Events & Workshops
Events & Workshops
Embedded Files
2026 Plein Air Schedule
All events are subject to change.
For up to the moment details use the specific Facebook event link.
Consider getting involved in creating an event in your hometown.
Saturday, March 21st, 2026
Salamonie State Park (Recreation Area) – Five Waterfalls Paint Out
Painting Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Salamonie Forest – Waterfall Trail System
Primary Subjects: The five natural waterfalls along the river bluffs and tributary ravines
About the Waterfall Trail Area
Along the river corridor of the Salamonie recreation lands lies a hidden network of five natural waterfalls—small ravine falls that drop over sandstone shelves, mossy ledges, and shaded forest hollows. They flow strongest in spring/early summer and after rains, making them ideal for atmospheric plein air painting.
This area offers:
Rugged textures (stone shelves, roots, ferns)
Cool blue-green light under dense canopy
Cascading water over rock lips
Strong composition lines created by ravines and fallen logs
Soft evening glow filtering through deep woodland
Parking & Trail Access
Main Parking:
At the end of Salomonie Forest Road
(near the Yellow Trail entrances)
Meet at:
10 AM at the Parking at the end of the at the end of Salomonie Forest Road
Artists will then break into groups based on which waterfall they want to paint.
Trail Notes:
Trails follow the ridge and drop into ravines—moderate difficulty.
Wear sturdy shoes; bring lightweight easels.
Most waterfalls are a short 5–10 minute walk from the trailhead.
Recommended Artist Approach
Work small or medium-sized—trails are narrow in some areas.
Bring fast-dry mediums (gouache, acrylic, or quick-dry oils).
Use warm/cool contrast: cool shadows + warm late-evening sun.
Capture motion with broken brushstrokes or palette knife texture.
Bring insect repellent—ravines can be buggy.
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026 Kick-off: 9:00 AM at the Upper CCC Pavilion
Celebrate the height of spring color at Pokagon State Park as the redbuds burst into bloom across the rolling hills and lakeside trails. Artists of all skill levels are invited to join this plein air outing to capture the vibrant pinks, soft greens, and natural beauty of one of Indiana’s most beloved parks.
Join us for a vibrant day of creativity and conservation! In conjunction with the Pokagon State Park/Friends of Pokagon guided Run for the Trees Happy Little 5k, the Northern Indiana Plein Air are hosting a special spring paint out to capture the stunning Redbuds in peak bloom. (If you would like to register for the Run for the Trees Happy Little 5k, please contact Aimee M. Wentworth at Pokagon State Park at (260) 833-3506 for more information.)r"
Whether you are walking the 5K with the Naturalist or creating your one-of-a-kind masterpiece, come celebrate the "Magenta Season" with us.
Here is what’s happening:
9:00 AM: Artists meet at the Upper CCC Shelter to head out into the park to find that perfect bloom of color.
All Day: Catch a live Artist Demonstration at the Upper CCC Shelter—see how a masterpiece comes to life from scratch! Artists will be painting around the park.
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Art Display! Stroll through the pavilion and listen to music the fresh works created that morning.
3:00 PM: Celebration time! During the display artists will enjoy Music and Free Pizza as we wrap up a beautiful Earth Day.
Whether you're running the 5K, walking the trails, or carrying a sketchbook or standing behind an easel come celebrate the "Magenta Season" with us.
Location: Upper CCC Shelter, Pokagon State Park Cost: Free to participating artists (Park gate fee applies)
Saturday, May 2, 2026
10am until 3pm
Have a mid day paint out with your friends at the WACF Earth Day. We will have a display and information booth. Hot dog lunch provided by the WACF.
All members of Northern Indiana Plein Airs Artwork will have the opportunity to display their painting from the Earth Day at the Wawasee Fine Art Gallery for the month of May.
The Chautauqua Wawasee, Northern Indiana Plein Air, and the Wawasee Fine Art Gallery proudly presents the Chautauqua Wawasee Plein Air at the Wawasee Fine Arts Festival and the Friday Paint the WACF Properties. Artists may venture all over Lake Wawasee, City of Syracuse and Syracuse Lake.
This event will take place on Friday, May 22 at 8 am and wrap up Saturday, May 23rd at 4 pm. Tentatively, check in and stamping will be Friday 8 am at the Wawasee Fine Art Gallery and Saturday morning at our tent at the Fine Arts Festival in Oakwood Park. We will be set up by the main entrance of the Fine Arts Festival beginning at 8 am.
Friday we will have an evening social with refreshments at the Wawasee Fine Art Gallery with a display and sale at 6 pm. Northern Indiana Plein Air will handle the sale. Bring one of your paintings to show off. In the evening venture downtown Syracuse to paint a Nocturn Scene.
Before you begin on Saturday, bring your finished paintings from Friday for display and sale. It will allow visitors to see and possibly purchase it. If you believe it might be your judged piece specify pick up after judging. No worries just go out and start your next painting. We will work on the sale. We will process the sale for a 25% fee.
Paintings to be judged should be dropped off by 3:30pm Judging will be promptly at 4 pm. With awards at 4:30 pm.
Final Awards are still to be determined. Last year it was over $4000.
Opportunity to display and hopefully the selling of your masterpiece. Artists may enter 1 plein air painting for competition judging. All others may be displayed for sale.
Saturday during the event refreshments will be provided at the event table. Light lunch will be provided at noon. Artist will need to pick up their lunch at the event table.
After the festival, artists may drop off their finished paintings for display and sale at the Wawasee Fine Art Gallery. They would then be on display until July 1. More details will follow.
Details such as purchase awards and more opportunities will evolve and will be emailed to all registrants the week of the event. For up to date information, be sure to follow on Facebook and check our web page at www.northernindianapleinair.org
Registration is- https://donorbox.org/events/900895
Members $30 (2025 Paid Membership)
Nonmembers $35
$40 Day of Event
Chautauqua Wawasee Wednesday Evenings Paint at Lake Wawasee in June and July
Are you a beginner landscape painter that would like to try to paint in the outdoors in plein air or a seasoned veteran painter that wants to paint with other artists? Come join us as we paint in and around Wawasee and Syracuse. Artist, David Broerman, will personally assist the new painters and give helpful suggestions on how to paint in plein air. I do have a limited amount of plein air equipment you may borrow as well as paints you may use. We will meet at the Wawasee Fine Arts Gallery at the South Shore Social then relocate to our painting location. The dates are tentative and subject to change. Sessions are FREE and from 5 to 8:00 pm session
Capture the Charm: Winona Lake Paint Out
Join us for a weekend of inspiration during the Village Art Fair in historic Winona Lake. Established in 1887 as a summer retreat, the Village is a stunning collection of Victorian architecture, boutiques, and cafes nestled along scenic canals and the lakefront.
The Opportunity This year, Village at Winona representatives will select one painting from the event to be featured as the 2027 Commemorative Artwork. Three merit awards will be presented.
Event Schedule
Saturday, June 7: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, June 8: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Judging & Awards: Sunday at 3:00 PM
Artist Details Check in at the NIPA Event Tent (Booth #24) to receive your name tag and enjoy complimentary snacks and water. Throughout the weekend, enjoy live painting demonstrations and connect with fellow artists. New members can also pick up their official member t-shirts at the tent!
Sales & Exhibition Completed works may be brought to the tent for immediate display, competition, and sale. The association handles all sales with a 25% commission, which directly supports our future programming and community events.
Free will donations are gladly accepted the day of event.
Location: 700 Park Ave, Winona Lake, IN 46590
Proudly hosted by by the NIPAA, Larry Clifford, and the Resurrect the Roses volunteers.. Come spend the day painting at Resurrect Rose Garden at Leeper Park in South Bend, Indiana on Thursday, June 11 beginning at 9:00 am. Artists will paint at the Historic Resurrect Rose Garden or anywhere in and around the park. The park boasts the Historic Studebaker Electric Fountain, beautiful view of the St. Joseph River, the historic Leeper Bridge, Pierre Navarre Log Cabin and so much more. Artists will paint while enjoying a lunchtime concert by Kennedy's Kitchen. A wonderful picnic lunch for all the artists will be provided by Larry Clifford and the volunteers of the Resurrect Rose Garden. This years awards are being developed. Display and Sale 4:30pm to 5:30 pm Awards will be at 5pm. Artists may sell their work at this event. We are not taking any commissions. The registration is a free but we will gladly take a donation to support NIPAA through Donor Box. For planning purpose on food be sure to register on donor box, like, and follow,
PAINT The Indiana Dunes, In the Spirit of Dudley, Plein Air and Social
"The Dunes are to the Midwest what the Grand Canyon is to Arizona and the Yosemite is to California." — Stephen Mather, First Director of the National Park Service
Join us in the spirit of Frank Dudley, the legendary "Painter of the Dunes," whose art helped save this landscape from industrial destruction over a century ago. Whether you are a seasoned plein air artist or just starting out, come capture the shifting sands and unique light of Lake Michigan.
SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2026
8:00 AM – 1:30 PM
MEETING POINT: Indiana Dunes State Park Main Beach Pavilion
THE DETAILS
THE VIBE: This is a "no-thrills" meet-up. No judging, no pressure. Just a morning designed to paint, socialize, and brainstorm with fellow artists in a world-class landscape.
THE AMENITIES: We are basing out of the Main Beach to ensure easy access to wonderful parking, restrooms, and concessions. You just have to walk out and paint.
THE COST: $7 Park Entrance Fee (per vehicle with Indiana plates).
THE SCHEDULE
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Paint the Dunes Set up by the Pavilion, hike the trails to the blowouts, or drive down to the National Park sites like the Century of Progress Homes.
1:00 PM: Wrap Up Start heading back to base.
1:30 PM: Critique & Photo Op Meet at the Main Beach Pavilion to share work and take a group photo.
AFTERWARD: Social Lunch We will caravan into Chesterton for lunch together (Location TBD).
Wednesday July 1 from 4 pm to 8 pm
This is an informal paint out. We will paint and then have a group photo at the end of the event. Paint scenes around the park including a calendar garden, nature trail through woods, and along a river.
17477 Co Rd 46, New Paris, IN 46553
July 10-12, 2026
This is a bi-annual favorite summer retreat paint out in Syracuse, Indiana . Come join your friends and paint at Lake Wawasee, the largest lake in Indiana, Syracuse Lake, and the peaceful Lake Papakeechie with the Tri County Fish and Wildlife area with over 6000 acres of wildlife , lakes and wetlands. Each Day we will have activities for you to not just paint but to socialize with other artists. Details for each day will be updated but expect Friday morning donuts, juice, and coffee at the Wawasee Fine Art Gallery until 10 am, based on availability a boat cruise on Lake Wawasee, an evening cook out, and the finally the big Sunday Art Sale at the South Shore. Sunday Sale is for registered 2026 members of either IPAPA and NIPPA . Artists are responsible for their own displays and the sale is not limited to what you created over the weekend. so bring your art. Artists handle their own sales.
July 14, 2016
A plein air "paint out" at Wellfield Botanic Gardens in Elkhart, Indiana, is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in 36 acres of diverse botanical beauty.
This is a day to check out the location for future events.
What to Expect at Wellfield
Wellfield is a unique site built around a working well field, featuring a mix of manicured gardens, wilder natural spaces, and significant water features.
Diverse Subject Matter: You’ll find everything from the serene Japanese Island Garden (with its stunning wooden pavilion) to the vibrant Quilt Garden, waterfalls, and sculptures.
Constant Water Elements: Most of the garden is surrounded by or built over water, providing excellent opportunities for studying reflections and light.
Well-Maintained Paths: There is a 1/2-mile Promenade trail that connects 18 different gardens. Most paths are "wheel-friendly," making it easy to transport gear in a wagon or cart.
Public Environment: As a popular destination, expect guests to stop and chat or watch you work. It’s part of the community spirit of a "paint out!"
Being we are starting at 10 am, be sure to bring your lunch. The park does charge $10 for admission
The parks website is https://www.wellfieldgardens.org/plan-your-visit
August 27-29
Northern Indiana Plein Air is proud to announce that the, Paint it Fresh, The Fort Wayne Plein Air Competition and Sale @ the Taste of the Arts will take place 3 days! Beginning Thursday, August 27th and finishing up with the BIG SALE with judging and awards as always on the festival grounds on Saturday, August 29th.
Details of the individual days and fundraising is developing right now.
Artists can expect one Best of Show at $500 and a minimum of five $200 Merit Awards, special category awards category awards, return of the Arts Festival Quick Draw, and the Purchase Awards, and the West Central Apartments. This will be adjusted as sponsorship develops. Be sure to follow as this event continues to develop daily. Information will be updated right up to the festival. NIPAA 2026 member fee $40 Non Members registration is $50. Day of Registration is $60 This includes this years NIPAA T-Shirt, refreshments, the Quick Draw, and much more!
This festival is a community celebration that brings together more than 25,000 patrons and 650 volunteers, participants, and performers for a free family event at the Arts Campus in downtown Fort Wayne.
This is a great opportunity for artists to create paintings “in the open air” and showcase competitively in front of this large festival. Artists will paint 2 3/4 days leading up to the festival and are encouraged to paint around Fort Wayne and Allen County
Dekalb County Paint Out
Dekalb County Paint Out
"250 Years in the Making "
September 14-19
The DeKalb County Paint Out is a premier week-long Plein Air festival celebrating the U.S. Semiquincentennial. The event documents the architectural and industrial legacy of DeKalb County through plein air.
September
October 3, 2026
Plein Air Paint-Out
Hathaway Preserve at Ross Run – Lagro, Indiana
Painting Time: 9am to 1p.m.
County: Wabash County, Indiana
ACRES Land Trust – Hathaway Preserve
Event Overview
Hathaway Preserve at Ross Run is one of the most dramatic natural locations in Wabash County, especially during October. The preserve features:
A steep sandstone gorge carved by Ross Run
High cliffs and moss-covered rock walls
A clear flowing creek flowing over waterfalls with shallow pools
Vibrant fall foliage along the ridge lines
Wildlife-rich forest canopy
Painters will enjoy multiple composition options—gorge views, water reflections, cliff faces, leaf color, and the elevated overlooks. The preserve feels secluded, quiet, and immersive, perfect for an autumn plein air session.
Exact Location
Hathaway Preserve at Ross Run
Address: 1866 E Baumbauer Rd, Lagro, IN 46941
Managed by: ACRES Land Trust
The entrance is marked with a small ACRES sign and a gravel driveway.
Parking Information
Parking is very simple but limited:
Main Gravel Parking Lot
Capacity: 8–12 vehicles
Important Notes
There are no restrooms at this preserve.
Early arrivals get the easiest spots.
Parking on the road is not recommended;
Trail & Access Notes
The trail is natural surface and includes:
A gradual descent into the Ross Run gorge
Areas with exposed roots and rocky footing
Bridges and boardwalk-style sections in places
Best painting areas include:
The Gorge Overlook – sweeping view of the rock walls
The Ross Run Creek Crossing – water reflections + foliage
Sandstone Outcrop Area – mossy boulders and textured cliff faces
The Low Creek Basin – wide open water view
The Upper Ridge Path – tree canopy and valley depth
Strong October leaf color makes each section visually rich
Last Chance Plein Air
Last Chance Plein Air
November
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