Paint Grand Traverse 2026

The Crooked Tree Arts Center in Traverse City, Michigan, seeks artists for the national plein air painting festival, Paint Grand Traverse: a plein air affair, now in its seventh year. Paint Grand Traverse is a plein air (outdoor) painting festival and competition featuring 33 artists from across the country. This call is open to all artists working throughout the United States and all painting media are eligible. Housing will be available for artists who live more than an hour away, in local host homes.

Prizes and Awards include a Best of Show $3,500 cash award, with a total of $18,000 in cash and prizes awarded in a variety of categories. The Grand Traverse region is located in northwest lower Michigan and is known the world over for its gorgeous scenery, hundreds of miles of Lake Michigan coast, and historic small towns and villages. The largest of these, Traverse City, is nestled on the southern shore of West Grand Traverse Bay.

Artists may submit 5-7 images of recent plein air work via CaFÉ. A non-refundable fee of $30.00 per artist is required for entry (CTAC members $20.00, Artist Guild Members free). The Crooked Tree Arts Center galleries are sales galleries and works created during the festival must be for sale with the center retaining a 40% commission on all sales. Event dates are June 21-28, 2026, with extended exhibition dates July 1 - August 15, 2026. Notification of acceptance will be sent on or before January 12, 2026.