Last year 45 artists traveled from all over the region to take part in the Grand Marais Art Colony Plein Air competition and exhibition. Above: Holly Johnson-Beaster, of Duluth and formerly of Grand Marais, was one of the artists. She was the picture of concentration during the Quick Paint competition. Right: Matt Kania of Duluth earned honorable mention for his oil painting of the ever-changing rock cairns at the Point during the Quick Paint Competition. Look for plein air artists around the community beginning September 7. The exhibit of plein air works will open at the Art Colony on September 14.
The 10th annual plein air competition and exhibition will be held Sept. 14 – 30 at the Grand Marais Art Colony. This wonderful event offers something for artists and art lovers alike. Although participants in the Plein Air competition will be painting around the community beginning on September 7, the event kicks off for the general public with an opening reception at the Grand Marais Art Colony on Friday, Sept. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m.
What is plein air? It is simply painting outdoors. Artists leave the studio and venture outside to celebrate the unique beauty of the North Shore landscape. Visitors are invited to witness blank canvasses become exquisite moments in local history. An exhibition sale of the week-long competition work will be on display from September 14 – 30 at the Grand Marais Art Colony.
The painting competition itself will take place the week of Sept. 7 – 14. Art lovers are encouraged to embark on a self-guided artists scavenger hunt around Cook County to seek out artists painting during the week. Contact the Art Colony for a list of popular painting sites.
A very interesting part of the event is the Quick Paint set for Sept. 13, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Artist Point. Artists are given 90 minutes to complete a painting. Kjersti Vick of the Art Colony said, “With a shotgun start and the North Shore’s ever-changing weather, it is a spectacle to watch!”
Kids’ plein air instructions will be held Sept. 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Harbor Park. “Grandpa David” will teach youth the basics for creating a work of art. Participants are asked to bring a pencil and paper.
Vick said this year, Jan Sivertson, founder and owner of Sivertson Gallery, was selected as juror because of her deep appreciation of art, the community and her impeccable taste. A conversation with Sivertson will be held Sept. 15 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Art Colony. She will discuss her jury selections and explain how to critically look at art and what criteria is used to judge art.
Plein Air Grand Marais is a great way to connect with the artistic community of the Grand Marais. Vick said, “The reputation of this festival precedes itself, having become known as the best place to view and purchase a wide variety of local scenic paintings from acclaimed regional and national artists.”
For a detailed schedule of events and more information about Plein Air Grand Marais contact the Grand Marais Art Colony at (218) 387-2737
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