Paint Grand Traverse
Paint Grand Traverse: 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 summer!
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 32 talented artists from across the country.
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Paint Grand Traverse 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
- 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.
- Where is Paint Grand Traverse held? Why is this location ideal for plein air painting?
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. During PGT, artists from across the country will paint at over a dozen beautiful locations throughout the Grand Traverse region, including Old Mission Peninsula, Leelanau Peninsula, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Downtown Traverse City.