Traverse City Lectures

Join us for a thoughtful and engaging conversation with selected artists from the upcoming Between Us exhibition. Each artist will share the personal lens through which they interpreted the theme—connection, distance, and the many spaces (emotional, physical, or imagined) that exist between people, places, and moments.

Hear directly from the artists about the inspiration behind their work, the stories woven into their pieces, and the creative processes that brought their ideas to life. From concept sketches to final touches, this talk offers a behind-the-scenes look at how meaning is built layer by layer.

You don’t need to be an artist to enjoy this conversation—just bring your curiosity. It’s a wonderful opportunity to gain deeper insight into the exhibition, connect with the makers, and experience the artwork in a new light.

Join us for a special conversation with one of our 2026 Paint Grand Traverse invited artists as he shares insights from a remarkable month-long plein air journey he undertook last summer. Far beyond the structure of a single event, this extended experience offered him the chance to paint daily, explore new terrain, and deepen his connection to the landscape.

During this talk, he’ll reflect on what it was like to live and paint on the road—how he selected locations, the rhythm of painting outdoors each day, and the surprising lessons that emerged along the way. He’ll also walk through the practical side of plein air travel, including the gear he relied on, what he wished he’d packed, and tips for staying inspired while painting in ever-changing conditions.

Whether you're a seasoned plein air painter, a Paint Grand Traverse enthusiast, or simply curious about the creative process behind art made in the open air, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn, ask questions, and be inspired.

Celebrate the creativity of our Guild community with an engaging conversation featuring artists from this year’s Annual Guild Member Show. During this relaxed and inspiring talk, participating artists will share the stories behind their selected works, what motivated their creative choices, and how their pieces evolved from idea to finished artwork.

You’ll hear a range of perspectives—different mediums, approaches, and artistic journeys—all woven together by a shared commitment to making and exploring. Artists will also reflect on their process, materials, challenges, and moments of discovery that shaped their work.

This behind-the-scenes look is open to everyone. Whether you’re an artist, art enthusiast, or simply curious about how artworks come to life, this conversation offers a meaningful way to connect with the people who make our creative community thrive.