A great event for spectators! A Quick Paint is an exciting, two-hour competition for plein air painters working on location. 100 artists will compete for cash awards, and the competition will be immediately followed by a quick sale! Browse and buy fresh, new paintings by area artists as well as artists from across the country!

Event Location

We are pleased to announce that the location for the PGT 2021 Quick Paint Competition will be hosted by The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is one of the largest historic preservation and adaptive reuse redevelopments in the country. A beautiful solution to urban sprawl, The Village is the unique renovation of dozens of historic buildings formerly known as the Traverse City State Hospital. The Grand Traverse Commons is located just south of downtown Traverse City and Crooked Tree Arts Center.

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
830 Cottageview Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684

Event Program

2:00-3:00pm: artist check-in

3:00-5:00pm: artists painting

5:00-6:15pm: live music (refreshments available for purchase from food trucks and on-site vendors)

6:15pm: awards presentation

6:30-7:30pm: quick sale

Artist Registration

Advanced registration is strongly encouraged, and will open on June 15!

• Advanced registration before August 6: $15
• Advanced registration before August 6 for Artist Guild members: FREE
• Late and same-day registration for all participants: $25

The registration fee is non-refundable. In the event of inclement weather, there is no make-up date.

Awards and Competition Rules

Who will participate: the 40 invited featured artists, and open division artists who have pre-registered. The field will total approximately 100 artists.

Number of pieces: 1

Painting time: 2 hours

Awards Juror(s): Dan Lisuk

Artwork specifications:

• Canvas/paper will be stamped at check-in.
• Pieces on paper should be matted. Pieces on board or canvas do not need to be framed. (Piece must be able to stand on a table-top easel.)
• Maximum size: 24" on longest side.
• All painting media are welcome.
• Paintings must begin on a blank white or toned background.
• Artwork must be signed.
• Work must be created solely by the artist and done completely from life.
• Work must remain on display until the conclusion of the event.
• Pick up: unsold works must picked up on-site, immediately following the event. Abandoned artwork will become property of Crooked Tree Arts Center.

Sale event: an awards presentation and quick sale will immediately follow. This event is free and open to the public.

Sales:

• Artists set the prices. Crooked Tree Arts Center will retain a 40% commission. The minimum retail price is $200.
• CTAC staff will process sales; checks will be mailed to artists on or before September 16, 2019.
• Prices are non-negotiable.
• Selling artwork outside of the Paint Grand Traverse event is discouraged and contrary to the spirit of the event.

Awards:

• All participating artists: $500 Best of Show
• PGT featured artists: $500 first place; $250 second place; (6) honorable mentions valued at $100 each.
• Open division: $500 first place; (6) honorable mentions valued at $100 each.