Frequently Asked Questions
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for public artists for first-time artists for student artists
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For Public Artists
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?
– Anyone! Simply paint outside from life in any media without the use of photographs or references. You do not have to be considered a “plein air” artist to participate. Artists at all skill levels, from student to beginner, to seasoned professional are welcome to join us. Click here to register.
WHAT MEDIA CAN I USE TO CREATE ARTWORK FOR PAINT ANNAPOLIS?
– All types of physical media are welcome! Paint Annapolis is not restricted to your “traditional” painting styles (oil, acrylic, watercolor, etc.) and is open to all forms of art: pastels, etching, drawing, charcoal, collage and more are welcome! The more the merrier. Not sure what counts? Email us at info@mdfedart.org to ask.
DO I NEED TO GET MY CANVAS STAMPED TO PAINT?
– Yes! Your blank painting surface (or primed or gessoed in one solid color) must be stamped BEFORE you start painting. Sketches and underpaintings will NOT be stamped.
WHERE DO I GO TO GET MY CANVAS STAMPED?
– Stamping for Dueling Brushes ONLY will be at Circle Gallery and City Dock June 1 from 8 – 9 AM. Stamping for the rest of the week will be at the Pop Up Gallery, 86 Maryland Ave. (The AIA Building), June 2 – 5 from 11 AM – 5 PM.
HOW LARGE CAN MY PAINTING BE?
– Artwork, including mat and frame, may not exceed 24 inches in any direction. We recommend a standard size painting surface to make it easier to frame.
WHEN AND WHERE CAN I PAINT?
– Check back closer to the event for each day’s maps!
WHEN CAN I PAINT MY NOCTURNE?
– New this year – Nocturnes may be painted any night after dusk and before dawn. Artists are highly encouraged to paint their nocturnes during Dinner Under the Stars on Wednesday night. Nocturnes must be painted within the designated map.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FRAMING? WHERE CAN I GET A FRAME?
– All paintings must be framed, wired, and ready to hang. NO EXCEPTIONS. For custom frames, look at West Annapolis Fine Artworks and Framing, Wimsey Cove Framing & Fine Art Printing, or McBride Gallery.
HOW MANY PIECES CAN I DISPLAY DURING PAINT ANNAPOLIS?
– Each Public Artist may display up to two pieces plus one nocturne. The pieces on display must have a visible Paint Annapolis stamp. You are encouraged to paint numerous pieces throughout the week so you can select your favorites to display.
DO MY PAINTINGS HAVE TO BE FOR SALE? DOES MFA TAKE A COMMISSION?
– Yes. All paintings submitted for display in the Paint Annapolis exhibition must be for sale. MFA will retain 40% commission on all works sold throughout the Paint Annapolis event and exhibition, and the artist will receive 60%. By participating in Paint Annapolis, artists agree not to conduct sales or presales of their paintings outside the commission structure.
WHERE IS THE POP UP GALLERY?
– 86 Maryland Ave. (The AIA Building)
HOW DO I GET MY WORK DISPLAYED IN THE POP UP GALLERY?
– Your stamped, framed, wired, and ready to hang work must be turned in by Friday, June 6 at 12 PM. However, if you are finished earlier, you may turn in your work any time the Pop Up Gallery is open (starting Sunday, June 1 at 2:30 PM).
HOW DO I PUT MY WORK ONLINE?
– The button to upload your work will be emailed to you June 1. Make sure to take a high quality photo for upload! You spent so much time making a fantastic piece of art, so you want the photo to show off your wonderful work! PS – make sure NOT to include the frame in your photo.
WHERE CAN I PARK?
– Parking in the city is no easy feat, but there are plenty of garages, street parking, and lots throughout town. More detailed information can be found at https://www.visitannapolis.org/plan/transportation/parking/. Please note that paying for most all parking downtown is app-based.
WHERE ARE THE BATHROOMS I CAN USE?
– There are public bathrooms at the Visitor’s Center and also down at City Dock.
HOW LONG WILL MY WORK BE ON DISPLAY?
– Your work will be officially on display in the Paint Annapolis Pop Up Gallery and MFA’s Online Gallery from June 7 – 21. Work may not be removed early from either gallery for any reason. If your work sells, it will remain in the gallery through the end of the exhibition. MFA will notify you if your work sells.
WHEN DO I PICK UP MY UNSOLD WORK?
– Artists are encouraged to attend the Closing Reception and pick up their unsold work at the end of the Closing Reception on Saturday, June 21 at 7 PM.
– Artists who do not pick up their work after the reception June 21 MUST pick up their unsold artwork June 22 – 23 between 12 – 4 PM. Artists will be charged a $30 late fee for work not picked up by June 23 at 4 PM. Work not picked up within 14 days will become the property of MFA.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
– Please see the sections below if you are new to plein air painting, a student, or just planning a visit.
– Read The Fine Print for Public Artists here and for the Student Artists here.
– Email us at info@mdfedart.org or call us at 410-268-4566
For New Artists
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO TAKE PART AND WHAT DOES IT ALLOW ME TO DO AS A PUBLIC ARTIST?
– Registration is $55. The registration fee guarantees you:
– The opportunity to display two works you paint during the week of Paint Annapolis (plus a nocturne if you create one) in our Pop Up Gallery without being juried in,
– Automatic inclusion in our Quick Draw event and other public events throughout the week,
– The ability to compete for over $3,000 in cash prizes, including the Mayor’s Choice Awards,
– That the work you create will be seen by many collectors and possibly purchased!
WHAT IS A PLEIN AIR NOCTURNE PAINTING?
– A plein air nocturne painting is an artwork made outdoors at night without the use of references or photographs. Nocturnes must be created between dusk and dawn the following day.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
– If you’ve never participated in a plein air competition before, you’re going to need a few of the following things: paint and paint brushes, a paint palette, (or supplies for whatever media you choose to work in), water and a water cup (one for you and one for washing your brushes), a standing easel to paint and display your work on, paper towels, a trash bag, and of course, your frame, wire, and stamped painting surfaces.
– We also recommend a neutral colored hat, sunblock, comfortable walking shoes, and snacks. You should wear neutral colored clothing that you don’t mind getting paint on. Neutral colors will prevent the color of your clothing from distorting how you see and paint colors on your canvas.
HOW DO I KNOW HOW TO PRICE MY PAINTINGS?
– How you price your paintings is a personal choice. There are no restrictions or guidelines other than it must have a price.
– Price your work as you normally would if you have previously priced and sold paintings elsewhere. If you are pricing your work for the first time, it is a strictly personal choice. If you really don’t have any idea, you may ask a fellow artist for guidance.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FRAMING? WHERE CAN I GET A FRAME?
– All paintings must be framed, wired, and ready to hang. NO EXCEPTIONS.
– We recommend purchasing a standard size frame ahead of time (24 inches or less in any direction!) that your panel or paper will fit in. If you are working with a material other than acrylic or oil, make sure to get plexiglass for your frame, not glass. You can check out Dick Blick, Jerry’s Artarama, or Michaels for standard size frames. For custom frames, look at West Annapolis Fine Artworks and Framing, Wimsey Cove Framing & Fine Art Printing, or McBride Gallery.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW OR DO?
– Have fun! This is a great opportunity to learn and to meet your fellow artists and future collectors!
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Email us at info@mdfedart.org or call us at 410-268-4566. We can’t wait to see you this summer!
For Student Artists
WHAT AGES CAN PARTICIPATE?
– Student Artists in grades 7 – 12 may participate in Paint Annapolis for free.
DOES IT COST MONEY TO REGISTER AND WHAT DO I GET?
There is no cost to register as a Student Artist! Student Artists get almost all the same benefits as Public Artists:
– The opportunity to display ONE work you paint during the week of Paint Annapolis in our Pop Up Gallery without being juried in,
– Automatic inclusion in our Quick Draw event and other public events throughout the week,
– The ability to compete for over $300 in cash prizes, and
– That the work you create will be seen by many collectors and possibly purchased!
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
– All students are encouraged to sign up! No previous painting experience is necessary.
HOW LARGE CAN MY PAINTING BE?
– Artwork, including mat and frame, may not exceed 12 inches in any direction. We recommend a standard size painting surface to make it easier to frame.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW AND WHAT’S DIFFERENT FOR STUDENTS?
– Students may display ONE stamped, framed, wired, and ready to hang painting. Frame must be less than 12 inches in any direction.
– Please see the General and New Artist FAQ for general information.