Project Description

The McMichael is thrilled to announce the return of the annual En Plein Air Competition. During the course of the competition, between July 30 and October 10, artists are invited to work en plein air anywhere on the McMichael grounds, in and around the charming Village of Kleinburg and in the historic Humber River Valley along the Toronto Carrying Place Trail, one of the most historically important Indigenous trading routes in North America.

Inspired by Tom Thomson: North Star, the En Plein Air Competition provides a lively testimony to the continuing relevancy of outdoor painting. In the spirit of this iconic painter, we encourage the artists to look beyond the picturesque, and to provide visual evidence how progressive climate change and growing urbanization/industrialization affect the natural environment.

From the unruly growth of invasive plants to the gradual change of the forest character from Boreal to Carolinian, the effects of human interference in nature cannot be ignored any longer. Let the 2023 En Plein Air competition become a call for action to preserve the fragile beauty of the natural environment.

Between Sunday, July 30, and Tuesday, October 10, 2023, any artists who are interested in participating are invited to set up their canvases on the McMichael grounds, in Kleinburg Village and along the shores of the Humber River.
Submitted artworks could use any two-dimensional medium, such as drawing, painting, printmaking or mixed media.

Finally, any artwork created within and depicting the Village of Kleinburg will be considered for the special Kleinburg Village Prize. It’s time to get out there and create your masterpiece. Best of luck to all!

Competition Process

Between Sunday, July 30 and Tuesday, October 10, 2023, artists will be encouraged to work on the McMichael’s grounds. We also encourage the artists to set their canvases in Kleinburg Village and along the shores of the Humber River.

Please note that during this period the artists will be provided with free parking and access to the grounds upon demand. However, access to the gallery spaces require a general admission ticket.

Please note that artists are responsible for bringing their own art supplies including materials, easels, seating etc.

The artworks produced during the competition will belong to the artists. The McMichael reserves the right to use image(s) for virtual exhibition and promotional purposes.

Competition Categories