Plein Air Painting Plus
Or the act of painting outdoors, this method is the opposite of painting in a studio or indoors and academic rules that create a predetermined look. The theory is credited to Pierre-Henri de Valenciennes, where he developed the concept of landscape portaiture by which the artist paints directly onto canvas the landscape. The invention of portable canvases and easels allowed the practive to develop (in the mid 19th century for Impressionism) painting in natural light. (Source)
The Monroe Art League values the method of Plein Air Painting and wants to extend it to all of our members -- especially those whose mediums go beyond the brush and canvas! So, bring your supplies and join your fellow artists for a chance to socialize outside while you work!
These meetings are extremely nonchalant and picked with great landscapes and sunlight for you to do your art work in, once in the evening during the week, and once in the afternoon on a weekend to give everyone a chance to join in. Sign up if you think you'd like to try, and convince friends and family to join you as well!
Monroe County Fair
Date: Wednesday, August 5th 2026
Time: 2pm - 7pm
Location: The big tent next to the Farm Produce building across from the big farm machinery.
This is our week day Plein Air meeting for the month of August!
**Please contact Sue Siebarth to get your free ticket to enter!
Bring your paints, your easels, your craft supplies, a chair, and something to snack on as we gather here to enjoy each other's company and take in the beauty of the great outdoors!
We will also be promoting the MAL here with our Pamphlets, trying to get new members!
No art may be sold at this event! But, be sure to bring some cash with you for fun treats! Who doesn't love fair food?
#ButterflyChips!
2026 Summer Concert Series
St. Mary's Park
Date: Thursday, August 13th 2026
Time: 6pm - End of concert
Location: Anywhere you can find a spot (it is recommend to get there early to claim a spot! They fill up fast!)
Musical Guest: Category 5
A Special Plein Air Session!
Come on down to St. Mary's Park with your chair, easel, art supplies, and a drink (the social district is in effect for this event!) and rock out while you paint! This musical event is perfect for studing people--which also means it fills up fast! Make sure you claim your spot early and give yourself room to set up your art supplies too!
Wilson Park
Date: Saturday, August 15th 2026
Time: 12pm - 3pm
Location: 89 Wabash St, Milan, MI 48160; near the large pavillion!
This is our weekend Plein Air meeting for the month of August!
Bring your paints, your easels, your craft supplies, a table, a chair, and something to snack on as we gather here to enjoy each other's company and take in the beauty of the great outdoors!
The Milan Relay for Life event is this day, so enjoy the shops, music, and food trucks that will be there as well!
Bring the whole family--Wilson park has a splash pad, fully equipped playground, and walking trails to explore!
Munson Park
Date: Wednesday, September 16th, 2026
Time: 5:30pm - 8pm
Location: Near the playground and pavillion
This is our weekday Plein Air session of September!
Bring your paints, your easels, your craft supplies, a table, a chair, and something to snack on as we gather here to enjoy each other's company and take in the beauty of the great outdoors!
Ford Park
Dundee, MI
Date: Saturday, September 26th 2026
Time: 12pm - 4pm
Location: 350 W Monroe Street Dundee, MI, by the Gazebo!
This is our weekend Plein Air meeting for the month of September!
Bring your paints, your easels, your craft supplies, a table, a chair, and something to snack on as we gather here to enjoy each other's company and take in the beauty of the great outdoors!
Afterwards, come out to St. Julian's Winery (located on the other side of the US23 bridge, 700 Freedom Ct) for their special night market!
Nike Park
Date: Tuesday, October 6th 2026
Time: 4:30pm - 7pm
Location: 488 Newport Road, Frenchtown Township; Near the pavillion
This is our weekday Plein Air meeting for the month of October!
Bring your paints, your easels, your craft supplies, a table, a chair, and something to snack on as we gather here to enjoy each other's company and take in the beauty of the great outdoors!
Bedford Branch Library
Date: Sunday, October 18th 2026
Time: 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Location: 8575 Jackman Rd, Temperance, MI; Meet inside the library!
This is our final Plein Air session of the year!
Sessions will resume in the Spring of 2027!
This is our weekend session for the month of October!
Bring your paints, your easels, your craft supplies, a table, a chair, and something to snack on as we gather here to enjoy each other's company and take in the beauty of the great outdoors!
Meet inside the library first to determine where you'd like to set up shop! By the gazebo or outback by the gardens!
