2025 McMichael En Plein Air Competition<\/h2><\/div>Call for Artists<\/h1><\/div>Organized by the McMichael Canadian Art Collection<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>Competition Dates<\/h5><\/div>Saturday, August 2 –
\nMonday, September 29, 2025<\/p><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>Artworks Online Submission Deadline<\/h5><\/div>Tuesday October 14, 2025, by 5 pm<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Submission Forms (Adults)<\/span><\/a><\/div>Submission Forms (Children & Youth)<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>
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<\/a> and Rita Leistner: The Tree Planters<\/a>. James Wilson Morrice\u2019s atmospheric Venetian pochades, which continue to resonate with today\u2019s audiences, affirm the enduring relevance of traditional en plein air practice. In contrast, Rita Leistner\u2019s dynamic photographs offer a fresh, innovative perspective on experiencing the outdoors, weaving narrative and action into her work.<\/p>\nBuilding on last year\u2019s 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\u2019s compositions\u2014expressing how climate change and urbanization, mediated through technology, have transformed the natural environment.<\/p>\n
For young artists aged 6\u201315, 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.<\/p>\n
Additionally, any artwork created within and depicting the Village of Kleinburg will be eligible for the special Kleinburg Village Prize.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s time to get outside and create your masterpiece. Best of luck to all participants!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Competition Categories<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>Adult<\/h4><\/div>![](\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%272071%27%20height%3D%271553%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%202071%201553%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%272071%27%20height%3D%271553%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" "\\"McMichael_IMG_3873_web\\"")
<\/span><\/div>Artists aged 16 and over are invited to submit one artwork per participant* in either of the two thematic categories:<\/p>\n
\n- Contemporary Landscape;<\/li>\n
- Landscape Re-imagined.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Medium options:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Works on canvas\/panel (canvas size 16 x 20 inches only);<\/li>\n
- Works on paper (format 11 x 14 & 14 x 18 inches);<\/li>\n
- Photography**<\/sup> (print format 11 x 14 inches).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Important notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n*<\/sup> Only one submission per artist will be accepted. Multiple submissions will result in automatic disqualification.
\n**<\/sup> If shortlisted, artists are responsible for printing their photographic works.<\/p>\nAny variations in size must be pre-approved by McMichael staff. For special size requests or questions, please contact: programs@mcmichael.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>
Call for Artists<\/h1><\/div>Organized by the McMichael Canadian Art Collection<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>Competition Dates<\/h5><\/div>Saturday, August 2 –
\nMonday, September 29, 2025<\/p><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>Artworks Online Submission Deadline<\/h5><\/div>Tuesday October 14, 2025, by 5 pm<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Submission Forms (Adults)<\/span><\/a><\/div>Submission Forms (Children & Youth)<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>
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<\/a> and Rita Leistner: The Tree Planters<\/a>. James Wilson Morrice\u2019s atmospheric Venetian pochades, which continue to resonate with today\u2019s audiences, affirm the enduring relevance of traditional en plein air practice. In contrast, Rita Leistner\u2019s dynamic photographs offer a fresh, innovative perspective on experiencing the outdoors, weaving narrative and action into her work.<\/p>\nBuilding on last year\u2019s 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\u2019s compositions\u2014expressing how climate change and urbanization, mediated through technology, have transformed the natural environment.<\/p>\n
For young artists aged 6\u201315, 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.<\/p>\n
Additionally, any artwork created within and depicting the Village of Kleinburg will be eligible for the special Kleinburg Village Prize.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s time to get outside and create your masterpiece. Best of luck to all participants!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Competition Categories<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>Adult<\/h4><\/div><\/span><\/div>Artists aged 16 and over are invited to submit one artwork per participant* in either of the two thematic categories:<\/p>\n
\n- Contemporary Landscape;<\/li>\n
- Landscape Re-imagined.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Medium options:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Works on canvas\/panel (canvas size 16 x 20 inches only);<\/li>\n
- Works on paper (format 11 x 14 & 14 x 18 inches);<\/li>\n
- Photography**<\/sup> (print format 11 x 14 inches).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Important notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n*<\/sup> Only one submission per artist will be accepted. Multiple submissions will result in automatic disqualification.
\n**<\/sup> If shortlisted, artists are responsible for printing their photographic works.<\/p>\nAny variations in size must be pre-approved by McMichael staff. For special size requests or questions, please contact: programs@mcmichael.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>
Organized by the McMichael Canadian Art Collection<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>Competition Dates<\/h5><\/div>Saturday, August 2 –
\nMonday, September 29, 2025<\/p><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>Artworks Online Submission Deadline<\/h5><\/div>Tuesday October 14, 2025, by 5 pm<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Submission Forms (Adults)<\/span><\/a><\/div>Submission Forms (Children & Youth)<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>
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<\/a> and Rita Leistner: The Tree Planters<\/a>. James Wilson Morrice\u2019s atmospheric Venetian pochades, which continue to resonate with today\u2019s audiences, affirm the enduring relevance of traditional en plein air practice. In contrast, Rita Leistner\u2019s dynamic photographs offer a fresh, innovative perspective on experiencing the outdoors, weaving narrative and action into her work.<\/p>\nBuilding on last year\u2019s 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\u2019s compositions\u2014expressing how climate change and urbanization, mediated through technology, have transformed the natural environment.<\/p>\n
For young artists aged 6\u201315, 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.<\/p>\n
Additionally, any artwork created within and depicting the Village of Kleinburg will be eligible for the special Kleinburg Village Prize.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s time to get outside and create your masterpiece. Best of luck to all participants!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Competition Categories<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>Adult<\/h4><\/div><\/span><\/div>Artists aged 16 and over are invited to submit one artwork per participant* in either of the two thematic categories:<\/p>\n
\n- Contemporary Landscape;<\/li>\n
- Landscape Re-imagined.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Medium options:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Works on canvas\/panel (canvas size 16 x 20 inches only);<\/li>\n
- Works on paper (format 11 x 14 & 14 x 18 inches);<\/li>\n
- Photography**<\/sup> (print format 11 x 14 inches).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Important notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n*<\/sup> Only one submission per artist will be accepted. Multiple submissions will result in automatic disqualification.
\n**<\/sup> If shortlisted, artists are responsible for printing their photographic works.<\/p>\nAny variations in size must be pre-approved by McMichael staff. For special size requests or questions, please contact: programs@mcmichael.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>
Competition Dates<\/h5><\/div>Saturday, August 2 –
\nMonday, September 29, 2025<\/p><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>Artworks Online Submission Deadline<\/h5><\/div>Tuesday October 14, 2025, by 5 pm<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Submission Forms (Adults)<\/span><\/a><\/div>Submission Forms (Children & Youth)<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>
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<\/a> and Rita Leistner: The Tree Planters<\/a>. James Wilson Morrice\u2019s atmospheric Venetian pochades, which continue to resonate with today\u2019s audiences, affirm the enduring relevance of traditional en plein air practice. In contrast, Rita Leistner\u2019s dynamic photographs offer a fresh, innovative perspective on experiencing the outdoors, weaving narrative and action into her work.<\/p>\nBuilding on last year\u2019s 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\u2019s compositions\u2014expressing how climate change and urbanization, mediated through technology, have transformed the natural environment.<\/p>\n
For young artists aged 6\u201315, 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.<\/p>\n
Additionally, any artwork created within and depicting the Village of Kleinburg will be eligible for the special Kleinburg Village Prize.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s time to get outside and create your masterpiece. Best of luck to all participants!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Competition Categories<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>Adult<\/h4><\/div><\/span><\/div>Artists aged 16 and over are invited to submit one artwork per participant* in either of the two thematic categories:<\/p>\n
\n- Contemporary Landscape;<\/li>\n
- Landscape Re-imagined.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Medium options:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Works on canvas\/panel (canvas size 16 x 20 inches only);<\/li>\n
- Works on paper (format 11 x 14 & 14 x 18 inches);<\/li>\n
- Photography**<\/sup> (print format 11 x 14 inches).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Important notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n*<\/sup> Only one submission per artist will be accepted. Multiple submissions will result in automatic disqualification.
\n**<\/sup> If shortlisted, artists are responsible for printing their photographic works.<\/p>\nAny variations in size must be pre-approved by McMichael staff. For special size requests or questions, please contact: programs@mcmichael.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>
Saturday, August 2 –
\nMonday, September 29, 2025<\/p><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Artworks Online Submission Deadline<\/h5><\/div>Tuesday October 14, 2025, by 5 pm<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Submission Forms (Adults)<\/span><\/a><\/div>Submission Forms (Children & Youth)<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>
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<\/a> and Rita Leistner: The Tree Planters<\/a>. James Wilson Morrice\u2019s atmospheric Venetian pochades, which continue to resonate with today\u2019s audiences, affirm the enduring relevance of traditional en plein air practice. In contrast, Rita Leistner\u2019s dynamic photographs offer a fresh, innovative perspective on experiencing the outdoors, weaving narrative and action into her work.<\/p>\nBuilding on last year\u2019s 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\u2019s compositions\u2014expressing how climate change and urbanization, mediated through technology, have transformed the natural environment.<\/p>\n
For young artists aged 6\u201315, 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.<\/p>\n
Additionally, any artwork created within and depicting the Village of Kleinburg will be eligible for the special Kleinburg Village Prize.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s time to get outside and create your masterpiece. Best of luck to all participants!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Competition Categories<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>Adult<\/h4><\/div><\/span><\/div>Artists aged 16 and over are invited to submit one artwork per participant* in either of the two thematic categories:<\/p>\n
\n- Contemporary Landscape;<\/li>\n
- Landscape Re-imagined.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Medium options:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Works on canvas\/panel (canvas size 16 x 20 inches only);<\/li>\n
- Works on paper (format 11 x 14 & 14 x 18 inches);<\/li>\n
- Photography**<\/sup> (print format 11 x 14 inches).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Important notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n*<\/sup> Only one submission per artist will be accepted. Multiple submissions will result in automatic disqualification.
\n**<\/sup> If shortlisted, artists are responsible for printing their photographic works.<\/p>\nAny variations in size must be pre-approved by McMichael staff. For special size requests or questions, please contact: programs@mcmichael.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>
Tuesday October 14, 2025, by 5 pm<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Submission Forms (Adults)<\/span><\/a><\/div>Submission Forms (Children & Youth)<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>
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<\/a> and Rita Leistner: The Tree Planters<\/a>. James Wilson Morrice\u2019s atmospheric Venetian pochades, which continue to resonate with today\u2019s audiences, affirm the enduring relevance of traditional en plein air practice. In contrast, Rita Leistner\u2019s dynamic photographs offer a fresh, innovative perspective on experiencing the outdoors, weaving narrative and action into her work.<\/p>\nBuilding on last year\u2019s 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\u2019s compositions\u2014expressing how climate change and urbanization, mediated through technology, have transformed the natural environment.<\/p>\n
For young artists aged 6\u201315, 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.<\/p>\n
Additionally, any artwork created within and depicting the Village of Kleinburg will be eligible for the special Kleinburg Village Prize.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s time to get outside and create your masterpiece. Best of luck to all participants!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Competition Categories<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>Adult<\/h4><\/div><\/span><\/div>Artists aged 16 and over are invited to submit one artwork per participant* in either of the two thematic categories:<\/p>\n
\n- Contemporary Landscape;<\/li>\n
- Landscape Re-imagined.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Medium options:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Works on canvas\/panel (canvas size 16 x 20 inches only);<\/li>\n
- Works on paper (format 11 x 14 & 14 x 18 inches);<\/li>\n
- Photography**<\/sup> (print format 11 x 14 inches).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Important notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n*<\/sup> Only one submission per artist will be accepted. Multiple submissions will result in automatic disqualification.
\n**<\/sup> If shortlisted, artists are responsible for printing their photographic works.<\/p>\nAny variations in size must be pre-approved by McMichael staff. For special size requests or questions, please contact: programs@mcmichael.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>
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<\/a> and Rita Leistner: The Tree Planters<\/a>. James Wilson Morrice\u2019s atmospheric Venetian pochades, which continue to resonate with today\u2019s audiences, affirm the enduring relevance of traditional en plein air practice. In contrast, Rita Leistner\u2019s dynamic photographs offer a fresh, innovative perspective on experiencing the outdoors, weaving narrative and action into her work.<\/p>\n Building on last year\u2019s 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\u2019s compositions\u2014expressing how climate change and urbanization, mediated through technology, have transformed the natural environment.<\/p>\n For young artists aged 6\u201315, 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.<\/p>\n Additionally, any artwork created within and depicting the Village of Kleinburg will be eligible for the special Kleinburg Village Prize.<\/p>\n It\u2019s time to get outside and create your masterpiece. Best of luck to all participants!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Artists aged 16 and over are invited to submit one artwork per participant* in either of the two thematic categories:<\/p>\n Medium options:<\/strong><\/p>\n Important notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n *<\/sup> Only one submission per artist will be accepted. Multiple submissions will result in automatic disqualification. Any variations in size must be pre-approved by McMichael staff. For special size requests or questions, please contact: programs@mcmichael.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>Competition Categories<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Adult<\/h4><\/div>
![](\"https:\/\/mcmichael.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/McMichael_IMG_3873_web.jpg\" "\\"McMichael_IMG_3873_web\\"")
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\n**<\/sup> If shortlisted, artists are responsible for printing their photographic works.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/mcmichael.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/McMichael_1585_web-scaled.jpg\" "\\"McMichael_1585_web\\"")
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