The unmatched beauty of Leelanau County, from sand dunes to the Great Lake and everything in between, attracts artists from around the country for three principal art events every summer.
In Northport and Glen Arbor, artists and visitors alike have the unique opportunity to experience the magic of plein air painting, while the Suttons Bay Art Festival boasts all types of art from ceramic pieces to paintings and even clothing items. Although each art event might showcase different artists and types of art, they are similar in the ways that artists draw unique inspiration from the unparalleled beauty of northern Michigan.
On Friday and Saturday, July 19 and 20, plein air artists and spectators will gather to paint at the Northport plein art event in memory of Gene Rantz, who first started the event in 2013 and spent the summer and autumn months painting directly in Northport’s nature. Linda Bayer, head of the Northport Plein Air event, carries the spirit of Gene Rantz, saying, “Plein air creates artwork that is one of a kind. Each artist has their own styles, medium, focus of view and energy in their art,” Bayer said.
Every artist has the ability to enter three paintings per day.
Similarly, the Glen Arbor Plein Air Event, taking place the weekend of August 2, “offers a distinctive artistic experience that combines creativity, nature, community engagement, and a celebration of local culture” according to Scott Bouma, director of the Glen Arbor Arts Center.
The highlight of the weekend is a “PAINT OUT” event where up to 75 artists have the opportunity to paint the scene of their choice.
The winner wins the Amy L. Clark-Carels award, in memory of the skilled watercolor painter Amy L. Clark-Carels.
At both plein air events, spectators have the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind paintings, often still wet from being painted that very day.
Featuring a unique balance between the past years favorite artists and up and coming talent, the Suttons Bay Art Festival will take place on August 3 and 4, and highlight around 100 visiting artists from across the country. “We have some of the same (vendors) and some new,” said Donna Popke, who serves on the Art Fair committee. “We’re always looking for variety.”
The juried art fair which includes paintings, ceramicists, food vendors, and sculptors, makes the Suttons Bay Art Festival a diverse display of talent, all inspired by the scenic towns of the Leelanau Peninsula.
Suttons Bay’s vibrant community of art enthusiasts makes for a profitable event with proceeds going to support arts-related programs like scholarships for local art students, live music and dance events, and even artist-in residence projects.
New this year, the Art Fair will host a breakfast from 8:30 to 11 a.m. with proceeds benefiting funds for scholarships for students attending Suttons Bay School.
It is safe to say that there is no shortage of scenic beauty on the Leelanau Peninsula, and these three art events are a testament to the lively scene of both artists and art enthusiasts. Whether you are fascinated by plein air painting and the oneof- a-kind nature of painting directly outdoors, or you are interested in seeing the ways that different artists draw inspiration from Leelanau County, the Northport and Glen Arbor plein air events as well as the Suttons Bay Art Festival are sure to leave you inspired.
