We welcome you to join us at one of the biggest and most popular original community art events in the DC region. The free, three-day event includes a judged art show of hundreds of pieces of artwork made by local artists, an awards ceremony and reception that's open to the public, three days of live art demonstrations, plein air painting competitions for adults and children, and a special student invitational art contest.

We thank the Town of Kensington, a long-time MAA supporter, for providing the historic Armory building for this show and sponsors the the Bertha Klum Award, given to the first-place artist in the Kensington category.

Show Hours

Saturday, August 31, 11 am –5 pm (plus 6-8 pm reception)
Sunday, September 1, 11 am-5 pm
Monday, September 2, 9:30 am–5:30 pm

• Download the show flyer
  
• See schedule of free artist demos
  
• Share our event on Facebook
  
• Volunteer at the show
  
• Download the prospectus
• See a map of Kensington street closures on Monday
  

Live Demonstrations by our Artists

The show not only provides an opportunity to see hundreds of original artworks by more than 130 members of the Montgomery Art Association, but you can also watch some of our artists make art live. This year’s show includes seven such demonstrations--including one by MAA President Alan Rich (show at right). All demos are open to the public and free.

Can't you can’t join in person? We’re planning to broadcast demos live on our Facebook page. Watch live, or see the recordings.

Schedule of artist demos

Plein Air Competition

As you walk around Kensington on Saturday, August 31, you'll likely see dozens of artists painting and drawing. Those are participants of our annual Paint the Town Plein Air Competition. From 7 am-3 pm, adults and children complete paintings with a Kensington theme and submit them for prizes awarded by our show judge.

The competition is open to all adults and children in the community. The cost is free for children under 18 and for current MAA members; adults pay $10 per person. Your paper or canvas must be stamped by an MAA official at the Kensington Armory the morning of the competition, before you start working.

Would you like to participate? Please review to the competition rules and then sign up.

Meet Our Judge

Glen Kessler is the 2019 judge for the Paint the Town show. Glen Kessler is a local artist and teacher. He has an MFA from New York Academy of Art & BFA from MICA. His work is internationally collected and has garnered top prizes such as a Maryland State Arts Council Grant, two Elizabeth Greenshields Grants, a Prince of Wales Fellowship, and winner of ‘The Artist’s Magazine’ annual international competition. You can find out more about Glen’s art and teaching at his website GlenKessler.com and on The CompassAtelier.com. 

Prizes will be awarded in these categories:

• Kensington

• Landscape

• Still Life

• Portrait (people and animals)

• Abstract

• 3D

• Plein air competition

• Student Artist Invitational
  
  

When to Pick Up Purchases

Patrons who purchased artwork may pick up their purchases on:

• Monday, Sept 2, 5:30-7:30 pm
• Tuesday, Sept. 3, 9-11 am
  

Thank you to Our Donors

MAA is grateful to the following businesses, foundations and individuals for donating in support of 2019 Paint the Town: