(Aug. 20, 2015) The deadline to register for Paint Berlin, sponsored by the Worcester County Arts Council, is almost here. Artists must sign up by Aug. 31 to participate in the sixth annual event, which will run Sept. 17-19.
WCAC Executive Director Anna Mullis said 35 people took part in last year’s event.
“We’re really, really excited,” she said. “Last year, the event was very successful. The attendance really increased, and it was such a beautiful weekend to paint. We’re hoping for the same thing this year.”
Painters from Pennsylvania, Virginia and the western shore of Maryland took part in last year’s event. Mullis expects a similarly diverse group in 2015.
“We have around 27 or 28 so far, but there’s still plenty of time to sign up,” she said.
During the event, artists set up easels anywhere within a three-mile radius of the Arts Council gallery on 6 Jefferson Street. The event also draws plenty of spectators to watch the artists work “en plein air,” or, loosely translated, outdoors.
“For artists to be there on the sidewalk or in front of a business, just off the street painting life, it’s fascinating to see right in front of your eyes,” Mullis said. “We feel that this was really needed in the town of Berlin, and it’s an amazing experience not only for the artists, but it’s very interesting for visitors and for the community.
“I think it’s very important to bring art out there in front of people’s eyes, and the community has been very supportive,” Mullis added.
Participants receive a welcome packet with a map of suggested painting sights, which range from popular historical sights such as the Atlantic Hotel and Globe Theater, to more rural settings outside the downtown area.
Registration is $40 and is limited to 50 artists. Participants must be 18 or older.
On Saturday, Sept. 19 the gallery will hold a “Wet Paint Sale” from 1-4 p.m. of work by participating artists.
Nancy Tankersley, one of the primary organizers of the Easton Plein Air Competition and Arts Festival, will judge the show. First place will receive $500, second place $250, third place $100 and honorable mention $100. Guests can also vote for the People’s Choice award.
Work will remain on display until Oct. 31.
“It’s a wonderful experience seeing art made right in front of your eyes,” Mullis said. “It’s something that some people have never seen before. I always take pictures of all the artists and it’s amazing to see what they can create in just a couple days.
“It’s also a competition and we have really good prizes, which artists are really excited about,” Mullis continued. “Lots of people came last year to our Wet Paint exhibition, and we were so pleased to see that the community was so interested in what the artists came up with.”
Sponsors of 2015 Paint Berlin include the Town of Berlin, South Moon Under, Taylor Bank, Beachwood Inc. and the Burbage Funeral Home.
For more information, or to sign up, call 410-641-0809 or visit www.worcestercountyartscouncil.org.
WCAC Executive Director Anna Mullis said 35 people took part in last year’s event.
“We’re really, really excited,” she said. “Last year, the event was very successful. The attendance really increased, and it was such a beautiful weekend to paint. We’re hoping for the same thing this year.”
Painters from Pennsylvania, Virginia and the western shore of Maryland took part in last year’s event. Mullis expects a similarly diverse group in 2015.
“We have around 27 or 28 so far, but there’s still plenty of time to sign up,” she said.
During the event, artists set up easels anywhere within a three-mile radius of the Arts Council gallery on 6 Jefferson Street. The event also draws plenty of spectators to watch the artists work “en plein air,” or, loosely translated, outdoors.
“For artists to be there on the sidewalk or in front of a business, just off the street painting life, it’s fascinating to see right in front of your eyes,” Mullis said. “We feel that this was really needed in the town of Berlin, and it’s an amazing experience not only for the artists, but it’s very interesting for visitors and for the community.
“I think it’s very important to bring art out there in front of people’s eyes, and the community has been very supportive,” Mullis added.
Participants receive a welcome packet with a map of suggested painting sights, which range from popular historical sights such as the Atlantic Hotel and Globe Theater, to more rural settings outside the downtown area.
Registration is $40 and is limited to 50 artists. Participants must be 18 or older.
On Saturday, Sept. 19 the gallery will hold a “Wet Paint Sale” from 1-4 p.m. of work by participating artists.
Nancy Tankersley, one of the primary organizers of the Easton Plein Air Competition and Arts Festival, will judge the show. First place will receive $500, second place $250, third place $100 and honorable mention $100. Guests can also vote for the People’s Choice award.
Work will remain on display until Oct. 31.
“It’s a wonderful experience seeing art made right in front of your eyes,” Mullis said. “It’s something that some people have never seen before. I always take pictures of all the artists and it’s amazing to see what they can create in just a couple days.
“It’s also a competition and we have really good prizes, which artists are really excited about,” Mullis continued. “Lots of people came last year to our Wet Paint exhibition, and we were so pleased to see that the community was so interested in what the artists came up with.”
Sponsors of 2015 Paint Berlin include the Town of Berlin, South Moon Under, Taylor Bank, Beachwood Inc. and the Burbage Funeral Home.
For more information, or to sign up, call 410-641-0809 or visit www.worcestercountyartscouncil.org.