WBCA’s Into Nature Plein Air Competition Sows Deeper Local Connections

Each summer, across White Bear Lake, you might spot artists setting up their easels to paint. Be it near a serene lakefront, in front of a charming historic building, or just a random street corner, something has caught their eye.

White Bear Center for the Arts’ annual “Into Nature Plein Air Competition” draws artists from near and far, inviting them to paint en plein air or “in the open air.” The competition culminates in a beautiful display of works showcasing scenes in White Bear Lake, the “Into Nature Plein Air Exhibition.” Over the past six years of the exhibition, it has sparked meaningful connections between artists, residents, and local businesses, many of whom purchase the artwork to display in their homes or establishments.

Last year’s “Into Nature” exhibition inspired a particularly heartwarming moment when Kevin McNeely, a longtime White Bear Lake resident now living in California, came across Bill Check’s painting of the beloved Cup and Cone ice cream shop. Titled “Sweet Summertime,” it brought up sweet summer memories indeed.

“Cup and Cone is the defining landmark of White Bear Lake,” Kevin said. “If you ever need to prove that you’re from White Bear Lake, all you have to do is mention Cup and Cone.” The painting, now hanging in his California office, transports him back to childhood memories in “Beartown”. “When I see it, I can’t help thinking about a chocolate-dipped vanilla cone—and my love of White Bear Lake,” he said.

A similar story bloomed during the 2022 “Into Nature Plein Air Competition and Exhibition.” Painter Jeff Steiner set up his easel in front of White Bear Lake’s historic Hardy Hall building and submitted his finished painting to the exhibition. The watercolor of the building, which now houses the Hair Bar Salon and Med Spa, and The Lake Hideaway Airbnb, caught the eye of the Airbnb owner, who purchased the painting to hang inside the rental space.

Each year, dozens of paintings are created, showcasing the talent of artists while honoring the town’s cherished landmarks. The result is a shared sense of pride in White Bear Lake’s artistic and cultural identity.

As the “Into Nature Plein Air Competition” continues to grow, so too do the number of locations being immortalized in paintings each year. So, this summer, look out your window, or over your shoulder, and see if you can spot a painter at work. Then, visit the “Into Nature Plein Air Exhibition” at White Bear Center for the Arts to see if you recognize any of the scenes on display.

Whether on a canvas or through conversation, these painted portraits offer a window into White Bear Lake’s character, inviting viewers to take a closer look at the history and beauty that surrounds them.

Spot painters around town during the Into Nature Plein Air Competition running from July 18-31. Then see all competition entries in the “Into Nature Plein Air Exhibition” on display in the Ford Family Gallery from August 7-22.