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16th Annual Plein Air Exhibit - ends August 7!


  • Red Wing Arts Depot Gallery 418 Levee Street Red Wing, MN 55066 United States (map)

EXHIBIT ON VIEW JUNE 25 - AUGUST 7

Imagine painters situated along the Seine in Paris and transport them to the banks and bluffs of the beautiful Mississippi and you’ll get Red Wing Arts’ Plein Air. Plein air (which approximates to “open air” in French) is a study of how light and shadow interact with things, creating a snapshot of one moment in time that can never be repeated.

Red Wing, MN which sits at the entrance to the Driftless Region, is a stunning place. The charming downtown, dramatic bluffs, rolling hills, vistas and winding rivers define the historic town. Each year artists come from around the region to paint “recognizable” Red Wing; over 100 works are hung, judged, exhibited and are available for sale. In 2022, award-winning artist Bob Upton will judge and award $5,000 in cash prizes.

2022 Juried Featured Class Artists:

Susan Aamot, Richard Abraham, Michael Broshar, Lynn Brown, Michele Combs, Christopher Copeland, Derek Davis, Tom Dimock, Diane Foster, Laura Frykman, Elissa Gore, Nathan Hager, Hannah C. Heyer, Becky Jokela, Tadas Kosciuska, Greg Lecker, Kathleen Litwin, Dan Mackerman, Angie Malin, Susan McLean-Keeney, Jo Nelson, Jessie Rasche, Tatyana Robberts, Todd Schabel, Kelly Schamberger, David R. Smith, Lisa Stauffer, Troy Tatlock, Naomi Tiry Salgado, James Turner, Pat Undis, Avon Waters, Michelle Wegler, Dan Wiemer, Ivan Zassavitski

2022 Plein Air Schedule of Events - Join us!

  • June 11-25 Artists Paint Red Wing. Some featured locations: He Mni Caŋ-Barn Bluff, Main Street, historic neighborhoods, river overlooks. Best time of day to locate painters is early morning and early evening.

  • June 11, 1-2:30 pm Kick-off event at the Depot Gallery. Artist Talk featuring Fred Somers & Kami Mendlik.

  • June 17, 5-9 pm Group Paint Out at Frontenac State Park. Watch artists paint the iconic scenery.

  • June 18 - 25 Competition Week in Red Wing: *Artwork is due at RWA on or before 12pm on June 23

  • June 21, 7-10 pm Summer Solstice nocturne paint out at Memorial Park. Watch artists paint the evening vista views.

  • June 22, 6-9 pm Group paint at Central Park. Watch artists paint during the RWA Concert in the Park featuring the Sheldon Theatre Brass Band.

  • June 24, 6 pm First Glimpse & Awards Reception - Ticketed Event
    Join us at the Red Wing Depot Gallery for a night of music, hors d’oeuvres, wine and fine art! Meet the artists and be the first to experience and buy this year’s plein air paintings. Starting at 7 pm, this year’s judge, Bob Upton, will present the awards, recognizing the best work created during the week. Award winners include Best of Show, Second Place, Third Place, Best Sense of Place, Best Collection and more! Enjoy time in the gallery to purchase paintings before the exhibition opens to the public. Tickets are $50 each and are available for purchase through our website: redwingarts.org

  • June 25 Quick Paint. 9-11 am Watch artists complete a painting from start to finish during the fast-paced event in Levee Park. 9-11 am Free Kids Paint. Try your hand at painting plein air around the Depot. For kids of all ages - and kids at heart! 1-3 pm Open House Reception. View and purchase artworks from Plein Air Artists. Free and open to all!

  • June 25-August 7 Exhibition on view in the Red Wing Arts Depot Gallery

Later Event: June 29
Concert in the Park - HuDost