With nearly 20 painters from across the region and the sale of completed works at the public
reception, organizers dubbed the initial the Sleeping Bear Coast Paint Out a huge success. “We
had 19 artists from Leelanau, Benzie and Grand Traverse Counties, and one from Grand Rapids.
Over 50 people attended the reception following, and we sold several paintings,” says Oliver
Art Center Executive Director Tamara Hoffbauer. “We couldn’t be more pleased for our
participating artists.”
Bob Kuras, owner and CEO of The Homestead, echoes that sentiment. “This was an exciting way
to continue our collaborative efforts with Oliver Art Center and build on our relationship with
the art community in the region,” he says. Earlier this year The Homestead established an art
gallery as a focal point in its Welcome Center, with numerous works depicting iconic scenes and
subjects from around the region. The exhibit also includes a rotating selection of pieces from
artists associated with Oliver Art Center, which now includes several artworks from the paint
out. They will be on display through the holidays.
The Oct. 18 event brought artists from across the region and beyond to The Homestead for a
day of painting scenes from across the resort’s 500 acres. “Our artists brought their immense
talent to quickly interpret and celebrate the beauty of Northern Michigan in fall. One artist,
Stephanie Schlatter, even lives at The Homestead,” Hoffbauer says. Her two pieces are among
those now on display now in the Welcome Center gallery.
Artists spread out across the property to paint the woods, waters and buildings of The
Homestead. The sunny weather was ideal for capturing the fall color, and many of the
participants painted two pieces.
Following the plein air painting, the artists gathered at Camp Firefly for a reception and sale. “It
was perfect for what we did, an ideal location for a friendly gathering,” Hoffbauer says. Among
the people attending the reception were art enthusiasts from as far away as Frankfort and
Northport. Best of all, several of the paintings created that day found new homes. “We sold six pieces during that time, which I think is fantastic. Since then, we sold one of those on display at
the Welcome Center,” says Hoffbauer.
Hoffbauer is excited about making the paint out an annual event, as is Kuras. “I am looking
forward to continuing and expanding our partnership,” Kuras says.
Staff from OAC and The Homestead are already brainstorming for additional events and
activities to build upon the success of the inaugural Sleeping Bear Coast Paint Out. That could
include a multi-day plein air outing, as well as expanding into other opportunities in other
seasons and involving other galleries and art centers. “We know the region’s artists and art
community are highly regarded, and we want to help further that and strengthen our bonds
with the arts community,” says Kuras.
