Join us for the 14th Annual Leland Air Reception and Exhibition! This day-long event invites painters from across the area to converge for a day of plein air painting. Artists will paint and draw scenes around Leelanau County. The finished work(s) will be returned to the Old Art Building for the Leland Air Exhibit. The opening reception will take place on Saturday, May 23rd at 6:30 pm. The exhibit will run through Thursday, May 28, 2026.

This event is open to all artists. Plein air painting experience is encouraged, however, all levels are welcome to register and submit their work.

Schedule of Events:

Saturday, May 23
8:00 am
Artists will check in at the Old Art Building to have their canvas stamped. Coffee and pastries will be available during check-in. There will be sack lunches provided for all artists.

3:30 pm
Artists must return their 'ready-to-hang' plein air work(s) to the Old Art Building in order to be shown in the exhibit. Each artist may submit up to two works.
NOTE: Artist work should be framed and stamped no later than 4 p.m.

6:30 pm
Artists are encouraged to attend the Opening Reception at the Old Art Building. There is no cost for participating Artists. Tickets are available to the public for $25 (OAB Members) and $30 (Non-Members). Wine and appetizers are included.

Prizes (announced at the start of the exhibit):
Best in Show: $250
2nd Place: $150
Two Honorable Mention Awards: $100
People’s Choice Award: $50 (awarded at the end of the exhibit)

Sunday, May 24 - Thursday, May 28 2026
Artwork remains on display and for sale in the Old Art Building.

Friday, May 29
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Artists must pick up any unsold work at the Old Art Building.

Registration constitutes an agreement to the rules and guidelines listed below.

2026 Leland Air Eligibility and Rules
Plein air painting is a painting completed in the field, on location, and “in the moment.” Please note there is no limit to the number of surfaces you can get stamped.

• Entry fee is $30 for OAB Members and $40 for Non-Members.
• All surfaces (canvas/paper) submitted must get stamped at check-in on event day.
• Artwork media is limited to paintings and drawings.
• Maximum of two works per artist.
• Work must have been completed on Leland Air event day.
• All artwork submitted must be for sale.
• Event will continue regardless of inclement weather.
• Artwork must be returned ready-to-hang no later than 4pm. All artwork should include a hanging wire. Hanging claws are not permitted.
• Commission on sold artwork is 40%. The Old Art Building will manage the sale of the work and provide artists with a check for their earnings within two weeks of the exhibit closing date.
• All artists must complete an Artwork Information Form (provided at event check-in) and return with artwork on event day.
• All artwork must include an artwork intake label attached to the piece (part of Artwork Information Form).
• Unsold artwork must be collected on Friday, May 29 between 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.
• Participants will receive a full refund up to 7 days prior to the event date. There is no refund after that.

By registering, artists acknowledge and authorize the use of photos taken throughout this event, which may include artists and their artwork, for promotional use online and in printed materials for future events.

If you need assistance, please contact info@oldartbuilding.com.