“Artist at Work” signs will be spotted all around the Glen Lake area Saturday as 60 artists from Leelanau County and throughout the state and Midwest participate in the Glen Arbor Art Association’s fourth annual Plein Art Paint Out.

After an early morning date stamping to verify that their works have been completed on that day, artists will fan out to find the perfect vista, beach, farm or historic building and set up for a day of painting and sketching to paint “en plein art,” which means outside.

The challenge to artists is to paint or draw directly and spontaneously from nature during a very limited period of time while sun and weather conditions change. Artists return their completed works to the GAAA for a juried exhibit and “wet painting” sale and reception.

The Wet Painting Reception and Sale, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., has become a signature event for GAAA. Paintings are purchased “first come” beginning at the sound of the gong at 5:45 p.m. Refreshments include a wine tasting, tea bar and appetizers.

Admission is $10 per person. Forty percent of the night’s sales support GAAA’s programs with the artists receiving 60 percent of each painting sold. A newly-expanded outdoor deck and air conditioning will enhance this already popular evening that is held no matter the weather.

The exhibit will be juried by Mary McNichols, art faculty member at the Center for Creative Studies and parttime Up North resident. In addition to the awarded prizes by McNichols, there is a People’s Choice award determined by those attending.

The Paint Out has grown in popularity, attracting serious painters and art lovers, When the artists’ registration were filled in three weeks in May, GAAA began working on a new event called a Quick Draw, which has already attracted a strong field of artists.

Quick Draw at the Thoreson Farm leads off the weekend on Friday. Artists will be painting or drawing the historic Thoreson Farm in Port Oneida in just a two hour timeframe. Artists register at 3 p.m. and begin work at 3:30 but must stop promptly at 5:30 p.m. For artists, a Quick Draw, is a challenging competition due to the time constraints. Registration for artists remains open until 3:30 p.m.

For the public, the Quick Draw is a great opportunity to see the artists in action. Visitors are invited to come out and enjoy the farm’s special ambience, bring a picnic, support and watch the artists work.

The Quick Draw concludes with an exhibit that is free and open to the public from 6 to 7 p.m. with a grand prize award juried by Hank Feeley, Chicago area artist, author and longtime summer resident.