Fresh Coast Plein Air Competition
Presque Isle Park Pavilion, 3 Peter White Drive , Provisions, 401 South Lakeshore Blvd , Marquette, MI 49855
Dates: June 26, 2026 – June 28, 2026
The Fresh Coast Plein Air Festival brings artists out of the studio to paint along the shoreline, streets, and beautiful landscapes of Marquette. Members of the public have the opportunity to enter the competition or observe the paintings in progress and to speak with and interact with working artists.
Fresh Coast Plein Air Schedule: The Schedule is still in the works, but be sure to save the date for the weekend of June 26, 2026 – June 28, 2026!
Friday: artists will be painting and creating works of art outdoors around Marquette, along the shores of Lake Superior, and at Presque Isle Park
Saturday: artists will be up early painting in Marquette, along the shores of Lake Superior, and at Presque Isle Park.
Interested in competing in the contest? Follow the link to email the festival coordinator because Pre-Registration will open soon for the Fresh Coast Plein Air Painting Festival! With cash prizes being offered by the Lake Superior Art Association, it’s hard to say no to a weekend of fresh air, the great outdoors, and artistic expression. Sign up today to paint and create in one or both of the Plein Air events! All artists and skill levels are welcome to compete. In previous years, there were two options for painting:
Dusk to Dark: Capture the essence of the evening light, Friday, starting at 5:00 PM and turned in by 10:00 PM.
Paint the Daylight: Capture diverse and beautiful landscapes, cityscapes, and shorelines. Saturday, starting at 7:00 AM canvases will be stamped and must be delivered by 4:30 PM.
Registration fee includes Friday and Saturday sessions, awards ceremony, and public exhibition during where the artwork can be priced and sold.
***This event is open to all artists, competitors and non-competitors, community members, families, visitors, and anyone interested in painting, talking to plein air painters, or just enjoying those around you.
Price: Free for the Public to attend. Level 1 Fee: professional and advanced artists pre-registration $25 or $30 the day of the event. Level 2 Fee: novice, intermediate, and recreational artists pre-registration $15 or $20 the day of the event.