Youth Plein Air Month
Date: Month of July
Location: The Glen Arbor Arts Center and other inspiring outdoor locations.
Throughout July, children are invited to explore the world of plein air painting. They’ll learn basic skills, create art inspired by the buildings and landscapes of our region, and meet professional plein air artists. Each child will have the chance to display a painting in a public exhibition, with the experience concluding in a fun gathering and awards ceremony.
During the month of July, children ages 6–12 are invited to step outside and into the world of plein air painting, the practice of creating art outdoors. This immersive program introduces young artists to plein air painting, teaching them how to observe the environment and translate what they see into art while encouraging play, exploration, and creative confidence.
Guided by teaching artists and inspired by the beauty of our region’s landscapes and buildings, kids will create original works of art. Along the way, they’ll also have the unique opportunity to meet and paint alongside professional plein air artists, gaining firsthand insight into how working artists approach their craft.
Each child has the opportunity to select one of their paintings to be included in a special youth plein air exhibit, on view at the Glen Arbor Arts Center July 28 – 31. The program concludes with a joyful community celebration and awards ceremony, where families, friends, and art lovers come together to recognize the creativity and accomplishments of these young plein air painters.
Whether your child is new to painting or already loves making art, Youth Plein Air Month offers a meaningful, hands-on way to grow their artistic voice and have a lot of fun doing it.
Borrow a Plein Air Kit
Looking for a fun, creative way to get your child outside and engaged with art? Borrow a Plein Air Kit from the Glen Arbor Arts Center for FREE in July! These kits are designed for kids and include everything they need to start painting the world around them. Instructions are included and no experience is required.
Here’s what you need to know
Who it’s for
Children, ages 6–12, with parent or guardian supervision.
What’s Included
Each kit contains supplies and instructions, including standing easels, canvases, paints, brushes, and a painters palette.
How long
Kits can be borrowed for up to 4 days.
Availability
We have lots of kits available, but they may go quickly when demand is high. To make sure one is ready for your child, we recommend contacting GAAC ahead of time to check on availability.
Pick-up and return
During regular office hours.
It’s a simple, low-pressure way for kids to explore their creativity in the fresh air. Whether it’s here on the grounds of GAAC, your backyard, a park, or a favorite local spot, a Plein Air Kit helps turn any setting into an art adventure.
Meet a Plein Air Artist Day
Date: Saturday, July 12 (Rain Date: Sunday, July 13)
Time: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: Glen Arbor Arts Center Grounds
Join us for a day of outdoor art-making and creative exploration at the Glen Arbor Arts Center! Meet A Plein Air Artist Day is an engaging opportunity for kids to connect with plein air artists, learn techniques, and try their hand at painting outdoors, all in a relaxed, encouraging setting.
What To Expect
Hands-On Painting
Kids, ages 6–12, are encouraged to try plein air painting with the support of experienced artists. Supplies provided!
Live Demos
Watch how different artists approach painting buildings, nature, and outdoor scenes.
Creative Encouragement
This day is all about fun over finesse, experimentation is welcome and celebrated.
Supplies
All equipment and supplies will be available to use for FREE. Make sure you have clothes that can get paint on them.
Event Schedule
Morning | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Featured Artists: Mark Mehaffey & Jessica Kovan
-
10:00 AM – Welcome & Artist Introductions
-
10:05 AM – Live Demos (under 15 minutes each)
-
10:20 AM – Try-It-Yourself Time!
Kids jump in, experiment with plein air painting, and get tips from Mark and Jessica.
-
11:50 AM – Transition & Announcement
Stick around for new artists and more painting fun in the afternoon!
Afternoon | 12:00 PM–2:00 PM
Featured Artists: Barbara Reich & Stephanie Schlatter
-
12:00 PM – Welcome & Artist Introductions
-
12:05 PM – Live Demos (under 15 minutes each)
-
12:20 PM – Try-It-Yourself Time!
Barbara and Stephanie will circulate, inspire, and encourage kids to explore creativity without worrying about perfect technique.
-
1:50 PM – Wrap-Up & Exhibit Announcement
We’ll close the day with a more details about how to participate in the upcoming Youth plein Air Exhibit, July 28–31.
In Case of Rain
A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, July 13. Weather-related updates will be posted no later than Friday at 6 PM.
Questions?
Contact us at (231) 334-6112
Exhibit + Gathering
If you’re one of our young artists, this is your moment, come celebrate your hard work and creativity alongside your peers.
If you’re a proud parent, a visitor, or an art enthusiast, we invite you to experience the imagination and talent of these budding artists and join us in celebrating their accomplishments.
Exhibit
Location: Glen Arbor Arts Center Classroom
Dates and Time: Monday–Thursday, July 28–31, 9 AM–3 PM
Cost: Free admission. A suggested donation of $5 helps support Youth Plein Air.
Artist Entry Process: Drop off your July plein air work at GAAC before July 28.
About: All participating Youth Plein Air Month artists, ages 6–12, are invited to exhibit one completed plein air painting. This public exhibit is a wonderful opportunity to see the world through the eyes of young creatives who’ve spent time in July capturing the beauty of the outdoors. Stop in and support their artistic efforts!
Gathering & Awards Ceremony
Location: Glen Arbor Arts Center Back Deck
Date: Thursday, July 31
Time: 6–7 PM
About: Join us for a relaxed and celebratory evening as we wrap up Youth Plein Air Month with a community gathering on the GAAC’s back deck. This special event brings together young artists, their families, friends, and the public to celebrate the creativity and effort poured into their work. A selection of outstanding work will receive awards of recognition. 2 youth jurors will be selecting the winners.
Award Winners
Award winners will be featured during the GAAC’s Plein Air Weekend, August 1 & 2, displayed alongside professional artists at both the Friday and Saturday exhibitions. This is an exciting opportunity for these young creatives to share the spotlight.
Events Schedule
Below you’ll find a detailed schedule of events for Youth Plein Air Month in July.
Paint with Free Plein Air Art Kits
Location: Any outdoor setting
Dates: all of July
Cost: Free
Description: Young artists, ages 6–12, can borrow fully stocked plein air art kits, free of charge, with instructions. Use them on-site at the Glen Arbor Arts Center or take them on outdoor painting adventures. Contact GAAC about availability.
Meet a Plein Air Artist Day
Location: Glen Arbor Arts Center
Date: Saturday, July 12 (Rain date: Sunday, July 13)
Time: 10 am–2 pm
Cost: Free
Description: Kids, ages 6–12, will meet professional plein air painters, learn essential techniques, view demonstrations, and create their own outdoor artworks during this hands-on experience.
Exhibit
Location: GAAC Classroom
Exhibit Dates: Monday–Thursday, July 28–31
Exhibit Hours: 9 am–3 pm
Cost: Enry is free; a $5 donation helps support Youth Plein Air.
Description: Every child, age 6–12, is invited to exhibit one completed plein air painting in this public exhibit.
Gathering & Awards Ceremony
Location: GAAC Back Deck
Date: Thursday, July 31
Time: 6–7 pm
Description: The week concludes with a celebratory gathering and awards ceremony recognizing select works.
