Life and Art in the Northwoods

News from the Woods

Wow! There is so much to share. I have three shows coming up this fall: two group shows and a two-person show, plus a studio tour!

Show #1 – Plein Air Grand Marais

First up is my favorite painting event, Plein Air Grand Marais, a full week of plein air painting along Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior. Organized by Outdoor Painters of Minnesota and Cook County Historical Society, the week includes paint-outs, daily three hour mini-workshops, and comradery along the shore of Lake Superior and side trips into the remote regions of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This week is a perfect combination of solitude in nature and gathering with others to enjoy the beauty of the north shore.

In the past, I have camped for several days “up the Gunflint” but this year, I am excited to spend time exploring the shoreline of Lake Superior and the nooks and crannies around town.

Each artist (60 of us) creates four pieces during the competition as well as a 90-minute “quick paint” Thursday afternoon.

The reception is held at Johnson Heritage Art Post Gallery on Friday, September 12th, with a VIP viewing from 4-5 pm, opening reception at 5 pm and the awards presentation at 6pm.

All paintings will be available for sale through the gallery.

The show runs from September 12th through October 5th.

More details here.

I will also be teaching a workshop “Secrets of the Masters: Edgar Payne’s Guide to Composition” on Tuesday, September 9th from 1-4pm at the Campground Picnic Shelter.

Show #2 – Days to Remember

These past two summers, I have been exploring figure in the landscape, developing life-size portraits, and exploring the landscape of Northern Minnesota. As I’ve been painting, I have been thinking about place, how we influence and are influenced by where we live and how time plays tricks on us. It’s easy to look back in time at “the good old days” or think about a better future, but all we have are these days. Right now. These are the days to remember. I look forward to sharing several new pieces.

Artist’s Reception, October 10th 5-7pm.

Show #3 – Itasca Plein Air

Our local plein air group has been meeting weekly for the past three summers to paint, draw, and connect. We will be sharing our work at the Reif Center in Grand Rapids, MN from September 15th – November 7th with an Artist’s Reception on October 3rd from 4-7pm.

Artist in Residency & Studio Tour

Last, but not least, I have been selected as an Artist in Residence at Old Central School and will have my studio there through June of 2026. It’s a wonderful working space. If you are in the area, swing by to say hello or stop in for The Studio Tour at Old Central School on October 4th. I’ll be in the “Attic” all day with some special pieces on sale!

Wishing you all the best,

Happy Painting!

Nelia Harper

neliaharper.com

1010 N Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
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