2026 Red Wing Arts Plein Air

Kelly Schamberger is among 30 artists competing in this year’s plein air competition.

About

Red Wing Arts’ annual event brings artists from around the region to paint “recognizable” Red Wing en plein air. Plein air, meaning approximately “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. Sitting along the Mississippi River and the entrance to Minnesota’s Driftless Region, Red Wing offers a stunning place to paint with a charming downtown, dramatic bluffs, rolling hills, vistas, and winding rivers that define this historic town. The exhibit includes over 100 works that are judged and hung in the Depot Gallery. Artist applicant submissions were juried down to 30 painters by renowned watercolorist Andy Evansen, and award-winning artist, Kami Mendlik, will judge this year’s exhibit to award $5,000 in cash prizes.

Event Schedule

June 6-17: Artists Paint Red Wing

June 13, 9-11am: Artist Quick Paint & Kids Paint at the Farmer’s Market in Downtown Red Wing

June 19, 6-8 pm: First Glimpse & Awards Reception

June 20-August 16: On Exhibit

Additional planned painting locations and events will be shared on the event’s website. Unfortunately, Schamberger will not be able to attend many of these, as she is preparing for (and running) the 50th Anniversay Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota the weekend of the exhibit reception and opening.

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