The unmatched beauty of Leelanau County, from sand dunes to the Great Lake and everything in between, attracts artists from around the country for three principal art events every summer.
In Northport and Glen Arbor, artists and visitors alike have the unique opportunity to experience the magic of plein air painting, while the Suttons Bay Art Festival boasts all types of art from ceramic pieces to paintings and even clothing items. Although each art event might showcase different artists and types of art, they are similar in the ways that artists draw unique inspiration from the unparalleled beauty of northern Michigan.
On Friday and Saturday, July 19 and 20, plein air artists and spectators will gather to paint at the Northport plein art event in memory of Gene Rantz, who first started the event in 2013 and spent the summer and autumn months painting directly in Northport’s nature. Linda Bayer, head of the Northport Plein Air event, carries the spirit of Gene Rantz, saying, “Plein air creates artwork that is one of a kind. Each artist has their own styles, medium, focus of view and energy in their art,” Bayer said.
