What kind of conundrum does a landscape painter find herself in when the landscape changes? If it is threatened by development? If it is challenged by climate change? Three, well-known, Northern Michigan landscape painters will explore these questions during Trouble In Paradise: The Landscape Painter’s Conundrum, a panel discussion on October 4, 11 am at the Glen Arbor Arts Center.

Artists Margo Burian, Lori Feldpausch and Stephanie Schlatter have all come up against things that trouble and alter the landscape. Do they feel constrained by the expectation they can only create works that showcase the region’s natural beauty? What does it mean to be known as a landscape painter only to deviate from that topic into territory not as scenic? What does it mean to be a landscape painter when the landscape is under siege? Ignore it? Deny it? Make some noise? During the October 4 program, the artists will talk about these questions, as well as their thinking about using their work to take on political issues.

Pictured: Clouds Building, oil, Lori Feldpausch