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/youth-classes.html

FEE: 5 classes for $45 - One class for $20

June Art Classes - Ages 6-9, 1-3 pm 

​June 9: Create a Father's Day card your Dad will love using crayons and watercolor.
June 10: Create a card by weaving strips of watercolor paper
June 16: Learn how to clean and cook a fish from the lake
June 23: Create origami shapes and embellish with watercolor pencils
June 24: Make a one-of-a-kind print using sandpaper and crayons

​

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

FEE: 4 sessions for $60.

The first two sessions will be spent on learning the basics of wheel throwing and handbuilding. The last two sessions will focus on learning how to glaze your kiln fired pieces. This class is limited to 8 students.

SUMMER CLAY CAMP AGES 10+

A series of four (4) clay / ceramics sessions for youth ages 10+. All classes are held at the Creative Arts Center, from 1-3 pm.

It's recommended that students attend all four sessions.

• June 10 - Wheel Throwing and Hand Building

• June 17 - Wheel Throwing and Hand Building

• June 24 - Glazing Kiln-Fired Clay

• July 8 - Glazing Kiln-Fired Clay

If you want to register more than one child, complete a separate registration for each child.

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

FEE: 4 classes for $50 - One class for $25

​June 11: Explore mindful art with marker and watercolor
June 16: Impress friends with folded shapes made from money
June 18: Learn how to clean and cook a fish from the lake
June 25: Create a blanket using only your arms

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/education.html

Sculpting a Clay Torso with Mary Williams
​Fridays, June 27 & July 25, 9-3 pm
$135/$145 Member / Non-Member
$125/$135 Member / Non-Member Early Bird (Before June 13)

This popular class is back. Working from a live model, you will learn how to sculpt a female torso with clay. With Mary's guidance, this is a great lesson in understanding proportions of the human form at the same time creating a piece you'll appreciate and enjoy. This class is taught at Mary's studio located just a few miles from Battle Lake. Fee includes clay, glaze and model fee.

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/studio-tour.html

FEE: FREE to do the tour and Artwork for sale!

Do the Tour!
25th Anniversary
​July 18-20, 2025    Fri & Sat: 10-5, Sun 10-3

Art of the Lakes is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its annual Studio Tour, and we invite you to be part of the fun!

The Studio Tour is a scenic, drive-yourself art crawl through beautiful countryside with hills, lakes, prairie and small towns.

Many of the studios are tucked away on rural roads scattered throughout Otter Tail and Douglas counties in West-Central Minnesota. Bright yellow signs and a map help guide you to each studio.

For your added enjoyment, many artists provide demonstrations and other events during the tour. Please note that not all studios are open on Sunday.

Artists in this region abound, and are among the most creative anywhere. Art of the Lakes is delighted to feature their talents in this up-close, immersive travel and collecting experience!

One of the largest rural art crawls
​             in the Midwest!

Look for these signs!