Paint Annapolis
Join us June 4-11, 2023, for the 22nd Annual
Maryland Federation of Art, Paint Annapolis.
A painting in progress at Paint Annapolis.
Image courtesy of Ken Tom.
What is Paint Annapolis?
Paint Annapolis is a week-long, juried, plein-air painting competition held each year that brings artists to Annapolis from around the world. 'En plein air' refers to the artist painting outdoors in real-time while amidst the elements. The event, now in its 22nd year, is designed to explore in paint the unique colonial architecture, marine atmosphere, and overall energy of Maryland's capital. Day and night, you will see dozens of artists across the city painting on the street, demonstrating their talents.
Visit the Maryland Federation of Art online to learn more about this unique arts event.
An artist paints on historic Maryland Avenue.
Image courtesy of Ken Tom.
Discover More!
Art in Annapolis & Anne Arundel County
Enjoy regional arts in our bayside destination during your visit to Annapolis for the plein air festival.
Chesapeake Arts Center in northern Anne Arundel County is a powder keg of creativity and hosts gallery shows, live music, art classes, and other community events. Maryland Hall, once a school, is now home to theatre, ballet, art installations, art classes, and dance classes and offers an annual event calendar that aims to create a space for artistic dialogue and spark conversation through art activism.
Discover murals across the city and county with the Art in Public Places Commission mural walk.
Image courtesy of Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County.
With over 20 galleries, all within a short walk from one another, it's no wonder Annapolis was named one of the nation's Top 25 Arts Destinations in American Style Magazine's 12th Annual Arts Designation Poll. Annapolis galleries showcase various artwork, from pottery and glass fusing to sculpture, painting, and everything else in between. Annapolis is a compact and walkable city. Paint Annapolis is a great excuse to hit the streets and check out all the fantastic paintings materializing before your eyes while exploring unique galleries, murals, and sculptures throughout the Annapolis Arts District.
Jo Fleming of Jo Fleming Contemporary Art, Maryland Avenue
Paint Annapolis Schedule of Events
Sunday, June 4 – Dueling Brushes
Paint Annapolis kicks off with Dueling Brushes, our quick draw, from 9 – 11 AM in downtown Annapolis. Artists will have 2 hours to find a spot downtown and finish an original painting from a blank canvas. There will be an exhibition of completed works from 11:30 AM – 2 PM at Susan B. Campbell Park in City Dock. The show is free and open to the public. Awards will be announced at 1 PM. Participating painters must be registered for Paint Annapolis.
Tuesday, June 6 – Paint the Bay Reception
Join our artists at the Annapolis Maritime Museum (723 Second Street, Annapolis) from 6 – 8 PM after a day of painting for a reception sponsored by the Junior League of Annapolis, Inc. Wine and food will be provided. This reception is free and open to the public. Artwork for the Juried Artists will be for sale.
Wednesday, June 7 – Dinner Under the Stars
Enjoy a lovely dinner on West Street during Dinner Under the Stars from 5 – 10 PM and watch the Juried and Public Artists paint the night away – from Ego Alley to Inner West Street. Artists are encouraged to take advantage of West Street's lively activity and paint their nocturne this evening. For more information about Dinner Under the Stars, visit dinnerunderthestars.org.
Thursday, June 8 – Art on the Avenue
Join Juried and Public Artists in the early evening for awards and an exhibition after a day of painting Annapolis's Historic District. Art on the Avenue will see Maryland Avenue closed to traffic and open to artists for live music, art demonstrations, and more. This event is free and open to the public.
Friday, June 9 – Collector's Party and Awards Ceremony
You've watched them paint – now see the finished art. Join the Juried Artists and Awards Juror Mark Karnes at the Pop Up Gallery at 4 Church Circle and be the first to see and purchase the artwork created by the Juried Artists since June 4 at the Collector's Party from 6 – 8 PM. Awards will be announced at 7 PM. Tickets will be available for $25 online or at the door.
Saturday, June 10 – Exhibition Begins, Opening Reception
The Paint Annapolis Exhibition is officially open. Visit MFA's Pop Up Gallery at 4 Church Circle and Circle Gallery at 18 State Circle to see all the work. The Pop-Up Gallery will be open from 11 AM – 5 PM daily. Join us tonight for the Opening Reception at the Pop Up Gallery from 5 – 7 PM, where work created by the artists will be exhibited and for sale during the Opening Reception. Awards for the Public and Student Artists will be announced at 6 PM. This event is free and open to the public.
Wednesday, June 21 – Closing Reception at the Pop-Up Gallery
Join us for a Closing Reception at the Pop-Up Gallery at 4 Church Circle from 5 – 7 PM. This event is free and open to the public. This is your last chance to view the work of the Public and Student Artists.
To register as an artist for this event, click the button below.
