Mark Cleveland founded the Evanston Plein Air Festival five years ago. On Sunday, July 12, he'll be back at Arrington Lagoon with a judge's eye, watching artists compete outdoors in the same lakefront area where he once set up his own easel.

Evanston Made's 5th Annual Plein Air Festival opens Saturday, July 11, and runs through Sunday, July 19, with free paint-out competitions in a different neighborhood each day. Visitors can watch artists work, buy original pieces directly off the easel, and attend award ceremonies at local restaurants and parks.

The festival kicks off Saturday evening with a gallery reception at Saw Room Gallery, 1712 Sherman Ave., from 5 to 7 p.m. The exhibit features work by competing painters and past judges who helped build the festival into an annual tradition.

Sunday's Kick-Off at Arrington Lagoon

The first paint-out competition runs Sunday, July 12, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Arrington Lagoon, 1647 Sheridan Rd. Artists have a limited window to complete a finished piece outdoors. An award ceremony follows at 4 p.m. at Café au Lake, 1647 Sheridan Rd.

Cleveland, a local Evanston artist and Top 100 Finalist in Plein Air Magazine's Plein Air Salon Art Competition, serves as Best in Show Judge for the nine-day run, according to Evanston Made's festival page.

Paint-Outs Move Neighborhood to Neighborhood

After Sunday's lakefront start, the competitions fan out across the city:

  • Tuesday, July 14: Greenwood Beach, 1–5 p.m. Awards at Dawes Park Picnic Area at 6:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, July 15: Central Street between Green Bay and Hartrey. Awards at Independence Park at 6:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, July 16: Downtown Evanston's Fountain Square. Awards at LeTour, 625 Davis St., at 6:30 p.m.
  • Friday, July 17: Main and Chicago Avenues, followed by a block party at 514 Main St. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with live music, food, and an art market. Free, no rain date.
  • Saturday, July 18: Evanston Farmers Market. Awards at the Evanston Made tent at noon.

Monday, July 13, is an open paint day for registered competitors.

Grand Finale at Rotary International

The festival wraps Sunday, July 19, from noon to 4 p.m. at Rotary International headquarters, 1560 Sherman Ave. Rotary donated the space. Visitors can view submitted artwork in the lobby and vote for a Festival Favorite from noon to 3 p.m. Chef Anthony from Rotary's Café International will offer small bites and wine for purchase. The final award ceremony begins at 3:30 p.m., and artists will sell work off the easel at an outdoor art market.

Evanston Made, a 501(c)(3) arts organization with more than 400 local artist members, organizes the festival. All events are free to attend. The full schedule is posted at evanstonmade.org.