Paint Grand Traverse
Thank you for another great season of Paint Grand Traverse
Interested in participating in 2026? The application will open mid-October. Check back for more information.
PGT event week: June 21-28, 2026
Extended Exhibition & Online Sales: July 1 - August 22
Paint Grand Traverse is an annual plein air painting festival and competition, presented by Crooked Tree Arts Center and located in Traverse City, Michigan. We're looking forward to connecting talented plein air painters, art fans, and collectors this August!
Originating in 2018, Paint Grand Traverse is a week-long event featuring top artists from across the country. Event highlights include live painting demonstrations and workshops, Kids Pint Sized Paint Out, and the Fresh Paint Party. The event features 33 talented artists from across the country.
Apply Today!
Paint Grand Traverse includes both invited and juried artists. A select group of artists are invited each year based on prior participation, awards, and sales. Additional artists are encouraged to apply by December 15 for juried consideration. A panel of jurors will review submissions based on artistic merit and past experience.
What is plein air painting?
From the French en plein air, or "in open air", plein air artists work outside, capturing the ephemeral atmospheric and lighting conditions.
About the Location
The Grand Traverse region is located in northwest lower Michigan, and is known the world over for its gorgeous scenery, hundreds of miles of Lake Michigan coast, and historic small towns and villages. The largest of these, Traverse City, is nestled on the southern shore of West Grand Traverse Bay, and is home to Crooked Tree Arts Center - Traverse City.
Who are the artists?
PGT features artists from across the country, who come via invitation and a competitive application process.
Learn More about the 2025 Jurors
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Sponsorship:
Thank you to all of our 2025 Sponors!
Add your name or business to the 2026 Paint Grand Traverse Sponsors!