The St. Charles Arts Council's 3rd Annual Plein Air (French for “open air” or “outdoors”) will be held August 17th to August 23rd, 2026 throughout the Tri-Cities.
The weeklong event, welcomes 65 artists from across the U.S. who will set up outside, all around town, to paint picturesque scenes of St. Charles and the surrounding areas.
All week, enjoy watching Plein Air painters and art demos, engage in creative activities, and enjoy the city’s thriving arts scene come to life.
Artist Events Include:
Main Event - Weeklong Plein Air Paint Competition
Quick Paint, limited timeframe competition
Nocturne Competition
Monday Night Artist Welcome Party
Grand Reveal Party
Public Sale of Paintings
We encourage community engagement and will host many activities for the community and public to participate in.
Thank you to our Sponsors
Batir Architecture
City of St. Charles, Illinois
The Graceful Ordinary
Jen Manns and Todd Birkholtz
Ken and Sharon Celic
M.K Movers
McNally’s Heating and Cooling
The Norris Foundation
Riverview Counseling Services Ltd
Ron Onesti & The Arcada Theatre
St. Charles Bank & Trust
This Weekend
The Grand Reveal
Tickets Required in advance.
The Plein Air Art Show
The Public is invited. Free to attend.
