When is the next event?
Arrivals will begin on June 8, 2024, and check-out will begin on June 15, 2024.
Since this is an invitational do I need an invitation?
No. Anyone who paints en plein air is invited. All levels of painters.
Is smoking allowed in the camp or in the rooms?
No, smoking is prohibited on campus.
Is alcohol allowed and/or provided?
Alcoholic beverages are not provided though we will have a cash bar in our lounge for later evening after sunset. Only beer and wine can be served on campus. Drinks will be around $4.00 to $6.00 each. We suggest that you may wish to bring what you wish to consume. Please no driving drunk or walking the campus with open containers. Consumption in dorm rooms is permitted.
Are small dogs allowed on the grounds and in the rooms?
Pets are not allowed on campus, unless they are aiding a person with a disability (assistant dog). Assistant dogs will need to be registered prior to guest arrival.
Will my cellphone work?
The only cell phones that work in this area seems to be Verizon and Track phones. They actually have a Verizon (“Frankenpine”) tower on the campus.
Will there be internet connectivity provided for us?
There is free wifi available throughout the campus.
May I bring my spouse?
Spouses are welcome at a per-person rate.
What is the deadline for registration?
There is no deadline. You can register up to the day of the event or register on location.
Can I bring my fishing gear?
Fishing gear is welcome. You can catch from the shore or your boat. Boats are also welcome, however you may have to store it on a trailer due to limited dock space. Jet skis are not welcome or legally allowed on this chain of lakes, nor are sea planes.
Can I bring my canoe or kayak?
If you have a canoe or kayak, bring it. The school is on a chain of three magnificent lakes with special places only available by water. There are also canoes available to borrow onsite.
Can I rent a canoe or kayak?
We have arranged to have canoes available at no charge from the campus. Canoes are limited and will need to be scheduled in advance.
What is the weather like? What apparel should I bring?
Weather is typically cool in mid June but not cold, however it can turn cold or wet. Bring waterproof hiking shoes. Clothes for warm, cool or hot climate, and rain gear. Rain this time of year is sporadic. Bring a camera. There is more to see than you can possibly paint.
One paint spot requires wading through water and crossing over rocks. Others require some hiking, while others can be park and paint spots. Bring swim gear as well and a big net.
What should we expect to experience at an event like this?
The purpose of this event is painters painting together. Nothing more. Our goal is friendship and bonding. Though we may come up with something unexpected, there is no event other than daily painting and meals so you should expect nothing but painting. There are NO workshops, no lectures, no offsite events (though we may come up with some as extras).
Are we all painting together?
Painters will be free to go where they wish to paint. Each will be provided with a guide offering ideas of places to paint. We do intend to have a suggested morning and a suggested afternoon place each day, however you may wish to go on your own. We would like to have at least one day where we all paint together.
Evening sunsets?
The sunsets can be spectacular and the warm afternoon sun is wonderful. We are trying to coordinate late dinners so you can paint till sundown, but we don’t yet know if the college will accommodate us. If not, there are wonderful paint spots on or near campus.
What is going on in the evenings?
We think this is a great time to make friends, tell stories, have a glass of wine (paid bar available). We will be able to gather in a common area in the evenings. We also are hoping to be able to set up critique sessions and a place to show your paintings from the day.
Will there be an orientation?
We will have an orientation on the evening of check in to help you know the area, the school, etc.
Will there be a group photo?
We will schedule one group photo on campus. Our goal, if we can pull it off, is to photograph the large group from the tower looking down with the lake and the mountain in the background. We also hope to have one shot of everyone painting in one spot.
Will there be photo sharing?
We plan to post photos on the exclusive Facebook group. We encourage others to post theirs as well.
Will there be opening cocktails or drinks?
Yes, we plan on this for opening evening and there is an open cash bar each evening.
Art supplies?
We will attempt to provide mineral spirits or turps, but bring your own if you can. Supplies are difficult to find locally
Restrooms when painting?
Nope. You’re outdoors in the wild! Some locations like the VIC center do have restrooms.
Are there handicapped facilities?
By law the college will be able to handle your needs. Though many sites may be just off the road, others are hard to get to or require some walking, hiking, climbing. If you have assistance needs, please send an email request in advance so we can be ready to accommodate your needs.
Will there be transportation to paint spots and airports?
Everyone should carpool as much as possible because there may not be easy parking in all spots. Our exclusive Facebook group is a great place to communicate before the event if you need an airport ride or want to find a car buddy. Calling a cab from the local airport is a $100 ride.
Groceries and snacks?
There is a small bookstore on campus open during campus hours, a gas station about 10 minutes away, groceries and liquor stores are in Saranac Lake and Malone about a half hour away.
Is there a Facebook group I can look at?
Yep, we have one – but it is exclusive to current registrants and past attendees. You will be sent information on how to join following your registration.
How much can I carry?
If you want to hike up St. Regis Mountain or others you’ll want everything to fit in a backpack, including water, etc.
Will water be provided?
Buy some or bring a water bottle.
Where do we dispose of our trash while out painting?
Take it out with you when you leave the wilderness please.
What is happening to the paintings we’re providing?
It is somewhat customary in many events to offer a painting in exchange for guest lodging or other services. This event started small but blossomed into a giant outing, which has required Streamline (publisher of the magazines) to devote many hours to customer service calls, organization and coordination, plus we have had to hire onsite assistance. Since we’re not charging for the event but charging for room/meals/facilities only this is an optional gift. It is not required but is appreciated. Painting gifts are NOT tax deductible.
If I want to share a room but don’t have a roommate, will one be assigned?
Yes. Though if you wish to request rooming with someone specific please let us know. Also you can post the request on the exclusive Facebook page to request a roommate or to coordinate transportation, etc.
Will dinner be at a set time?
Yes, usually 5:30-6:30 so there is time to paint after dinner.