For the Artists: 2025 Plein Air Festival

2025 Plein Air Festival Schedule

Your welcome pack includes:

A full schedule of festival events 

Spectator information cards

Local restaurant and attraction information 

Tote with Plein Air 2025 souvenirs

Free drink ticket for Raquette River Brewing 

Maps of the area

Free drink ticket for Raquette River Brewing 

Artist lanyard

Free movie ticket for Adirondack State Theater 

Snacks and water

Location Suggestions

Paint the Water: Artists have abundant views of Tupper Lake, Raquette Pond, Lake Simond, Bog River Falls, the Raquette River, Little Wolf, Gull Pond, Panther Pond and the wetlands that permeate the perimeters of the waterways through and around the town. The choices are spectacular and rich with colors and textures that are certain to inspire all Plein Air artists.

Paint the Town: Tupper Lake offers a variety of architectural structures, new and old, along with revitalized streets and storefronts that invite artistic interpretation. The gazebo at the municipal park, the Bandshell at Flander’s Park, Beth Joseph Synagogue, the Oval Wood Dish factory buildings, and The Wild Center are all landmarks that add special touches that help define the history and spirit of the town.

Paint the Landscape: Tupper Lake is home to some of the most scenic views in the Adirondacks. From the top of Raymond hill on Route 3 entering Tupper Lake from the west, to the panoramic display of the Seward range behind LP Quinn Elementary School, to the spectacular views of Mt. Morris, home of Big Tupper Ski Area, from several locations along Raquette Pond, artists are rewarded with an array of Adirondack vistas.

Tuesday, September 30, 2025: Festival Begins

Artists can begin painting anytime on October 1, 2025. Artists will not need to have their canvasses stamped prior to painting.

All participants are expected to follow the honor system and not begin painting prior to the official festival opening date of September 30, 2025.

Wednesday, October 1, 2025: Day 2 of Painting

6:30pm Raquette River Brewing

You’re half-way through! Relax and meet up with old friends (or new ones) and have dinner and a drink on us at Raquette River Brewing. Be Sure to remember your free drink and meal cards in your welcome pack.

Thursday, October 2, 2025: Day 3 of Painting

6:00pm Adirondack State Theater

Tonight, we’ll treat you to a movie a soda and some popcorn! Make your way down to the Adirondack State Theater and catch a show. Free pass is in your welcome pack!

Friday, October 3, 2025: Day 4 of Painting/SHOW DAY

3:00pm All artwork should be labeled and hung by 3:30pm at Tupper Arts. All work should be framed and wired for hanging. Sawtooth hangers will not be permitted. Wrapped canvasses are permitted, provided they are appropriately wired for hanging. Artists are required to hang their own work. You will be allocated a random hanging space. You may swap with another artist if they are willing.

4:00pm Judging commences. You are encouraged to leave the building or remain in the back gallery while judging takes place.

5:00pm 2025 Tupper Lake Plein Air Reception

It’s the big day! Make sure you have invited all of your friends and family to this very special event. Your hard work pays off tonight as your artwork is showcased at Tupper Arts for all to see.

Prizes & Awards

Do I need to pick up my welcome pack on Day 1, can’t I just pick it up later?

It really is best if you do. We don’t stamp canvases which is when you would ordinarily receive all the information you need about the schedule of events, artist lanyard, maps, attractions, etc. Tupper Arts is open from 7:00am on September 30. Come by, grab a coffee and a donut and pick up that all important welcome pack.

Can I pickup my welcome pack early?

Yes. For those of you who arriving early or want to get a head start on Day 1, packs will be available for pickup from Tupper Arts on Sunday September 28 and Monday September 29 between 12-3pm. Please note: Tupper Arts will be closed on Monday to the general public, you will need to ring the doorbell for entry.

When will Tupper Arts be open during the festival?

Tupper Arts is closed to the general public on Monday and Tuesday but will be open to all Plein Air Festival artists from Day 1 of the festival between 11-6. You can use this extra time to frame your work. Tools, wire, etc. will be available if needed.

Is there still accommodation available?

At the time of writing, yes. Please complete the accommodation form below to be connected with free host housing.

How do I get my free meal and drink?

All of your complimentary offerings are in your artist lanyard in your welcome pack .

When do I have to have my work hung by?

All work needs to be hung by 3pm, October 3. Artists hang their own work.

When is the opening reception?

October 3, 5:00pm at Tupper Arts

Is there a charge for the reception?

There is no charge for entry to the opening reception. Invite all your friends and family!

How many pieces can I hang?

You can hang as many pieces as you can fit on wire frame, provided it remains aesthetically pleasing.

How much space will I have?

Approximately 6'x6'