Grand Rapids Area Paint-Out Schedule
Join area artists in the great outdoors for plein air paint-outs, Wednesday mornings, 9am-noon, May 14-October 29. Organized by Nelia Harper French, these casual gatherings are for artists of all skill levels to paint, draw and experience the joy of painting and sketching outdoors. Each week, artists will meet at a new location in the Grand Rapids area, rain or shine. Artists choose their own mediums and materials and work independently. No prior experience is required.
August 6, Zorba’s/Pickled Loon, 20184 S Hwy 169, Grand Rapids, MN
Meet at the Pickled Loon parking lot and spread out along the grounds or drive across the bridge to Zorba’s on the Lake. Paint the harbor, moored boats, views of the lake, lunchers, volleyball courts, etc. The beach will be quiet in the morning, so feel free to arrive later at Zorba’s if you want beach goers and volleyball players or boats. You are welcome to join others for lunch at noon or stay all day. Please, no outside food or drink.
August 13, Private Residence, Please register for address and details
Enjoy a beautiful morning on this idyllic farm. They have cows! There are also chickens, guinea fowl, a farm dog, beautiful pastures, access to the Swan River, and several buildings. There will be too many options in this lovely Bovey setting.
August 14, Nocturne – Itasca County Fair, Crystal Lake
Bonus Paint-Out! Meet at 1010 N. Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids at 6:30pm and spread out along Crystal Lake area to paint the lights of the mid-way at night.
August 20, Lavalier’s Berry Farm, 28056 County Road 91, Grand Rapids, MN
Arrive as early as 8 am to paint berry pickers, wildflowers, farm fields, or close-ups of vegetables, chickens, or fruit. Berries can generally be picked until 1 pm.
August 27, Scenic State Park, 57444 CO Hwy 75, Bigfork, MN
It’s worth the drive and making a day of it at the Scenic State Park in Bigfork, MN. Meet at the Park office and then spread out in the park, hike to the point, canoe/boat along the lakes, or wander the lakeshore. Bring a picnic lunch or return via Bigfork/Marcell for a bite to eat.
September 3, Prairie River Dam, CO Rd 61, Grand Rapids, MN
Meet at the Prairie River Dam parking area on the south side of County Road 61. Head south along the river or cross the road to paint the rocks, river and lake. The south side also has access to mining pits, trestle bridge, walking paths, woodlands, and rocky streams.
September 6 - Works due to MacRostie Art Center
Submit your plein air pieces to MacRostie Art Center for display at the Reif Performing Arts Center through October.
September 10, Private Residence, Please register for address and details
Host: Jenny Winkleman - Enjoy the serenity of Bass Lake and the lakeshore, the nearby woodlands, or the fun vignettes and cabin feel of the property. In case of rain, there are plenty of still life options to choose from too.
September 15 - Exhibit opens at the Reif Center
September 17, Tioga Recreation Area, 23946 Tioga Beach Road, Cohasset, MN
A former mine, this area is now a park for mountain biking and hiking. Follow old mining roads or mountain bike trails which overlook Pokegama Lake and Tioga Pit (an old mine, now reclaimed as a small lake), or enjoy the rolling hills, ponds, lake views, and a wide variety of trees and flora. Located past Tioga beach. Meet at Tioga Mountain Bike Trailhead Parking Lot.
September 24, Camp Bluewater, 38400 Bluewater Drive, Grand Rapids
Approximately, 13 miles north of Grand Rapids, Bluewater Covenant Bible Camp property includes lake views and shoreline, many structures, elevated overlook areas, beach and waterfront equipment. All are invited to the Wilkus cabin for a light lunch after painting.
October 1, Cow Horn Crossing, 14529 Danson Road, Grand Rapids, MN
Thisfarm has all of the fall harvest vibes as well as horses in the fields, turkeys, wide vistas, farming equipment and children on field trips. Plenty of room to spread out and produce for sale in the shop.
October 3, Art Opening, Reif Center, Grand Rapids, MN
Invite your friends and family and join other artists for the First Friday Art Walk and opening reception at the Reif Center.
October 8, Forest History Center, 2609 County Road 76, Grand Rapids, MN
Enjoy the fall colors in the 170 acres of this recreated 1900s logging camp located on the Mississippi River, with 5 miles of walking trails that take you through varied terrain from cedar, black spruce and tamarack bogs, to grasslands, and horse paddock. Meet in the main parking lot. Bring a sack lunch and plan to paint all day.
October 15, Private Residence, Please register for address and details
Information will be provided as we get closer to the date.
October 22, Pughole Lake/Hwy 38/Orange Road/Suomi Hills/Hwy 38
Let’s head up HWY 38 to enjoy the last of the fall color. Take advantage of one of the pull-offs along Hwy 38, the trails and lakes of Suomi Hills or head down Orange Road into the wilderness. Meet at Pughole Lake Wayside Rest.
October 29, TBD
Note from Nelia: “We meet from 9am-12noon. You are welcome to bring a lunch, or we may go out for lunch if we are in an urban area. As always, dress for the weather as paint-outs will occur rain or shine. Be prepared for sun, ticks, and mosquitoes. A couple of us really like the Thermacell brand for a non-deet option to keep some of the bugs away. Water and snacks are always a good idea. You are welcome to invite friends and spread the word. Although most of us paint, it can also be nice for folks to get out and draw too. A wide variety of mediums and all skill levels are welcome.”