PLEIN AIR DULUTH
July TBD | 2027
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. This one-evening pop-up exhibit is the best opportunity all year to see and purchase original artwork highlighting Duluth’s extraordinary and well-loved sights!
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.
Paint-Outs Around Duluth
Plein Air Workshop with Renowned Artist
Public Reception and Display of Paintings:
Great Lakes Atelier of Fine Art, 810 W. 3rd Street, Duluth
Glensheen Mansion & Lake Superior Zoo
In 2026, we partnered with local Duluth tourist attractions Glensheen Mansion and Lake Superior Zoo for unique paint-out experiences.
Glensheen Mansion invited painters to disperse across the historic estate for a Friday afternoon of art-making and a “see the artists in action” event for visitors. Paintings created on the grounds were displayed in the Winter Garden space in the lower level of the mansion.
Lake Superior Zoo gave artists special early access on Saturday morning to find an interesting perch to paint critters, habitat, beautiful scenery, and more!
2026 FULL Schedule
2027 To Be Determined!
FRIDAY, JULY 17
12-3pm: Paint-out around the grounds of Glensheen Mansion
→ [ Paint-in option: Glensheen’s indoor Winter Garden room ]
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
→ [ Paint-in option: Indoor zoo exhibits ]
1-2: Picnic lunch at Park Point Recreation Area (bring your own)
→ [ Indoor option: Restaurants in Canal Park, including Northern Waters Smokehaus, Lake Avenue, Little Angie’s Cantina ]
2-5pm: Paint-out at Park Point Beach
→ [ Paint-in option: Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) Harborside Horizon Level, huge windows overlooking the harbor and lift bridge ]
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 with Casey Krawczyk at Great Lakes Atelier of Fine Art (GLAFA)
→ [ Indoor option: Will be held inside if weather or air quality are questionable ]
Noon-1: Picnic lunch at GLAFA (bring your own)
→ [ Indoor option: Restaurants in Lincoln Park, including OMC Smokehouse, Dovetail Cafe, Bali Asian Cuisine, Corktown Deli ]
1-4pm: Paint-out in Lincoln Park Craft District
5-7pm: Public reception and painting sale at GLAFA
MONDAY, JULY 27
Volunteers will deliver paintings to Glensheen for a summer exhibit of works from the Friday paint-out.
