Event Link: https://artofthelakes.wildapricot.org/store

FEE: Check link for all the fees and supplies options.

Open Ceramic Studio

 Wednesdays

May 14 - Aug. 27  5-8 pm

Every Wednesday, May 14-August 27, 5-8 pm
Purchase a Punch Card for studio access

Open Ceramic Studio is a series of dedicated sessions for the community and AOTL Members to use the ceramic studio in the Creative Arts Center. Open Ceramic Studio is for artists to work individually on personal ceramic projects. Participants will need prior ceramics background, as no formal instruction will be given. Kristi Everts and other ceramic artists will be available during the Open Ceramic Studio hours, for questions and assistance if needed.​

Equipment: Pottery wheels, bats, project boards are available. Tools are available for purchase or artists may bring their own tools. Limited tools are also available for use.
  
Supplies: 25# of clay are available for purchase for $35 which includes the cost of clay, firing and glaze.  No outside clay can be used unless approved prior to use with documentation of type and cone. We bisque at cone 06 and glaze at cone 6.  

• Commercial glazes are available for use. No outside glazes can be used without approval prior to use with documentation of cone from original container.

Event Link: https://www.artofthelakes.org/clay-studio.html

FEE: $60/person / $48/person

Wednesday: June 4, July 2, or August 6
​6:30-9 pm
​Creative Arts Center

$60/person / $48/person
Early Bird offer ends 2 weeks before class date

For a unique and creative date night in Battle Lake, MN, consider a "Clay Date" where you and your partner or friend/s can learn to throw pottery on a wheel or engage in a hands-on clay sculpting experience. Fee includes clay, firing and glazing. No experience needed. Bring your favorite drink and a positive vibe for a memorable night! Work will be finished with your choice of glaze and ready for you to pick up in approximately 2 weeks. 18+

Things you need to know:
This is messy work, so wear clothing you don't mind getting dirty. We have aprons and towels available for use. Short nails are best for beginners working with clay on the wheel. We have nail clippers if you need to chop your claws. 

Event Link: https://www.artofthelakes.org/prairie-lakes-plein-air-2025.html

FEE: Go to link for various fees

The Prairie Lakes Plein Air art series is a festival of art education, exhibition, and competition open to professional and non-professional artists of all skill levels. Enjoy your summer painting in the idyllic setting of Otter Tail County, situated in West-Central Minnesota lakes country. Delve into the pristine landscape of gently rolling hills and fertile farmland amongst clear blue lakes and streams for an inspirational painting experience. Attend Plein Air demos & workshops (artists to be announced soon). 

Artists and collectors will enjoy many activities including the Opening Reception, Plein Air Competition, Workshops & Demonstrations, and Quick Paint competition. The concluding Collectors' Preview and Award Ceremony will showcase a variety of Plein Air motifs and styles of artwork.

Schedule of Events
Opening Day for Artists June 21, 2025 10 am - 12 pm
Artists meet at the Creative Arts Center, 112 Main St W, Battle Lake, MN​

• Pick up your welcome packets. 

• Mark Windahl will present on plein air concepts and history. 

• Shanna Cramer will cover some of what to expect with PLPA 25.

• Bring your questions! 

We'll paint out following the presentations. Bring your supplies and paint along! 

Plein Air Competition June 21- August 28, 2025
Throughout the summer, artists will be painting Plein Air in and around our Battle Lake community and Otter Tail County. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe as the artists seek to represent the shifting light, extraordinary colors and textures of our varied rural landscape. We ask that participants and observers do not block entrances/traffic ways to businesses. Free to the public; artists must register.

ARTIST REGISTRATION

Demonstrations/Workshops
To explore a variety of en Plein Air styles and techniques, artists and community members will have the opportunity to attend a range of art classes and artist talks with our featured artists.

CLASSES

Classes and Workshops will be announced soon

​Weekend Festivities August 29 & 30, 2025
Our Prairie Lakes Plein Air art series will be capped off with a full weekend of enjoyable events all happening in or near Battle Lake.

Collector's Preview Reception and Award Ceremony 
​Friday evening, 6-8 pm, August 29, 2025 TICKETED
The Collector's Preview and Award Ceremony will be an art-lovers' social event and a rare opportunity to view artworks from prominent plein air painters from around the Midwest. This exhibition of works by the competition participants will be held in the Art of the Lakes Gallery in Battle Lake. Grand Prize winners will be announced in a special award ceremony by oil and pastel painter and this year's judge, Cheryl LeClair-Sommer. Come and be inspired! 
Tickets purchased in advance: $8 AOTL members, $10 non-members 
Tickets purchased at the door: $20

TICKETS

Tickets will be available soon

Quick Paint Saturday, 9:30 - 11:30 am, August 30, 2025
Participating artists will be found painting throughout Battle Lake within earshot of the CAC. Vote for your favorite from 12pm to 2:45 pm. People's Choice and Artists' Choice awards are announced at 3 pm. 

Plein Air Demonstration with Cheryl LeClair-Sommer
Saturday, 1 - 3 pm, August 30, 2025
To inspire those who want to know more about Plein Air painting, join judge Cheryl LeClair-Sommer in or near the CAC as she provides a demonstration and shares tips and answers your questions. 

Quick Paint Awards Saturday, 3 pm, August 30, 2025
Our Prairie Lakes en Plein Air festival concludes at the CAC where Quick Paint Awards will be presented and competition paintings will be on display. 

Competition Exhibition August 30 - September 27, 2025
The Art of the Lakes Gallery will be open for the general public to view paintings from this event and make purchases.

Competition Judge
Cheryl LeClair-Sommer

Competition Class
$1000 - Best in Show
$500 - 2nd Place Award
$250 - 3rd Place Award
$150 - People's Choice Award
$50 - 3 Honorable Mentions

Quick Paint (Must be painted at the August 30 event)
$75 - People's Choice
$75 - Artists' Choice

Open Class
​Recognition Award and Judge's Feedback

About Our Judge
Cheryl LeClair-Sommer is a Minnesota based representational painter working mainly in oils, featuring works that highlight the natural world. Her main focus, painting landscapes directly outside, originates from her spiritual connection to the land and reverence for nature's raw beauty. Studio paintings feature the natural world as observed through the human imprint. 

Event Link: https://www.artofthelakes.org/clay-studio.html

FEE: See available options

Ceramics Studio
has expanded hours beginning July 1.

Any member with prior experience / training in the CAC Ceramics Studio (classes count) can now gain use of its space whenever the gallery is open. This is workspace for artists capable in working independently. Here's how it works:

1. Purchase a Punch Card online.

2. Purchase clay online at least 1 day prior to your use. Your bag of clay will be labeled with your name and available on the studio shelf when you arrive.

3. Check in at the Gallery desk and the gallery sitter will punch your card and ask you to leave your Driver's License in a sealed envelope in exchange for the key to the CAC door. 

4. Follow the rules and guidelines posted in the studio. Expectations are that all the tools and your workspace will be clean before you leave. Be sure to lock the door and return the key before the gallery closes.

Summer Gallery Hours:
Mon-Thurs: 10-5, Fri-Sat 10-8, Sun 10-3 pm 

CAC Open Studio Hours: Wednesday 5-8 pm

Important: All AOTL members MUST check in at the gallery before they use the Ceramic Studio.

Adults ages 18+ only.

Event Link: https://www.artofthelakes.org/youth-classes.html

FEE: 7 classes for $75.

​July 7 : Create pages of doodles for coloring
July 9: Explore the magic of words
July 21: Use alcohol ink to create a beautiful ceramic tile
July 22: Make a composition using twigs you paint
July 23: Learn how to make healthy food you and your friends will want to eat!
​July 28: Design your own baseball cap with embroidery stitching
July 30: Create your self-portrait using acetate, paper, and paint

Event Link: https://www.artofthelakes.org/youth-classes.html

FEE: 6 classes for $50.
​July 8 : Explore the magic of words
July 21: Use q-tips and paint to create a painting just like George Seurat
July 22: Draw and paint a sea turtle with oil pastels and watercolor
July 28: Put on your party hat and learn how to make fancy sandwiches and fruit cups. Fun for both boys and girls
​July 29: Expand your drawing skills into the world of 3D
July 30: Learn about the history and culture of the piñata and make one to take home!

Event Link: https://www.artofthelakes.org/education.html

FEE: $70./$75. Member/Non-Member
 $65./$70. Member/Non-Member Early Bird (by July 10)

Ceramic Birdhouse Wind Chimes with Brad Wegscheid
July 24 & 31, 5-8 pm

​Sculpt and build a ceramic bird house style wind chime. Every garden needs one! No previous skills needed or use skills you already have to make more elaborate projects. Cost covers firing and all materials. Ages adults and youth 16+.

Event Link: https://www.artofthelakes.org/education.html

FEE: $35/$40 Member/Non-Member
$30/$35 Early Bird Member/Non-Member (by July 25) 

Slow Stitching: The Relaxing World of Hand Sewing with Kim Graff
August 8 & 15, 10-12 noon

Yearning for a break from the fast-paced, digital world we live in? In a world where everything seems to be rushing by, there's a charming and therapeutic escape waiting for you in the form of slow stitching. 

Why Slow Stitching?
1.    Mindful Relaxation: Slow stitching is a form of mindfulness. When you're engaged in this gentle activity, your mind calms down, and you become fully immersed in the present moment. It's like a mini vacation for your brain!
2.    Creativity Unleashed: With slow stitching, you have the freedom to let your creativity flow. You can design your projects, choose fabrics, and experiment with different stitches to create unique and personalized items.
3.    Connection to Tradition: Slow stitching has a rich history. It connects you to generations of crafters who used hand sewing to mend, embellish, and create. It's a beautiful way to carry forward a timeless tradition.
4.    Sustainability: In a world of fast fashion and disposable goods, slow stitching promotes sustainability. By repairing and upcycling textiles, you can reduce waste and contribute to an eco-friendlier lifestyle.

Attendees should bring fabric scraps of interest, sewing needles & scissors. 

Event Link: https://www.artofthelakes.org/education.html

FEE: $75./$80. Member/Non-Member
$70./$75.  Member/Non-Member Early Bird (by August 13)

Fun with Watercolor on Yupo with Jim Turner
August 27 & 28, 9:30 - 3:30 pm

This workshop is for anyone interested in exploring the unique characteristics of YUPO. We will take advantage of the abstract, flowing “liquid” look of wet in wet application and experiment with stamping, texturing, and lifting. We'll also talk about design and how to go from crazy accidental abstraction to finished work as well as “taming” YUPO to do representational work, flattening washes, graded washes, etc. This class is for beginners who want to just have fun playing with paint, accomplished watercolorists who want to explore a new surface, and anyone in between interested in expanding their horizons.

​Materials List: fun_with_yupo_workshop.pdf