Whether you love to create art, or are interested in seeing it made in the moment, the public is invited to take part in a plein air painting and sketching event at Hay Lake School & Erickson Log Home, located just south of Scandia, on October 2nd, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. The site, which is owned and operated by the Washington County Historical Society, will also be open for tours from 12:00 to 4:00.  At 3 acres in size, the museum grounds offer plenty of space to spread out and produce unique looks of the property, whether it’s the Hay Lake one-room schoolhouse (1896) or the Erickson family log home (1868)–both of which are on the National Register of Historic Places—as well as the variety of trees that dot the perimeter of the grounds, many of which were planted by students and teachers of the school during their annual Arbor Day planting events.

All artists should bring their own art supplies. The museum has a limited number of folding chairs, picnic tables, and benches, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  The museum itself will be open from 12:00 to 4:00, including guided tours of both historic buildings. Admission is $5 for adults, $1 for children (age 6-17), and free for those age 5 and under.  Any paintings or drawings made during the event are welcome to be left for display and sale at the museum for the remainder of the season (contact site manager Kyle Te Poel for details at 651-433-4014).