Community Opportunities
Your up-to-date resource for:
Members' upcoming art shows, receptions, and presentations
News from other Minnesota and regional arts organizations
Invitations to paint or exhibit
Calls for artwork submissions
Please note, these are not OPM-sponsored activities, but rather a resource for Minnesota plein air artists.
Exhibits of OPM Members’ Paintings
Intentional Attentions
Kelly Schamberger
Dates: May 29 - September 7
Location: Great Lakes Aquarium - Merrill Lynch Fine Art Gallery, 353 Harbor Drive, Duluth, Minnesota 55802
In this most recent collection of oil and gouache landscape paintings, Kelly Schamberger is in pursuit of an anchored focus: the calming and grounding beauty found in the natural environment of Minnesota’s North Shore. Visitors to the gallery do not need to pay aquarium admission if just viewing the artwork.
More information available at: https://www.kellyschamberger.com/intentional-attentions
From Great to Grand
Colleen Shore
Dates: August 12 - September 27
Location: Blue Heron Coffeehouse, 162 W. 2nd Street, Winona, MN 55987
Public Reception: Friday, August 14, 5:30pm-8pm
Viewing Hours: Wednesday- Friday, 7 am- 2 pm; Weekends, 8 am- 2 pm
The show honors Colleen’s artistic endeavor to capture views along the Great River Road and Grand Marais through paintings. Her paintings feature North Shore subjects as well as works inspired by her cruises through Mississippi River towns from Lansing, Iowa to Winona, MN. Visit Colleen Shore’s website for more information.
Between Two Continents
Kar-Keat Chong
Dates: Sept 1 - October 24
Location: Kaddatz Galleries, 111 W Lincoln Ave, Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Public Reception: Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Viewing Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM; Thursday from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Closed Sunday and Monday)
This new show of intricate watercolor work explores Kar-Keat Chong’s experiences, cultural connections, and influences across different continents and features sprawling 54” x 15” watercolor skyline views of Minneapolis and George Town, Penang, among many other pieces on display.
Kar-Keat is a Minneapolis-based artist celebrated for his urban sketches and architectural watercolor cityscapes. He was recently highlighted in the Minnesota Star Tribune's must-see listfor the Minnesota State Fair fine arts exhibition.
Call for Art & Competitions
The Big Tiny Show at Kolman & Reeb Gallery
Dates:
Application Deadline - September 11, 5:00 p.m.
On Exhibit - October 3 to November 7
Kolman & Reeb Gallery is seeking submissions of works 12″ x 12″ x 12” or smaller for its upcoming exhibition, The Big Tiny Show. This is an open call for 2D and 3D works from established and emerging artists in a variety of subject matter, media, and expression. All Minnesota artists aged 18+ at any stage of their career are encouraged to apply.
Application Fee: $35 for three entries.
For more information and application: https://kolmanreebgallery.com/call-for-art/
2026 Prairie Lakes Plein Air
Dates:
Applications now open!
June 20 - Opening Day and Packet Pick-Up
June 20 to September 24 - Plein Air Artwork Creation
September 25, 6-8 pm - Collector's Preview Reception and Award Ceremony
September 26 - Quick Paint
September 26 to October 24 - Competition Exhibition and Sale
Location: Art of the Lakes, 108 Lake Ave, Battle Lake, MN 56515
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, situated in West-Central Minnesota 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.
Artists and collectors will enjoy many activities, including the Opening Day, 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.
More Information: Visit https://www.artofthelakes.org/prairie-lakes-plein-air-2026.html
Additional Paint-Outs in Minnesota
The following paint-out opportunities are organized through OPM members, but not managed by OPM. Please contact the listed coordinator for more information, with questions, or to participate.
None listed - Please use the Opportunity Submission Form to share your paint-out with us.