Plein Air Paint

Spend a beautiful evening creating artwork surrounded by nature at this sunset painting competition held in the arboretum's gardens and trails. Whether you're drawn to capturing the blooming flowers and manicured landscapes or prefer to explore the prairie and woodland paths for inspiration, there's something for every artist to paint. This event welcomes all skill levels and uses traditional mediums like oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, and more. Here's how it works: arrive by 3:30 pm to check in and get your canvas stamped, then you'll have until 7:30 pm to complete your piece. After painting wraps up, stick around for a reception where a judge will select two "best in show" winners, each earning a $300 prize. Your finished artwork may then be displayed in the LongHouse Community Gallery through early November for the public to enjoy. The registration fee is $35 per person, and participants must be 18 or older. Maximum canvas size is 16 by 20 inches, and only one piece per person can be entered.