5th Tupper Lake Plein Air Festival 

(For Artists)

October 1-6, 2024

Prospectus

The 2024 Tupper Lake Plein Air Festival is an outdoor event which shares the beauty and spirit of this historic lumberjack town, amidst the majestic Adirondack Mountains in full fall foliage, with artists from across the country and Canada. Artists will have the opportunity to capture inspiring vistas and landmarks that have long defined this iconic Adirondack town.

Some of the many scenic opportunities awaiting artistic interpretation include the winding Raquette River, with the Ox Bow and its many marshes, Bog River Falls at the headwaters of beautiful Tupper Lake, the mountains, lakes, and ponds surrounding the town, and local landmarks like the Beth Joseph Synagogue, the Wild Center, and the Oval Wood Dish factory.

Tupper Arts is the sponsor of this event, which will take place October 1st through Oct. 6th, 2024, with headquarters at 106 Park St., Tupper Lake. Enjoy 4 days of outdoor painting, visits local shops, and take in the beautiful scenery of the region.

Eligibility: This event is open to all Plein air artists.

Lodging/Transportation: A list of area motels, B&B’s, and vacation rentals will be found on the Tupper Arts website closer to the date of festival. There are several campgrounds (with painting opportunities) nearby. More information about lower-cost housing and/or lodging with host families will be made available to artists at a later time. Subscribe to our newsletter and e-blasts for updates.

Fees: Registration is $40 – the festival is an open event and all registered artists may participate. This fee entitles the artist to paint on all the days and to submit up to 4 separate paintings to the Art Show and Sale. A limited number of “day passes” will be available for $20, which include one day of Plein air painting, and one submission into the Art Show and Sale. All entry fees are non-refundable and must be paid at the time of registration.

Sales: Sales are handled by Tupper Arts. There will be a 30% commission retained by Tupper Arts on all Plein Air festival sales.

Awards: 

Canvasses are encouraged to be brought to Tupper Arts as they are completed to help facilitate the process of hanging the art. The gallery will be open until 6:00 pm on all festival days for drop off. You will also have the opportunity to use this time to frame your work if needed.

Options for leaving art at the center: If artists would like to leave their art for sale at Tupper Arts, please consult with Evie Longhurst, our Director of Operations. Artists with Plein Air pieces from previous years may be asked to remove them.

Schedule

Tuesday, October 1, 2024: Festival Opens

Coffee and Donuts Morning/Welcome Pack

Tupper Arts will be open from 7:00am-8:00am on October 1 for artists to meet, reunite, get acquainted and pick up their all-important welcome pack. We know some of you travel from great distances to participate in The Tupper Lake Plein Air Festival and we want to facilitate a fun and friendly atmosphere for all to enjoy. Start your busy 4 day schedule with a chance to meet other participants and grab a cup of coffee and a donut on us!

*For those of you who are arriving early, welcome packs will be available for pick up from September 29 at Tupper Arts. *

Your welcome pack includes:

Day 1 of Painting: Artists can begin painting anytime on October 1, 2024. 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 October 1, 2024.

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 L P 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.

Wednesday, October 2, 2024: Day 2

Day 2 of Painting

6:30pm Raquette River Brewery.

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 Brewery. Be Sure to remember your free drink and meal cards in your welcome pack.

Thursday, October 3, 2024: Day 3

Day 3 of Painting

7:00pm Adirondack State Theater

Tonight we’ll treat you to a movie 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 4, 2024: Day 4

Day 4 of Painting

3:00pm All artwork should be labeled and hung by 3:00pm 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.

4:00pm Judging commences.

5:00pm 2024 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.

Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 October, 2024: Show and Sales Continue