Evanston Plein Air Festival Judges Exhibit

Evanston Plein Air Festival Judges Exhibit

Artist Reception: Wednesday, July 17, 6-8p 

POUR Evanston, 528 Dempster St.

Plein Air Judges Exhibit

The exhibit includes examples of plein air and studio work from the 3rd Annual Evanston Plein Air Festival  judges; award winning artists and educators Nina Weiss and Tom Trausch joined by Festival Founder Mark Cleveland. 

On exhibit June 17 - August 1, these three artists will be on exhibit at POUR Evanston, demonstrating their talents and plein air painting skills. 

What is Plein Air? en Plein Air is “the practice of producing primarily landscape paintings  out-of-doors or from life” Plein air artists are tasked to overcome the challenges of the natural environment to produce quality works in many mediums. 

This exhibit is up in time to bring awareness for Evanston’s 3rd Annual Plein Air Painting Festival, July 12-21, 2024. The citywide summer arts festival invites the community to plein air art events hosted in every neighborhood, accessible and free for all!  Competing artists are invited to paint in the Plein Air style, all over Evanston, capturing the beauty of Evanston’s natural and built environment and favorite landmarks. 

Wednesday, July 17, Join us for Paint Out Award Ceremony CoCo Design & Build, 602 Dempster St., 5-6p. Painters will capture Arrington Pond and present their works for judging. The presentation is open to the public, and offers a great opportunity to meet the plein air painters in town competing for Best in Show. This event is free to attend and just across the street from the Artist Reception for the Plein Air Painting Exhibit at POUR, 528 Dempster St., 6-8p

INFO ABOUT the 3rd annual EVANSTON PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL

Evanston Made presents the 3rd Annual Evanston Plein Air Festival: July 12-21, 2024. This citywide summer arts festival invites the community to plein air art events and competitions hosted in every neighborhood, accessible and free for all!

Watch competing artists paint in the Plein Air style, capturing the beauty of Evanston’s natural and built environment and favorite landmarks.

Call for Artists -

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS - RSVP to receive event updates

Friday, July 12 - Main Dempster Mile hosts the Plein Air Festival Kick Off Block Party! Pick up the festival map, meet the competing artists, see live art demonstrations, shop for plein air art, enjoy live music and delicious drinks and bites! 5:30-7:30p, INFO

Saturday, July 13- Workshop with Mark Cleveland. 

Artist talk and instruction: learn the basic techniques to start painting outside or “en plein air”. Artist and founder of the Evanston Plein Air Festival Mark Cleveland. 9 – 11:30 a. Sign up at Evanston Park District Here

Monday, 7/15- Class with Thomas Trausch

The day will begin with a demonstration and all media are welcome. If you have wanted to paint “en plein air” or have limited experience in doing so, we can go over supplies and answer any specific questions. Workshop hosted at the Evanston Lighthouse, $110. Register HERE. 

Monday, 7/15-Friday, 7/19- Paint Outs

Paint Outs are “quick paint” competitions for registered artists, inviting the public to meet plein air painters and gather for awards ceremonies. A Map of all Paint Out locations will be provided to artists upon check-in and available online for the public! Details here. 

 Wednesday, July 17 - Plein Air Judges Exhibit Opening Party

The exhibit includes examples of plein air and studio work from our judges;  award winning artists and educators Nina Weiss and Tom Trausch joined by Festival Founder Mark Cleveland. POUR, 528 Dempster St., 6-8p

Saturday, July 20 - Painting Demonstrations 

See artists Mark Cleveland (oil), Claire Tarnaki (acrylic) and Maria Delton (watercolor) work in plein air. Fountain Square in Downtown Evanston, FREE, 9-11a

Sunday, July 21, Plein Air Festival Grand Finale

Join us for an afternoon of art, awards and an Outdoor Art Market where artists will sell their work “off the easel”. Enjoy food and drink vendors and family-friendly activities hosted by Downtown Evanston and festival partners. Free for all to attend.

Plein Air Festival competing artists will submit one work for judging. 

View submitted art and vote Festival Favorite, 12-3p

Festival Award Ceremony: 3:30p.

Hosted at Rotary International, Downtown Evanston, 1560 Sherman Ave., 12-4p

About Evanston Made

Evanston Made is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization with the mission to connect Evanston creatives to the public through programming and events. Learn more at evanstonmade.org and consider making a donation of any amount to support programs that drive our mission.

For additional information, please contact Lisa Degliatoni, Executive Director of Evanston Made at [email protected] or (847)544-8205.

Host or Publisher Evanston Made