Sept. 24th and 25th, 2022 is the final events of the 9th annual Between the Bluffs Plein Air artist competition and Jon Erickson is an award-winning competitor. This year, Jon will be painting “in nature” at some of his most favorite coulee region locations in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

“I’m a local artist that appreciates the immense beauty of the coulee region,” explained Jon Erickson. “With this competition, over 30 artists will share my passion as we work to produce up to three paintings to enter in the competition.”

The event is open to the public. Following are details of the event:

Watercolor demonstration by local artist Bob Witte Saturday Sept. 17 at 8 am. Location: Goose Island, La Crosse. Meet at the South end of Goose Island by the boat launch. With inclement weather, event will be canceled. More about the artist: (https://www.studiogallery1311.com/viewcollection/169071)

Artists “Quick Paint “Competition Saturday Sept. 24 at Grandad's Bluff in La Crosse. The public is welcome to observe the artists painting at the overlook area on Grandad's Bluff, La Crosse. Artists will compete to produce their work of art in a two hour window. Event begins at 10 a.m. and judging will be at noon with prizes awarded at 1 p.m.

The Gallery Art Show and Sale is the main event of the Plein Air Festival on Saturday Sept. 24 from 11am to 4pm and Sunday Sept. 25 from 10am to 3pm at Studio Gallery 1311 (1311 Market Street, La Crosse). Admission is free and the paintings from the competing artists will be on display. All of the paintings will be original works of art created in the previous two week period within a 15 mile radius of downtown La Crosse. Featured locations include La Crescent's skunk hollow wetlands, La Crosse city scapes, farms, rivers, bluff views, secluded coulees and other locations chosen by the artists. This is a rare opportunity to view beautiful bluffland scenery in an artist’s rendition. The public can meet the artists and their work is also for sale. The winning paintings will be announced by nationally-known artist and judge Dan Wiemer from Red Wing, Minnesota. More here: https://danwiemer.com/

Between the Bluffs Plein Air Festival is supported by the La Crosse Arts Initiative, Studio Gallery and other local organizations and individuals. Full list is available here: https://betweenthebluffs.com/page/12931/our-generous-sponsors

Last year’s winners and more information about the festival is available here: www.betweenthebluffs.com.

See more about Jon Erickson at www.jonericksonartist.com.