In partnership with the St. Charles Arts Council, the Fabyan Japanese Garden will be open to the public on Thursday, August 20, 2026, a day the garden is normally closed. No admittance fee is required, and donations to Preservation Partners are appreciated.

The St. Charles Arts Council is hosting its 3rd annual Plein Air (French for “open air” or “outdoors”) event from August 17-23.

The weeklong event welcomes 65 artists from across the U.S. who will set up outside, all around town, to paint picturesque scenes of St. Charles and the surrounding areas. 

All week, enjoy watching Plein Air painters and art demos, engage in creative activities, and enjoy the city’s thriving arts scene come to life.

A Grand Reveal Party of all the artists’ work will be held on Saturday, August 23, 6-9PM and an art show, where you may purchase some of their work from the week, will be held Sunday, August 24, 10AM-3 PM. Both events will take place at the Baker Memorial Community Center in St. Charles.

For more information, visit stcharlesartscouncil.org/plein-air-2026.

The watercolor pictured above was made by Chuck Cassell.