Paint the Towns in Fall Color-2027
Plein Air Competition, Exhibition, and Sale
Paint the Towns in Fall Color: A Week of Artistic Inspiration in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin
Since 2010, Paint the Towns in Fall Color has invited artists to experience the beauty, character, and unexpected treasures of Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, through the timeless art of plein air painting. This annual, weeklong competition welcomes artists from throughout the Midwest to step outside, set up their easels, and capture the landscapes, landmarks, and local charm that make this corner of Wisconsin so special. With $3,000 in awards, the event offers an inspiring opportunity to explore, create, and share your artistic vision. The 2027 dates are: Artists paint in the community Wednesday, September 29 through Wednesday October 6, 2027. Public Reception and Sale, Friday, October 8, 2027.
From the magnificent shoreline of Lake Michigan in Sheboygan to the rolling landscapes of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, Sheboygan County offers a remarkable variety of painting destinations. Artists can capture the changing light across the water, the natural beauty of wooded trails and open fields, or the energy and excitement of Road America, the world-renowned race track located between Plymouth and Elkhart Lake.
Discover the distinctive character of the county’s communities, each offering its own artistic appeal. The village of Elkhart Lake exudes small-town charm, while Kohler blends beautiful surroundings with thoughtfully designed architecture and gardens. Sheboygan Falls offers historic character and scenic river views, and Plymouth welcomes artists with its inviting downtown, historic buildings, distinctive facades, and more than 30 historic murals that tell stories of the community’s past. Beyond the villages and towns, winding country roads, peaceful farms, rolling hills, and rural landscapes provide endless possibilities for artistic interpretation.
No two artists will see the same scene in quite the same way. That is the beauty of plein air painting—and the spirit of Paint the Towns in Fall Color. Whether your passion is capturing the glow of autumn foliage, the texture of weathered architecture, the movement of water, or the quiet beauty of the countryside, you will find inspiration around every corner.
Presented by the Plymouth Arts Center, this annual event brings together artists who share a love of painting outdoors, discovering new places, and celebrating the visual character of the region. The week culminates in an exhibition and awards celebration, giving the public an opportunity to experience the artists’ interpretations of Sheboygan County and appreciate the creativity inspired by a week in the field.
Artists are invited to bring their talents, explore the region, connect with fellow painters, and become part of a tradition that has been growing since 2010. Come paint with us in Sheboygan County, where Lake Michigan meets charming communities, beautiful countryside, and endless artistic possibilities. Discover a new favorite view, find inspiration in an unexpected place, and let the colors of fall guide your next masterpiece.
