Paint Grand Traverse is an annual plein air painting festival and competition, presented by Crooked Tree Arts Center and located in Traverse City, Michigan. We're looking forward to connecting talented plein air painters, art fans, and collectors this August!
Originating in 2018, Paint Grand Traverse is a week-long event featuring top artists from across the country. Event highlights include the Quick Paint Competition, Pint-Sized Paint Out for Kids, live painting demonstrations and workshops, and the Collectors Gala. The event features 30-40 talented artists from across the country.
What is plein air painting?
From the French en plein air, or "in open air", plein air artists work outside, in natural lighting conditions, capturing the ephemeral atmospheric and lighting conditions.
About the Location
The Grand Traverse region is located in northwest lower Michigan, and is known the world over for its gorgeous scenery, hundreds of miles of Lake Michigan coast, and historic small towns and villages. The largest of these, Traverse City, is nestled on the southern shore of West Grand Traverse Bay, and is home to Crooked Tree Arts Center - Traverse City.
Who are the artists?
PGT features artists from across the country, who come via invitation and a competitive application process.
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Artists: How to Participate
Paint Grand Traverse is a hybrid invitational and by application event. The deadline to apply to be a featured artist for our August 2022 event has now passed. Open registration for our Quick Paint Competition is now available. The Quick Paint will be held on Saturday, August 20.