"Plein Air Duluth: Paint Du Nord Festival"

"Plein Air Duluth: Paint Du Nord Festival" runs July 12 to 17 at various locations. Plein air painting has a long tradition in northern Minnesota, and Duluth offers unique source material with a post industrial town set on a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. Plein air literally means "open air," and 35 painters from across the country will spend a week in Duluth painting outside, culminating in a juried exhibition in the Duluth Art Institute galleries. A public painting event will be part of the weeklong festivities. The "quick paint" will be free and open to the public Thursday, July 16, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Duluth Rose Garden. Participants should register by emailingadugan@duluthartinstitute.org with name and contact information. Festival events are:

• Glensheen Painting Day, Wednesday, July 15,  9 a.m. to 9 p.m., at Glensheen Historic Congdon Estate. Free and open to the public.

• Rose Garden Quick Paint, Thursday, July 16, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Duluth Rose Garden. Free and open to the public; registration required.

• Juried Exhibition, July 17 to September 6, in the John Steffl and Corridor Gallery, Duluth Art Institute. Exhibition reception will be Friday, July 17, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Duluth Art Institute.

• Andy Evansen demonstration, Saturday, July 18, at 10 a.m., at the Duluth Art Institute,

Duluth Depot. Free and open to the public.