St. Charles Arts Council’s Third Annual Plein Air Event

Name: St. Charles Arts Council’s Third Annual Plein Air Event
Start: 2026-08-17
End: 2026-08-23
Location: St. Charles

The St. Charles Arts Council’s Third Annual Plein Air Event is a week-long celebration of outdoor painting featuring 70 artists from across the United States. Held throughout St. Charles and the Tri-Cities area, the festival includes public demonstrations, interactive competitions, and a large-scale exhibition and sale of locally created artwork.

Date: Aug 17-23, 2026
Location: St. Charles

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St. Charles Arts Council’s Third Annual Plein Air Event

Event summary

Highlights

Week-long painting competition involving 70 artists from across the country
Quick Paint competition at Pottawatomie Park open for public entry
Exhibition of over 250 original artworks created throughout the local area
Public artist demonstrations and nocturne painting sessions

This cultural event centers on the practice of plein air painting, where artists work outdoors to capture the shifting light and atmosphere of the local landscape. From August 17 to August 21, 2026, participants will paint at various locations including downtown St. Charles, Mount Saint Mary Park, and the Fabyan Japanese Gardens. The schedule features a variety of community activities such as a 'Quick Paint' competition open to the public, artist demonstrations, and evening social gatherings at local breweries.

The week culminates in a series of gallery events at the Baker Community Center. On Saturday evening, a ticketed Grand Reveal Party offers the first opportunity to view and purchase more than 250 original pieces created during the week. The festivities conclude on Sunday with a free public art show and sale, providing a final chance for the community to acquire original depictions of the Tri-Cities area.

Practical details

Location described by the source: St. Charles; www.shawlocal.com
Area for browsing nearby events: St. Charles

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.