Plein air painting around the world
Shipments or Local Pickup The Little Island Lighthouse, on the Litløya small island in Vesterålen, was for decades the second most important lighthouse in Norway. Today, it’s a spectacle to visit this island, an utterly unique experience. You can sleep in…
The artistic installation project in Ballstad is an open-air initiative that seeks to connect landscape, art,
and community in the Lofoten Islands. The project consists of installing wooden platforms measuring
2.40 x 2.40 meters, each equipped with a large-scale easel. These structures are specifically
designed to withstand the harsh Norwegian weather — including sea winds, rain, and even snow —
and to hold large-format paintings for extended periods. In essence, the project aims to transform the
spectacular landscape of Ballstad into an open-air art gallery.
Carla’s vision for this project is to integrate her paintings directly into the natural surroundings. The
platforms will be placed at strategic points along the coast of Ballstad so that each artwork enters into
dialogue with the sea, the mountains, and the ever-changing light of Lofoten. Visitors will be able to
walk along the harbor or shoreline and encounter these paintings emerging from the landscape, like
artistic windows that enhance the beauty of the environment rather than competing with it.
Beyond beautifying the public space, the project carries a strong community component. Carla
collaborates with Kræmmervika Rorbuer — a historic complex of fishermen’s cabins (rorbu) in
Ballstad — and with local volunteers in the construction and installation of the platforms. The
community has shown great enthusiasm, contributing materials and labor, reinforcing a shared sense
of belonging and local pride. This collective effort turns the initiative into something more than just an
art exhibition: it becomes a symbol of shared identity and cultural openness, where art serves as a
bridge between residents, visitors, and the landscape.
For sponsors, supporting this project means promoting an innovative form of sustainable cultural
tourism in Lofoten. The installation will attract art lovers and travelers alike, offering them a unique
experience: appreciating international-caliber artworks in pristine natural settings. This generates a
positive impact on the local community (boosting tourism, educational workshops, and events around
the project) and promotes Norway as a place where nature and culture harmoniously converge.
Sponsorship will translate into visibility for brands in a context of positive values — art, nature,
community — and the satisfaction of contributing to a lasting cultural legacy in Ballstad.
