ABout

Plein Air Duluth is an annual non-competitive weekend of organized paint-outs, artist social gatherings, and a painting workshop on Sunday with a different renowned instructor each year. Plein air artists come from around the state to spend the weekend making art and appreciating the beauty of Minnesota’s North Shore.

The weekend event is open to all, and culminates in a public reception at the Great Lakes Atelier of Fine Art to display, share, celebrate, and sell finished paintings.

The plein air workshop on Sunday is free for OPM members and GLAFA students/faculty, and just $25 for community members who wish to participate.

Glensheen Mansion & Lake Superior Zoo

This year, we’re excited to partner with local Duluth tourist attractions Glensheen Mansion and Lake Superior Zoo for unique paint-out experiences.

Glensheen Mansion has invited painters to disperse across the historic estate for a Friday afternoon of art-making and public interaction. They are advertising this as a “see the artists in action” event for visitors. Paintings created on the grounds (that do not sell during the weekend) can be left for display in a summer-long exhibit at the estate; OPM volunteers will coordinate collection to deliver Monday. Limited space will be available Saturday afternoon for those coming to town late, or who need an extra afternoon on their work.

Lake Superior Zoo is giving artists special early access on Saturday morning to find an interesting perch to paint critters, habitat, beautiful scenery, and more! Enjoy chatting with visitors young and old, sharing the excitement of plein air in this unexpected place.

2026 Schedule

Friday, July 17

12-3pm: Paint-out around the grounds of Glensheen Mansion
4-6pm: Artist Social at Canal Park Brewing
6-10pm: Paint-out in Canal Park

Saturday, July 18

9:30am-1pm: Paint-out at the Lake Superior Zoo
1-2: Lunch TBD
2-5pm: Paint-out TBD
6-8pm: Artist Social at Black Woods Grill
8-10pm: After-party gathering at artist Matt Kania’s home

Sunday, July 19

9am-noon: OPM member workshop at Great Lakes Atelier of Fine Art (GLAFA)
Noon-1: Picnic lunch at GLAFA (bring your own)
1-4pm: Paint-out TBD
5-7pm: Public reception and painting sale at GLAFA

Monday, July 20

Volunteers will deliver paintings to Glensheen for a summer exhibit of works from the Friday paint-out.