Welcome to the Northern Indiana Plein Air Artists Association, Where Dark Meets Light on Canvas!

Northern Indiana Plein Air Artists

Mission

The Northern Indiana Plein Air provides resources to artists for the creation, education, and dissemination of artistic endeavors of painting in plein air of landscapes of Northern Indiana, and document Northern Indiana landscapes as they currently appear and to further outdoor painting. The methods used for education, promotion, and encouragement include thematic special projects, exhibitions, scheduled paint outs, workshops, and opportunity to display artwork for public exhibitions.

What's Next!

LAKE JAMES ANTIQUE CLASSIC BOAT SHOW PAINT OUT

July 25, 2026

Come Paint at the the Lake James Antique and Classic Boat Show Celebrating Classic Craftsmanship on Canvas

Date & Time:

July 25, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (EDT)

Location:

Lake James – 120 Lane 447, Channel near Lake James/Jimmerson Lake Bridge

Celebrating Classic Craftsmanship on Canvas brings artists together for a one-day celebration of heritage, craft, and creativity during Steuben County’s classic wooden boat gathering.

Hosted by Northern Indiana Plein Air in partnership with Steuben Art Scene, this event invites artists to paint among beautifully restored wooden boats displayed throughout the day. Boats remain parked and accessible for artists, providing perfect subjects for plein air painting.

This paint out is more than an art session—it’s a creative gathering where artists connect, collectors engage, and boat owners see their vessels interpreted through original artwork.

Artist Experience

Artists will:

Paint classic wooden boats on-site throughout the day

Socialize and build connections with fellow creatives

Interact with boat owners and enthusiasts

Display their completed work at 3:00 PM for a public share

Offer their paintings directly to boat owners for purchase

9:00 AM–3:00 PM – Open Painting & Social Time

3:00 PM – Artist Share & Display

3:00–4:00 PM – Meet the Artists / Artwork Available for Purchase

Why Attend

Engaging, interactive experience for artists and boat owners

Direct sales opportunities for artists

Strengthens the Northern Indiana plein air community

Highlights Steuben County as a hub for art, heritage, and craftsmanship

Welcome to 2026: A Year of Light and Color!

As we step into 2026, the Northern Indiana Plein Air community is buzzing with excitement. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or are just picking up a pochade box for the first time, we are thrilled to have you in our ranks. This year, as our nation celebrates its 250th Anniversary, the Northern Indiana Plein Air Association is embarking on a season-long tribute to the land that has shaped the American character.

From the first sketches of explorers to the modern easels we pitch in our state parks, painting outdoors has always been an act of "witnessing" history. This year, we aren't just painting scenes; we are following in the footsteps of the artists who documented the birth and expansion of our country.

NEWSLETTERS

January 2026

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May 2026

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