Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre curator, Laurie Jones, said the annual release of the community-centric plein air exhibit has quickly become one of her favourite fall traditions.
Plein Air Haliburton 2026 opened Oct. 2, with 20 paintings on show at Rails End and another 27 featured in a virtual exhibit. All works were completed outdoors, on-location somewhere in Haliburton County. Some of the pieces feature landmarks such as Rails End Gallery, St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Abbey Gardens, Lochlin United Church and Lucas House, home to Corner Gallery and The Highlander.
Others opted for a more natural look, with scenes around Silent and Little Glamor lakes and Ritchie Falls captured.
Jones said the exhibit is more of a “friendly painting competition” than a serious show, designed to “celebrate Haliburton County, artistic exploration and the power of place.”
With Plein Air Haliburton now in its third year, Jones said it’s encouraging people to keep up with the discipline yearround. “It encourages everyone to venture outdoors, look closely and respond creatively to their surroundings. No experience needed,” she said.
Nine artists were recognized for their work. Harvey Walker scooped ‘Best in Show’ for Shadows on the Past, Sally Howson won the ‘Curator’s Pick’ for Cedar Trees in Winter, and Donna Greenstein secured the ‘New to Plein Air Prize’ for Morning Light at The Little Tart.
Honourable mentions went to Greg McHard for Through the Trees; Dagmar Boettcher for Lochlin Lake Swimming Rock; Oksana Baczynsky for Avery Lane Inlet; Susanne Farrow for Highlander; Daniel Teramura for Cooper’s Lookout; and Janet Trull for Pontoon View.
The exhibit runs to Nov. 28. The gallery has reverted to winter hours and is now open Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit railsendgallery.com/en-plein-air-haliburton.
