With a combination of artists juried into the competition and public artist participation, we had more than 100 artists competing in 2024.
Click below to register as a Public or Student Artist and join us for a fantastic week of painting and parties.
Public Artist Registration and Information Student Artist Registration and Information Frequently Asked Questions
Download the Schedule
The Paint Annapolis Week of Events
Sunday, June 1– Dueling Brushes
Paint Annapolis kicks off with Dueling Brushes, our quick draw, from 9 – 11 AM. Artists have 2 hours to find a spot downtown and finish an original painting from a blank canvas, followed by an exhibition of finished works from 11:30 AM – 2 PM at the Susan B. Campbell Park with awards announced at 1 PM. This an exciting event for the public to witness and buy art – a great kick off to the week! Attending this event is free and open to the public.
Tuesday, June 3 – Paint the Bay Reception
“Paint the Bay” is a reception and event that features work by Juried Artists featuring an aspect of the lovely Chesapeake Bay. Held at the Bay Ridge Marina and Clubhouse, the 2024 event was sponsored by PNC. This reception with with wine and hors d’oeuvres is a great opportunity to meet the juried artists and make a selection of their amazing work. Attending this event is free and open to the public.
Dusk to Dawn Nocturne Painting
Artists have an opportunity to vie for the Nocturne award by creating paintings any night between dusk and dawn. However, artists are encouraged to take advantage of the lively atmosphere and paint their nocturne during Dinner Under the Stars on June 4 from 5 – 10 PM. Reserve your spot at your favorite restaurant on Inner West Street to dine al fresco during Dinner Under the Stars and watch many artists set up and paint their nocturnes from dusk to dawn. Watching artists paint is free and open to the public.
Thursday, June 5 – Art on the Avenue
Art on the Avenue is an evening of art, music and celebration, where Maryland Avenue is closed to traffic. From 6 – 8 PM Juried and Public Artists exhibit a painting they have created that best showcases the architecture of Historic Annapolis, with awards given at 7 PM. Attending this event is free and open to the public.
Friday, June 6 – Collector’s Party and Juried Artist Awards Ceremony
This ticketed event at MFA Circle Gallery gives you a first introduction to the full body of works created by the Juried Artists throughout the week, and to witness the Awards Ceremony. At this event, you have an opportunity to be the first to add their work to your collection. Tickets for this event will be available for purchase on May 1.
Saturday, June 7 – PA Exhibition Begins, Opening Reception
The full and complete Paint Annapolis Exhibition officially opens with an Opening Reception from 5 to 7 PM, where you get to see all the public artists works as well as additional juried artists works. Public, Teen and Young Artist awards are announced during this reception, including the awards selected by the Mayor of Annapolis. The Pop Up Gallery and Circle Gallery are open daily for two weeks following the reception to give the public an opportunity to see and purchase artwork created during this historic week. Attending this event is free and open to the public.
Sunday, June 8 – Muffins and Mimosas
The painting is done; awards are given and now it’s time to relax! Take a leisurely stroll through both galleries and enjoy the wonderful art made over the past week while sipping on a Mimosa and munching on a muffin from 11 AM – 1 PM. Attending this event is free and open to the public.
Saturday, June 21 – Last Day, Closing Reception
Today is your last chance to see the incredible work created earlier this month. Circle Gallery and the Pop Up Gallery are both open until 5 PM and you are invited to join us at the Pop Up Gallery for one last party celebrating this incredible week of painting! Join us from 5 – 7 PM for your last chance to view the work created by all the talented Public and Student Artists. The Mayor’s Award will be announced at 6 PM. Attending this event is free and open to the public.
Want to Sponsor Paint Annapolis?
Are you looking for a way to support our community and boost your business?
Now in our 24th year, Paint Annapolis brings over 100 artists for a week of painting out on the streets of our beautiful historic city.
As the driver of the premier painting event in Annapolis, Maryland Federation of Art displays street banners advertising the event throughout downtown Annapolis and up West Street. There are daily painting events all over the city with signage and prizes for the artists.
This week-long event is promoted on our MFA website (mdfedart.org) which reaches more than 10,000 artists and art lovers as well as the celebrated local art magazine, UpStart and other publications. Paint Annapolis is promoted throughout the Mid-Atlantic region by Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (VAAAC) and is featured in the national Plein Air Magazine’s Ultimate Guide.
MFA relies on the generous support of our sponsors to pull off this artistic showcase. Please join us as we create connections that enrich life through art and become a sponsor. With sponsorship levels from $15,000 – $50, there is a place for everyone who believes in art and artists to support this event. Whatever level of sponsorship you choose, your gift helps make Paint Annapolis better each year!
For more details about reserving your sponsorship, contact Patrice Drago by May 1 at patrice@mdfedart.org
Sponsor Paint Annapolis
