The McMichael is pleased to announce the return of the annual En Plein Air Competition, running from August 2 to September 29. During this time, artists are invited to work en plein air anywhere on the McMichael’s grounds, in and around the charming Village of Kleinburg, and in the historic Humber River Valley along the Carrying Place Trail, one of the most historically important Indigenous trading routes in North America.

This year, we invite participants to draw inspiration from two very different but equally captivating exhibitions currently on view at the McMichael: Morrice in Venice and Rita Leistner: The Tree Planters. James Wilson Morrice’s atmospheric Venetian pochades, which continue to resonate with today’s audiences, affirm the enduring relevance of traditional en plein air practice. In contrast, Rita Leistner’s dynamic photographs offer a fresh, innovative perspective on experiencing the outdoors, weaving narrative and action into her work.

Building on last year’s success, artists are encouraged to explore the landscape genre through one of two thematic categories. The first, Contemporary Landscape, reflects a traditional approach inspired by modernist masters like Morrice. The second category, Landscape Re-Imagined, invites artists to channel the spirit of Leistner’s compositions—expressing how climate change and urbanization, mediated through technology, have transformed the natural environment.

For young artists aged 6–15, Children and Youth Categories will be supported through two Paint-Out sessions. These sessions include a brief introduction to en plein air techniques by a McMichael Educator, complimentary admission to the grounds, and free art materials.

Additionally, any artwork created within and depicting the Village of Kleinburg will be eligible for the special Kleinburg Village Prize.

It’s time to get outside and create your masterpiece. Best of luck to all participants!

Artists aged 16 and over are invited to submit one artwork per participant* in either of the two thematic categories:

• Contemporary Landscape;
• Landscape Re-imagined.

Medium options:

• Works on canvas/panel (canvas size 16 x 20 inches only);
• Works on paper (format 11 x 14 & 14 x 18 inches);
• Photography^** (print format 11 x 14 inches).

Important notes:

^* Only one submission per artist will be accepted. Multiple submissions will result in automatic disqualification.
^** If shortlisted, artists are responsible for printing their photographic works.

Any variations in size must be pre-approved by McMichael staff. For special size requests or questions, please contact: programs@mcmichael.com

Work may be completed at home or in the studio.

Sundays September 14 and 21, 2025
10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Free programming and parking. Registration required.

Children and youth are invited to participate in the En Plein Air Competition through our complimentary Paint-Out Sessions held onsite at the McMichael. Instead of submitting artwork online, participants will create their pieces during these guided sessions.

Art materials and a brief introduction to en plein air techniques will be provided. Parents or caregivers must accompany their child throughout the session.

At the end of each session, participants will be encouraged to submit the images of their work (one work only). Submissions will be accepted in two age categories: children for artists 6 to 12-years old, and youth for older participants 13 to 15-years-old. McMichael staff will assist with the submission process.

From Saturday, August 2 to Monday, September 29, 2025, participating artists are welcome to work en plein air on the McMichael grounds. Artists are also encouraged to set their canvases in Kleinburg Village and along the shores of the Canadian Heritage Humber River.

During this period, artists will receive complimentary parking and access to the McMichael grounds upon request. Please note that access to the gallery spaces requires a general admission ticket.

Artists are responsible for bringing all their own supplies, including materials, easels, seating, and any other necessary equipment.

All artworks created during the competition remain the property of the artists. However, the McMichael reserves the right to use images of submitted works for virtual exhibitions and promotional purposes.