July 27th – August 1st 2025
Early Bird online registration is now available through Saturday, June 28th at midnight.
Online registration is limited to 125 Adult Artists, or Wednesday, July 23rd at 5:00 pm, whichever comes first.
What is Plein Air?
The French term “Plein Air” translates to “the open air”, or out-of-doors. Plein Air painting is all about stepping out of the four walls of a studio and experiencing painting directly from observation within the landscape. This centuries old practice was made famous by the French Impressionists. Artists utilize portable easels to draw and paint while surrounded and inspired by nature. Often congregating in small groups, at set times and locations, to create art together. The practice enables the artist to build an even stronger bond with their chosen natural subject, and capture the brilliance of light and shadow in their scene.
Red Bird Sylvania is pleased to bring this time-honored painting practice to our community.
Picturesque Sylvania offers the artist many landscape and architectural options including inclusive and accessible residential and commercial areas all conveniently nestled between two park systems including a river trail and a historical village. All Festival activities and pre-festival workshops are located within walkable areas. Downtown Sylvania boasts ample parking and is a short distance from US-23 and I-475 near the Ohio and Michigan line within the Oak Openings region.
Sylvania is home to the Red Bird Arts District with two exceptional fine art galleries, a high-quality art supply store, and many art enthusiasts. Hudson Gallery and Fuller Art House have represented best-in-class artwork in Northwest Ohio and the surrounding region for a combined 29 years. The Art Supply Depo boasts 13 years in business as a provider of high-quality and hard to find materials for artists of all ages and skill levels. Fuller Art House and The Art Supply Depo are renowned for hosting valued artist workshops and demonstrations for artists of all ages. These artist-owned businesses and the Main Street merchants that comprise Red Bird Sylvania are delighted to offer this inspired event to the greater community and to artists of all ages and abilities.
Join the fun
It is our privilege to welcome you into our arts community. We hope our passion for the arts and community inspires you to integrate art and creativity into your life. It is our mission at Red Bird Sylvania to bring you the best in arts and inclusive culture. We appreciate your willingness to join us on our journey to delight and inspire those in the Sylvania, Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan area.