2023 Prairie Lakes Plein Air
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The Prairie Lakes Plein Air art series is a festival of art education, exhibition, and competition open to professional and non-professional artists of all skill levels. Enjoy your summer painting in the idyllic setting of Otter Tail County, MN situated in West-Central lakes country. Delve into the pristine landscape of gently rolling hills and fertile farmland amongst clear blue lakes and streams for an inspirational painting experience. Attend Plein Air demos & workshops lead by Matt Kania, Jack Dant, and Jim Turner.
Artists and collectors will enjoy many activities including the Opening Reception, Plein Air Competition, Workshops & Demonstrations, and Quick Paint competition. The concluding Collectors' Preview and Award Ceremony will showcase a variety of Plein Air motifs and styles of artwork. Schedule of Events Opening Reception June 17, 2023 Beginning the summer-long celebration of outdoor painting, we invite participating artists and AOTL members to gather in the Art of the Lakes Gallery at this informal event. Artist participants can pick up their welcome packet, including a full itinerary, tips for how to explore Lakes Country, and information showcasing local businesses. Plein Air Competition June 17- September 30, 2023 Throughout the summer, artists will be painting Plein Air in and around our Battle Lake community and Otter Tail County. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe as the artists seek to represent the shifting light, extraordinary colors and textures of our varied rural landscape. We ask that participants and observers do not block entrances/traffic ways to businesses. Free to the public. Demonstrations/Workshops
To explore a variety of en Plein Air styles and techniques, artists & community members will have the opportunity to attend a range of art classes and artist talks with our featured artists. Paint Outs 2nd and 4th Thursday 4 - 7 pm
Informal paint outs are scheduled twice a month. This is a great opportunity to grab your sketchbook or your painting gear and paint with other artists. There will be a new location each time. Check the calendar for the schedule. Weekend Festivities September 29 & 30, 2023 Our Prairie Lakes Plein Air art series will be capped off with a full weekend of enjoyable events all happening in or near Battle Lake. Collector's Preview Reception and Award Ceremony Friday evening, 6-8 pm, September 29, 2023 The Collector's Preview and Award Ceremony will be a ticketed event and a rare opportunity to view artworks from prominent plein air painters from around the Midwest. This exhibition of works by the competition participants will be held in the Art of the Lakes Gallery in Battle Lake. Grand Prize winners will be announced in a special award ceremony by accomplished oil painter and this year's judge, Richard Abraham. Come and be inspired! Tickets: $10. nonmembers, $8. members Quick Paint Saturday, 9:30 - 11:00 am, September 30, 2023 Participating artists will be found painting throughout Battle Lake. Enjoy your fall morning strolling up Lake Avenue and observe them at work. 12-2 pm: Grab some lunch downtown and then vote for the People's Choice Award and view all paintings for purchase at the AOTL Gallery. Free and open to the public. Plein Air Demonstration with Nelia Harper Saturday, 1 - 3 pm, September 30, 2023 To inspire those who want to know more about Plein Air painting, join Nelia Harper in the gallery as she provides a demonstration and shares tips and answers your questions. Quick Paint Award Ceremony Saturday, 3 pm, September 30, 2023 Our Prairie Lakes en Plein Air festival concludes at the gallery where Quick Paint Awards will be presented and competition paintings will be on display. The gallery will be open for the general public to view and make purchases. Paintings from this event will be in the gallery and available for purchase throughout the month of October. Our fall gallery hours are Thursday thru Sunday, 11 pm - 5 pm or by appointment. We look forward to seeing you this fall! |
Plein Air Participants:
How to upload your entry photos Authentication must be presented with location, by submitting a photograph with the entry, and of the entry in situ. Upload your image authentication here. 
The joy and reward of being outdoors. 
Competition Judge
Richard Abraham $1000. - Best in Show $500. - 2nd Place Award $250. - 3rd Place Award $250. - Best of Glendalough - award sponsored by Galloping Goose $150. - People's Choice Award - award sponsored by Two Supportive Art of the Lakes Members $50. - 3 Honorable Mentions - awards sponsored by Two Supportive Art of the Lakes Members Additional Awards to be announced. To become an Art of the Lakes Member
Go to Membership Registration 
Volunteers needed
We are looking for a few great volunteers to help in various areas such as check-in, data entry, hanging artwork, and reception set-up and clean-up. Contact Annette at sasafras@arvig.net to get more information. |
Thank you to our PLPA sponsor
Two Supportive Art of the Lakes Members