Grand Rapids Area Paint-Out Schedule
Join area artists in the great outdoors for plein air paint-outs, Wednesday mornings, 9am-noon, May 13th - October 14th. 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.
Summer 2026 schedule
July 8 - Downtown Grand Rapids 1st Ave NW & Hwy 2, Grand Rapids, MN
Paint Downtown Grand Rapids. Choose from Central School, UPM/Blandin, the Depot, local shops or new restaurants. Whether you want industrial, train activity, or quaint shops, there's plenty to choose from downtown.
Directions: Meet at the old "Kermer's Parking Lot" located next to Ardent Bicycles, across from MacRostie Art Center at the intersection of 1st Ave NW and Hwy 2
Parking: Downtown street parking and nearby public lots.
Restroom: Available at nearby downtown businesses.
July 11 - Downtown Art Fair 9 am to 4 pm
Join Itasca Plein Air downtown with your artwork and painting supplies. We will have a booth available for artists to display/sell their work, do painting demos, and assist participants with a "make and take" interactive art stations. Nelia will give a talk on "The Impact of Impressionist Painting and Plein Air" while doing a painting demo from 11-1.
Will You Volunteer? We are looking for help with set-up (7am-9am) and volunteering at the booth (share artwork, field questions, share about Itasca Plein Air, etc.) If you can do a 2-3 hour block to help with set-up, activities, and take-down that would be great. You are welcome to sell your work (no commission).
Parking: Downtown street parking and nearby public lots.
Restroom: Central School and on-site.
July 15 - Private Residence (must register for address)
Located along the former Wendigo Golf Course, this private property offers a quiet rural setting southeast of Grand Rapids with pastoral views and natural surroundings.
Restroom: Available on-site.
July 22 - Private Residence (must register for address)
This private home is filled with flowers, birds, and trees with the train tracks nearby and is only a short walk to the Mississippi River.
Restroom: Available on-site.
July 29 - Scenic State Park 56956 Scenic Hwy 7, Bigfork, MN
Often called one of the most scenic state parks in Minnesota, Scenic State Park near Bigfork features 3,936 acres of virgin pine forest surrounding the pristine shores of Coon and Sandwick Lakes. Hike the Chase Point Trail for sweeping lake views framed by towering white and red pines, or paint from the historic lodge, fishing pier, or sandy beach.
Directions: From Grand Rapids, take Hwy 38 north to Bigfork. At Bigfork, turn right (east) on Golf Course Lane, in .25 miles, turn right on Scenic Hwy 7. Follow Scenic 7 for 6.8 miles. Watch for Scenic State Park signs at County Road 75 (on the left). Approximately 30 miles from Grand Rapids.
Parking: We will meet at the office parking lot — Minnesota State Park vehicle permit required ($7 day pass or annual pass).
Restroom: Available at the park office and campgrounds.
August 5 - Sugar Lake Lodge 37584 Otis Lane, Cohasset, MN 55721
The beautifully maintained grounds feature the lake shoreline, Sugarbrooke Golf Course, and forested surroundings — an idyllic Northern Minnesota setting for painters looking for water reflections, lush greenery, and resort architecture.
Directions: From Grand Rapids, take Hwy 169 south of town to County Road 17. Turn east and on County Road 17 to Sugar Hills Road. Then turn south at N Sugar Lake Trail and follow to signs for the Lodge and Resort.
Parking: Park in the main resort parking lot.
Restroom: Available at the resort lodge.
August 12 - Wildlife Orchard 29415 County Road 67, Grand Rapids, MN
A visit to Wildlife Orchard with open farmland, loads of flowers, sheep, chickens, wooded surroundings, and vegetable gardens.
Directions: From Grand Rapids, head south on 169 to LaPlant Road. Turn off LaPlant road onto County Road 67 (a dirt road). The house is the first one on the left, #29415. Look for the Wildlife Orchard sign.
Alternatively, follow River Road to Wendigo Road. Follow Wendigo Road to County Road 67 (turn left on to Co. Rd 67 when it becomes LaPlant Road - a dirt road). The house is the first one on the left, #29415. Look for the Wildlife Orchard sign.
Note: Google may take you past the driveway. Look for the fire sign.
Parking: There is plenty of parking along circular the driveway. Please pull all the way past the house to park around the circle.
Restroom: Outhouse.
August 19 - Itasca County Fair 1336 Fairgrounds Rd, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Paint the Itasca County Fair during fair week (August 19–23)! Set amongst towering red and white pines at the north edge of the city, the fairgrounds feature livestock barns, midway rides, exhibition halls, a race track, and the energy of thousands of fairgoers.
Directions: North edge of Grand Rapids city limits, 13 blocks north of Hwy 2 E on Fairgrounds Road.
Parking: On-site fairgrounds parking — fee may apply. Alternative parking at 1010 N Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids and walk to the fairgrounds or paint along the lake.
Restroom: Available throughout the fairgrounds.
Note: Fair admission is free; parking fee on site.
August 26 - Lavalier's Berry Patch & Orchard 28056 County Road 91, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
A beloved family farm 5 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, growing strawberries, blueberries, apples, and sour cherries for over 40 years. Late August brings peak blueberry and early apple season. The grounds feature tidy orchard rows, wide grassy aisles, a picnic shelter, and a small farm store — charming and full of color for the painter's eye.
Directions: From Grand Rapids, take River Road (County Road 3) southeast for 5 miles, then turn east on County Road 91 for 1/2 mile.
Parking: On-site farm parking.
Restroom: On-site facilities.
Note: Berry picking may be available — call the farm hotline first: 218-327-9199.
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.”