Paint It! Ellicott City 2021

Come on out this summer as artists take to the streets of Historic Ellicott City to participate in our plein air event! Paint It! Ellicott City is an annual event that brings artists and spectators interested in the plein air tradition to Historic Ellicott City.

Also known as a paint-out, this event brings artists outside to paint directly from life, without the aid of photography. Both juried and Open Paint artists set up their easels around the historic district, enjoying a summer weekend as they capture the picturesque mill town and all its charms. Spectators can follow the artists as they set up their easels around Ellicott City’s historic district.

Paint It! culminates in an exhibit of juried artists’ work in our, an opening reception & juror’s award presentation, and temporary exhibit of work created by Open Paint artists. NOTE: In anticipation of the continued need for social distancing due to COVID-19, we are planning a virtual opening reception for our 2021 Paint It! exhibit and will present an online exhibit of Open Paint artwork instead of a temporary in-person exhibit.

Schedule of Events:

Wednesday, June 9: Virtual Kick-off Ceremony for Artists

Thursday June 10 – Sunday, June 13, all day: Paint-Out

Friday, June 18: Virtual Reception & Award Ceremony

June 19 – August 6: Paint It! Ellicott City 2021 exhibit of juried artists’ work on display in Gallery I at Howard County Center for the Arts.

PLEASE NOTE: COVID-19 safety precautions will in place for this event, including virtual receptions, extended boundaries, & physically distanced check-ins.