2026 MPAC Exhibit at MMAM

Art of the Lakes, Outdoor Painters of Minnesota, and Red Wing Arts — the nonprofit organizers of Minnesota's three premier plein air painting competitions in Battle Lake, Grand Marais, and Red Wing — have teamed up to promote their events and painters by mounting an annual exhibit of plein air paintings in different locations around Minnesota.

Our 2026 exhibit will be at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona.

Eligibility

Painters who have participated in 2025 Prairie Lakes Plein Air, Plein Air Grand Marais/Winter Plein Air Retreat, or Red Wing Arts Plein Air may apply to display one painting from each event (up to 4 total). Paintings must be framed and wired, and created for one of the qualifying plein air events. Fill out one application for each painting.

Paintings will not be offered for sale in the exhibit, but artists' contact information will be provided in a prospectus so that they may be followed and contacted about purchasing paintings after the exhibition ends.

Selection Criteria

Paintings included in the exhibit will be selected by representatives from MMAM with input from MPAC organizers based on the following:

Myths and Legends: This exhibition seeks to celebrate Minnesota’s rich tapestry of folklore, cultural heritage, and oral tradition as expressed through the landscape, focusing on the lakes, rivers and other waterways of Minnesota. Artists are encouraged to interpret legends, tall tales, folklore, or personal
narratives through visual art created in direct engagement with the natural environment and aquatic ecosystems of Minnesota.

Application Deadline: February 1, 2026

Exhibition Dates: May 16 – September 13, 2026

Paintings exhibited are not offered for sale. Interested buyers may contact artists directly, and no painting may leave the museum before the end of the exhibit.

Artists will be contacted by email about timing of delivery and retrieval. Volunteer drivers will be coordinated to transport paintings to and from Winona.

Artist's Name*

First NameLast Name

Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Nationality*

Requested for museum label. For example: Jane Doe, American (1974—).

Year of Birth*

Requested for museum label.

Phone Number*

Please enter a mobile phone number.

Email*

example@example.com

Artist's Web Site and/or Social Media handle

Optional: For exhibit prospectus only.

Painting Title*

Painting Story: How does this painting relate to MMAM's 2026 theme, "Myths and Legends in Minnesota?"*

Artists are encouraged to interpret legends, tall tales, folklore, or personal narratives. They may be historical, factual, fictional, personal to the artist or specific to the location.0/250

Painting Surface Dimensions *

Width x Height, i.e., 14x11"

Medium*

i.e., oil

Plein Air Event*

Red Wing Arts Plein AirPrairie Lakes Plein AirPlein Air Grand MaraisWinter Plein Air Retreat

Painting Value*

Required for insurance.

Upload Painting Image*

Please upload a quality image of each painting without frame, .jpg or .jpeg files only, up to 7MB each. Images may be used to promote the exhibit.

Upload in situ photo

Optional but appreciated. Photos of paintings on location where painted may be printed and displayed in the exhibition.

NOTICE: By submitting this application, you agree to waive liability, hold harmless and indemnify the MN Marine Art Museum, Art of the Lakes, Outdoor Painters of Minnesota, and Red Wing Arts, their directors, staff, and volunteers, against claims up to and including ordinary negligence arising from accidents causing personal injuries or property damage. Museum staff will install the exhibit. It is each artist's responsibility to provide appropriate painting shipping box or packing material and to frame and wire paintings as recommended in OPM's Best Practices guide.

2026 MPAC Exhibit - Myths & Legends of Minnesota at MN Marine Art Museum