Plein Air – Paint Out Schedules
June Events
Join area artists in the great outdoors for weekly plein air paint-outs, held every Wednesday morning from 9 am to noon, May 13 through October 14. These casual gatherings welcome artists of all skill levels to paint, draw, and experience the joy of creating outdoors. Each week, the group meets at a new location in the Grand Rapids area — rain or shine. Artists choose their own mediums and materials and work independently. No prior experience required.
June
Library Park
Library Park sits along the Mississippi River next to the Grand Rapids Area Library and KAXE Northern Community Radio, offering a riverfront setting with a Music Park, a Book Walk trail, and access to the Mississippi River Walking and Biking Bridge. There are lovely views of the river and bridge, as well as the surrounding downtown streetscape — plenty of subject matter for plein air painters.
Meeting Location: Meet at Library Park along the Mississippi River, adjacent to the Grand Rapids Area Library at 140 NE 2nd St.
Parking: Street parking available along NE 2nd St and nearby downtown streets.
Restroom: Grand Rapids Area Library (during open hours
Blackberry Farm
The Blackberry Farm is home to the North Central Minnesota Farm & Antique Association, a living history property featuring a Sears Catalog house, a one-room Blackberry School, a barn, a blacksmith shop, and a sawmill. The grounds offer wonderful rustic subject matter — aged farm buildings, open fields, and vintage equipment throughout.
Directions: Located approximately 7 miles east of Grand Rapids on US Highway 2. The farm sits at the corner of Hwy 2 and Dove Lane in Blackberry Township. Enter through the gate on Dove Lane.
Parking: On-site at the farm grounds.
Restroom: On-site facilities available
Private Residence
A private residence near Pokegama Golf Course with scenic views of the surrounding area. Those who wish to paint the lake can head over to nearby Kings Landing — the Kings Landing public boat access on Pokegama Lake offers open waterfront access with wide lake views. Otherwise, enjoy the fields and vistas from Millie Drive.
Directions: Registration required. See link to sign up at the top of the page.
Parking: Park at the private residence driveway. Additional parking at Kings Landing public access if painting the lake.
Restroom: Available at the private residence
Forest History Center
The Forest History Center is set within the city limits of Grand Rapids and features a recreated 1900s-era logging camp, a moored river wanigan (floating cook shack), a 1930s Forest Service patrolman’s cabin, a 100-foot fire tower with views of the Mississippi River and the forest canopy, and self-guided nature trails. The wooded grounds, historic structures, bog walk, and riverside setting make for a rich variety of painting subjects.
Directions: The Forest History Center is located at 2609 County Road 76. From Grand Rapids, take 169 to Golf Course Road, go west on Golf Course Road to County Road 76, follow about 1/4 mile to the entrance.
Parking: Park in the main parking lot.
Restroom: There is a Biffy in the parking lot and additional facilities in the museum.
Note: If you choose to paint in the logging camp, admission is required $15/person. Free for MNHS members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before joining a paint-out.
Learn to create the artwork that you aspire to see.
Hone your skills through practice and feedback.