Come and challenge yourself to recreate the beautiful scenery in Cook County.This event is open to all and is historically held during the week before Labor Day every year.



Friday, Aug. 27~ Registration Begins
9am – 4 pm: Grand Marais Art Colony: 120 3rd Ave. W., Grand Marais. (218) 387-2737. $35/painting catagory, chose: oil or acrylic, watercolor, and/or pastel. All painting surfaces must be validated with the Art Colony 2010 Competition Stamp on the back before painting has begun. Please register by Wednesday, September 1, if possible. Please click on the link at the bottom of this page for the 2010 invitation with a complete list of rules and regulations and the competition registration form.

Friday, Aug. 27 - Sunday, Aug. 29~ Class: Plein Air, Plain and Simple with Brian Stewart
9 am - 4 pm: Tuition: $285. This 3-day workshop will concentrate on the historic fundamentals of Plein Air
painting in small, attainable, incremental steps that will allow you to achieve surprising, quick results. For more information or to register, contact: 218-387-2737, arts@boreal.org.

All Week~ Daily Lunch Social
Noon - 2 pm: Grand Marais Art Colony Deck. Gather, bring your lunch & socialize with fellow painters.

Tuesday, Aug. 31~ Nocturne
9 pm: After Dark: Night Time Paint Out. Harbor Park, Grand Marais.

Wednesday, Sep. 1~ Kids Activity & GuestSpeaker
1 pm: Kids’ Plein Air with Grandpa David Hahn. Harbor Park, Grand Marais.
7 pm: Guest Speaker: Brian Stewart. Grand Marais Art Colony, Historic Building.

Thursday, Sep. 2~ Quick Paint & Open Grill
5 pm – 6:30 pm: Quick Paint. “Shotgun” start at the North House Folk School. Meet near the Blue Building , 500 W. Hwy. 61, Grand Marais.
6:30 pm– 8 pm: Open Grill Dinner. After Quick Paint, gather at the Blue Building for an open grill. Bring meat or veggie item to char and favorite bread to wrap it in. Condiments will be provided as well as chips. Bring your own beverage.

Friday, Sep. 3~ Painting Drop & Exhibit Opening
10 am – Noon: Painting Drop Deadline. Grand Marais Art Colony: 120 3rd Ave W., 218-387-2737.
4 pm - 5 pm: Special Preview for Purchase Award Sponsors.
5 pm – 7 pm: Fish Fry Reception Dinner & Awards Ceremony. Public Invited to the Grand Marais Art Colony Founders Hall Gallery. Serving fresh herring or bratwurst with bun, coleslaw, potato salad, dessert and beverages. $10 registered Artists, $15 General Public.

Saturday, Sep. 4 - Sunday, Sep. 5~ Exhibition & Sale of Paintings
9 am - 4 pm: Grand Marais Art Colony Founders Hall Gallery: 120 3rd Ave W., Grand Marais.

Monday, Sep. 6~ Exhbit Close
9 am - 2 pm: Exhibition Continues
2 pm – 3 pm: PAINTING PICK UP: Grand Marais Art Colony. (218) 387-2737.

Purchase Award Sponsors:
Grand Marais State Bank - 218-387-2441
Lake Superior Trading Post - 218-387-2020
Johnson's Foods - 218-387-2480

The 8th Annual Plein Air Painting Competition and Exhibition is funded in part by Arrowhead Regional Arts Council with money from the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the State Legislature from the people's vote on November 4, 2008.




2010 Plein Air Competition Invitation