Paint Grand Traverse

That's a wrap on Paint Grand Traverse 2026!

A huge thank you to all who participated in Paint Grand Traverse this year and making it an unforgettable event. Below you will find info about the artists and the work they created the week of June 21 - 28, 2026, including the opportunity to view and purchase remaining Paint Grand Traverse artwork.

PGT Artists & Jurors

Meet the 2026 Artists

PGT Artist Portfolios

See the artwork made June 21 - 28 in the Grand Traverse Region!

PGT 2026 Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors who make this incredible event possible!

PGT Extended Exhibit

On view at CTAC - Traverse City from July 1 - August 22

Find us on the socials:

Watch the video below to view the PGT Art Award winners.

Paint Grand Traverse 2026 Award Winners

Crooked Tree Arts Center congratulates the award-winning artists recognized during Paint Grand Traverse 2026, celebrating exceptional plein air works created throughout the weeklong festival.

Small Wonders Exhibition Awards

First Place: Thomas Moberg
Second Place: Jeff Suntala
Third Place: Crista Pisano
Honorable Mention: Jimmy Navarro

Fresh Paint Party Awards

Best of Show: Neal Hughes, Harbor Night
Merit Award (2nd Place): Kari Ganoung Ruiz, Contemplation
Merit Award (3rd Place): Lyudmila Tomova Clark, Golden Hour at Mama Lu’s
Merit Award (4th Place): Richie Vios, Market Day
Artists’ Choice Award: James Sampsel
Honorable Mention: Mark Vander Vinne, Nothing But Blues
Honorable Mention: Lynn Lewis, Blue Haze
Honorable Mention: Jeff Suntala, Zoltar Has Big Plans
Award of Recognition: Debra Howard, Botanical Garden
Award of Recognition: Jeff Steiner, Green Waters of Fishtown
Award of Recognition: Stephen Wysocki, Dune View

Special Artist Awards

Award for Outstanding Plein Air Painting by a Female Artist: Crista Pisano, Body of Work
Award for Outstanding Plein Air Painting by a Male Artist: James Sampsel, Body of Work
Outstanding Michigan Plein Air Artist Award: Mark Mehaffey, Body of Work

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.