August 13th to 18th “Paint Grand Traverse: A Plein Air Affair” will bring world-class artistic talent to the area, and provide an opportunity to watch them create beautiful paintings in real time.
Megan Kelto, Associate Director of Crooked Tree Art Center in Traverse City, unveiled this new festival to the club, and detailed this exciting opportunity and its benefits for the Grand Traverse Region.
“Plein air” is French for “in the open air.” For one week, artists from across the country and state will set up their easels around town to paint works of the great outdoors and capture the charm of our communities on canvas.
The goal of this event is to “put the Grand Traverse Region on the art world map,” Megan said. She noted that the region has “the ingredients to create an annual plein air event” including energetic volunteers and engaged visitors and local fans of high-quality cultural experiences.
Similar festivals are currently held throughout the country - from Arizona to Colorado to Massachusetts and Florida.
This type of event has talented artists creating works in a matter of days or even hours, which may be different from their usual studio process, Megan said. Multiple locations from downtown Traverse City to Leelanau County to Old Mission Peninsula to Elk Rapids will host events throughout the festival.
A great example of the energy and excitement of the event will be the quick draw competition. The public is invited to observe the artist as they have just 90 minutes to create a painting.
The organizers have selected 30 experienced artists to participate in this year’s festivities.
Ten spots for Crooked Tree Art members are also open, allowing local artists to paint and compete alongside these national artists. The deadline for these entries is February 21st.
Participating artists will be vying for awards, including a total cash prize of $10,000. The public will also be able to purchase their artwork.
Paul LaPorte welcoming guest speaker Megan Kelto
