Experience the glory of winter in Northern Minnesota where the sparkling winterscape is mesmerizing. The Winter Arts Festival is comprised of two unique events, the Snow Carving Symposium & Winter Plein Air Painting and Photography, rousing artists to dress warm and discover the joy of winter.

Share the story of winter, celebrate the color of white and delve deeper into the creative spirit. There are many ways to be involved in this fun and interactive festival. Be a participant, an observer or a student…just dress warm.

Paint: January 25 - 31 @ Camp Menogyn
Does paint freeze? Winter Plein Air brings a unique set of challenges to plein air painting such as a subtle color palette and temperature control. Adventurous artists ski across a frozen lake teetering on the edge of the Boundary Waters (BWCA) to chase the limited daylight and battle the freezing temperatures to capture the scenic landscape.

Exhibit & Sale: Jan. 31 - Feb. 23 @ the Art Colony
An exhibit & sale of the freshly painted works will be on display at the Grand Marais Art Colony. Opening Reception will be hosted on Friday, January 31

View photos of the 2013 Exhibit: Click here!




Participate: January 25 - 31, 2014
For only $40/nt artists can stay at the YMCA Camp Menogyn located 40 miles up the Gunflint Trail on West Bearskin Lake.  Menogyn offers cozy bunkstyle accomodations as well as an inspirational location.  Meals are included and there is unlimited coffee and hot chocolate.

• $40/nt per person (add $5/per day if snowshoe or ski rental is desired)
• $35 registration fee
• Directions to Menogyn via Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/vdZTh

Exhibit: Jan. 31 - Feb. 23, 2014
This year we will be hosting an exhibit of the Festival paintings at the Grand Marais Art Colony, as part of the Winter Tracks Festival. 

An opening reception is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 31 @ 6pm.  (view artwork from the exhibit here)


ALL DETAILS BELOW ARE FROM THE 2013 FESTIVAL

Fireside Chat: at Sivertson Gallery Saturday, February 2 at 6pm
Sivertson Gallery hosts their first Fireside Chat of the season.

"Hot Art for Cold Nights" with painter Neil Sherman, painter David Gilsvik and photographer Mark Tessier. 
The temperature is dropping, artists are packing and we here at the gallery cannot wait until they come back from this year’s ‘Winter Plein Aire’ adventure! Join us at Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais on February 2nd as we listen to three great artists, Dave Gilsvik, Neil Sherman and Mark Tessier, talk about their new and very hot creations. More info at: www.sivertson.com or join the event on facebook.

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  This year’s Winter Plein Air Painting Festival will be occurring concurrently with other local events:

Winter Tracks Festival: Feb. 1-10, 2013 A two week outdoor activity-driven celebration of winter. Activities include guided snowshoe tours, dog sled rides, candlelight skiing, sleigh rides & more.

• Lutsen Family Festival:  A family-fun weekend at Lutsen Mountains. The Midwest’s largest ski resort with 92 runs, four mountains & 986’ of vertical.
• Ridge Riders Snowmobile Fun Race:  A race for fun across our nearly 300 miles of groomed snowmobile trails
• Snowarama:  A snowmobile ride to raise money for kids with physical disabilities.
• Volks Ski 400:  One day, 400km of groomed cross-country ski trails and an attempt to ski them all. (The largest groomed trail system in North America)

Frequently Asked Questions
Directions to Menogyn & Packing List
Winter Arts Fest Brochure & Registration