indianapolis and Kentucky to participate.  They both won ribbons and had a great time.  Lynn Bayus wore a cute floral apron while Beth Forst told me her pink hat with a floppy brim fell into her painting pallet.  

Getting paint on your clothes didn’t stop Judy Tummino.  She wears her paint splattered shoes to every event.  

“I’ve even posted in on Facebook,” she said.  “Actually have gotten some people critique  the artistic appearance of my shoes. “ 

While women are in the majority it was interesting to talk with some of the men like Michael Tavares who is passionate about his his artistic efforts.  He lives in the Detroit area and is a member of three Plein Air clubs.  

He worked  as a UPS driver for 30 years but now that he is retired he says he loves painting.  “Sometimes I go out three times a week,” he said.  “I love going in groups to paint and then we have lunch and look at each’s other’s work and talk about brushes and things.”  

The Glen Arbor event extends over two and a half days with a Sundowner painting session on Thursday, the Quick Draw on Friday and then the Paint Out on Saturday.  

The big event on Saturday starts at 7:30 am with a large group lined up to get their stamps.  One artist commented that she wished it started earlier because of the beautiful sunrise that day.  

Seeing the creative variety of the work that came back both Friday and Saturday nights was worth it for me to make the three hour drive from Grand Rapids to attend this.    A whole crew of volunteers set up the art work in the town hall for sale. 

Did I buy anything?  Yep.  Many of the artists painted barns.  I found one in a more abstract style to buy.   I happily went home with three new pieces to enjoy and to remember the event.  

The top winner on Saturday,  Neil Walling, submitted a beautiful painting of the Mill in Glen Arbor that is in the middle of a major restoration.  Neil is a regular fixture at these events, often taking home a ribbon.  

So, this doesn’t all happen by magic.  Georgia Gietzen and Rita R. Witler, the co-chairs work hard all year to pull it off with the help of more than 75 volunteers who contributed over 250 hours over the three day event.  This year, the 14th, they expect to raise more than $16,000 for the center. 

This event also needs judges to review the more than 225 pieces of art submitted over the three day event.  Barb Cochran who lives near Glen Arbor judged on Friday night while LInda LaFontsee co-owner of LaFontsee Gallery in Grand Rapids came up to judge and enjoy the Saturday night sale.  They both said it was really tough.  So much really good work.  

And of course, there’s paint.   It’s like everywhere.  

Glen Arbor Art Center  GlenArborArtsCenter.org

The Glen Arbor Art Center is a “destination for artists and art lovers alike—a place for the community to gather for arts related education and creative experiences.”  

Next year the dates are:   August 2-4, 2023.