Midwest Tradition
The 12th annual Door County Plein Air Festival features 39 artists painting the Wisconsin landscape.
For the past 11 years, the Peninsula School of Art in Fish Creek, Wisconsin, has brought together dozens of artists to participate in an event that honors the tradition of painting outdoors. Considered one of the Midwest’s premiere painting events, the Door County Plein Air Festival gives artists one week to paint the shores and lands of Door County before presenting their work. The 12th annual edition, featuring 39 artists, will take place July 22 to 28, with a number of free and ticketed events to entice collectors and art enthusiasts from all over. The exhibition and sale will then happen July 28 to August 11.
“One of the things that makes the Door County Plein Air Festival so special is how many opportunities collectors and appreciators have to connect with the artists while they are visiting the community,” says Catherine Hoke, executive director of Peninsula School of Art. “In turn, the community truly embraces the artists for the week; it’s a testament to our Midwestern hospitality.”
Highlights of the festival include a ticketed Welcome Dinner; the Sunset & Nocturne Paint Out on July 25 at 6 p.m.; and a lecture with festival judge CW Mundy on July 26 from 3 to 4 p.m. The Gala Auction on Friday, July 27, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. is another must-attend happening where paintings are sold by silent auction to attendees. Tickets for the gala are $80. On Saturday, July 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featured artists will participate in the Quick Paint & Live Auction, while additional registered artists of all levels will display their talents in the Dockside Quick Paint, from 9 to 11 a.m. To close the weekend of painting is the Open Door Celebration on July 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Among the artists participating in the 2018 event are Mitch Baird, Jill Basham, M. Shawn Cornell, Andy Evansen, Debra Joy Groesser, Stephanie Hartshorn, Kathleen B. Hudson, Eric Jacobsen, Shelby Keefe, John Lasater, Kathie Odom, Jason Sacran, Carol Strock Wasson and more.