Embracing the Outdoors: Paint It Fresh! in Fort Wayne, Indiana

There’s a quiet kind of bravery in painting outdoors. To create in real time, in real space, with no curtain between the artist and the world—it’s a gesture of trust. It’s about presence.

Events like Paint It Fresh! remind us that art doesn’t always need a frame or a gallery. Sometimes, it lives best in the open air, where light shifts and strangers pause. Here, the act of making becomes part of the landscape.

The Ritual of Plein Air Painting

At Koöko Fleurs, we believe in rituals that root us. We appreciate the way petals unfold without permission. We admire how a brushstroke can echo the curve of a leaf or the hush of dusk. Plein air painting is one such ritual—a way of saying, “I see this moment, and it matters.”

Even from afar, we feel the resonance. It invites us to slow down, to notice, and to honor the ordinary beauty that surrounds us, waiting to be witnessed.

Paint It Fresh! Brings Breath and Brushstroke to Fort Wayne, Indiana

As late summer light spills across the sidewalks of Fort Wayne, artists gather with easels and open hearts for the Paint It Fresh! Plein Air Competition—an annual celebration of spontaneity, place, and the healing power of art.

Over three days, the city transforms into a living canvas. From the rustle of Headwaters Park to the quiet geometry of downtown’s brick facades, painters capture scenes not just with pigment, but with presence. The event, part of the "Taste of the Arts Festival," invites both seasoned creators and curious newcomers to paint in real time, outdoors, among the people and pulse of the city.

“There’s something sacred about painting what’s right in front of you,” says Dana Lively, curator and longtime advocate for plein air art. “It’s not just about technique—it’s about attention. It’s about being here.”

Highlights of the Competition

This year’s competition includes:

• Live painting sessions across Fort Wayne’s historic and natural landmarks.

• Awards for Best in Show, Emerging Artist, and Community Favorite.

• A public art sale where visitors can purchase freshly painted works directly from the artists.

  
  

Local businesses have joined the celebration, offering discounts to anyone who supports the artists. Cafés are serving “palette-inspired” drinks, and flower shops are pairing bouquets with miniature canvases—an echo of Koöko Fleurs’ own belief in ritual and renewal.

The Impact of Community Engagement

For many, the event is more than a showcase. It’s a reminder that beauty is not confined to galleries or grand gestures. It lives in the moment, in the way light hits a windowpane, or how a stranger pauses to watch a brushstroke bloom.

The community engagement during Paint It Fresh! fosters connections. Artists and onlookers share stories, laughter, and inspiration. This interaction enriches the experience, creating a tapestry of shared creativity.

The Essence of Art in Nature

Art has a unique ability to connect us with nature. When artists paint outdoors, they immerse themselves in their surroundings. They capture the essence of a moment, reflecting the beauty of the world around them. This connection is vital, reminding us of our place within the larger tapestry of life.

Plein air painting encourages us to appreciate the fleeting moments. The way the sun casts shadows, or how the wind rustles leaves—these details become part of the artwork. They infuse each piece with a sense of time and place.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Creativity

Paint It Fresh! is not just an event; it’s a celebration of creativity and community. It invites everyone to witness the magic of art in the open air.

As the competition unfolds, we are reminded of the power of presence. We see how art can transform ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Join us in celebrating this vibrant expression of creativity, and let’s honor the beauty that surrounds us every day.

For more information, visit Paint It Fresh!.