CITY

This June, CTAC’s plein air painting festival will be back and better than ever, with a full week of landscape painting, live demonstrations, activities for kids, art sales, classes, parties, and community events!

Now in its sixth year, Paint Grand Traverse (PGT) will feature 32 artists from across the country. They’ll spend the week being inspired by the summer magic of Traverse City, Old Mission Peninsula, Leelanau County, and the Lake Michigan coastline. More than 200 paintings will be created, each one capturing a special place and moment in Northern Michigan.

Whether you are a novice, a professional, or a wanna-be, this week is jam-packed with opportunities to engage and get a behind-the-scenes view of the life of a plein air artist.

We will have artist demos Monday through Thursday, where you can learn more about their equipment, approach, and style. Pop in the galleries to cool off and get a sneak peek at each artist’s display to see some of their artwork that they brought from home. The week winds down with the newly named Fresh Paint Party, where you can join the celebration as we reveal the entire collection. Awards juror Joseph Lombardo will announce awards at 5:30 p.m., so you will want to get a purchase award to have the first opportunity to get your hands on an award-winning painting. Once a painting is purchased, you are welcome to take the painting home with you. No waiting until the end of the exhibit! Purchased paintings can go home with you that night, something to brag about all summer!

We look forward to seeing you at PGT this summer and celebrating artistic excellence and the beauty of Northern Michigan!

Featured Events

Plein Air Painting for Fearless First-Timers

Monday, June 19, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Hannah Park, $60/$80

An introductory workshop to plein air painting.

“Small Wonders” Society Event

Tuesday, June 20, Location TBD

By invitation

CTAC society members are invited for a fun evening mixing and mingling with our featured artists and will have the exclusive opportunity to shop a delightful collection of “small wonder” paintings.

Sunset Paint Out

Wednesday, June 21, 8 - 9:30 p.m. Leelanau Peninsula, Lake Michigan Free Artists will capture the sunset along the shores of Lake Michigan from Glen Haven to Empire.

PGT Awards Juror Demo, Joseph Lombardo

Thursday, June 22, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

CTAC-Traverse City, 322 Sixth Street

Forget the details and go for the big picture! Joe will teach you to see the landscape and paintings with “new eyes.”

Fresh Paint Party

Friday, June 23, 6 - 9 p.m.

CTAC-Traverse City, $75

This soiree is the marquee event of Paint Grand Traverse as we unveil the juried collection of paintings created during the week and present artist awards. The evening also includes wine tasting, appetizers, and live music! Tickets on sale now!

Pint-Sized Paint Out for Kids

Saturday, June 24, 10 a.m. - Noon

CTAC-Traverse City, Free

A fun outdoor painting experience for the next generation of plein air artists! All ages welcome; prizes will be awarded!

Public Sale and Opening

Saturday, June 24, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

CTAC-Traverse City, Free

It’s the public unveiling of the Paint Grand Traverse collection. See all the wonderful ways our featured artists have interpreted your favorite places. Hundreds of paintings to enjoy and choose from.

Extended Exhibition and Online Sale

June 24 - August 25, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Tuesday - Saturday)

CTAC-Traverse City, Free

Plein Air Paint Out/ Wet Paint Sale

Friday, August 25, 2 - 4 p.m.

CTAC-Traverse City, Free to participate and attend

Up to 100 artists will take part in this exciting time trial of artistic skill and creativity, sell their work, and compete for cash and prizes! Artist registration opens on June 1.