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Set up your easel and paint the town!

Paint It! Ellicott City is an annual event that brings artists and spectators interested in the plein air tradition to Historic Ellicott City. 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.

Paint It! culminates in an exhibit of juried artists’ work in our gallery, which features an opening reception and juror’s award presentation. Artists and visitors may view and purchase the finished pieces during the reception. Work created by Open Paint artists will be on view at the Howard County Welcome Center on Main Street.

An artist participates in Paint It! Ellicott City 2024 (photo by Ray Urena)
Man stands in nature under an umbrella, with an easel, painting the scene near the edge of rocky water.

Paint It! Ellicott City Schedule

  • Wednesday: Kick-off ceremony, 5-5:30pm via Zoom
  • Thursday – Sunday (all day): Paint-out in Historic Ellicott City
  • Monday, 6 – 8pm: Juried artist exhibit reception and awards ceremony 
  • June – August: Paint It! Ellicott City exhibit of juried artists’ work on display in Gallery I at HoCo Arts
    • Open Paint exhibit at Howard County Welcome Center
    • Open Paint exhibit reception and award ceremony at Howard County Welcome Center

About the Paint It! Ellicott City 2025 Juror

Partners & Sponsors

Paint It! Ellicott City Special Awards

How to Participate as a Paint It! Ellicott City Artist

Call for Juried Artists

How It Works

Eligibility

How to Enter

Selection

Entry Fee

Sales

Awards

Liability

Agreement

Timeline

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