Excitement is building for Chestertown RiverArts’ 5th annual Paint the Town, April 24-27, when forty-five artists come to Chestertown to paint the charm and beauty of historic downtown and rural Kent County. The public is invited to share in the event activities and to become patrons of Paint the Town.
From last year’s Pain the Town: a Chestertown street painting by Michele Byrnes.
The artists’ finished works will be on display and available for purchase on Saturday evening, April 26. The Wet Paint Show and Sale at the RiverArts galleries will begin at 5:30 with a special reception, free and open to the public. Patrons for Paint the Town will be invited to enter the Wet Paint Show and Sale at 5:00, a half hour before the general public, giving them first choice of the paintings. Patrons will also have their names listed in the event program and on the RiverArts website. The cost to become a patron is $25. You can register to become a patron online at https://chestertownriverarts.org/events/paint-the-town/.
The reception, show and sale will provide the public with a chance to acquire art at reasonable prices and to meet with the artists themselves. It is not often that one can purchase a painting, take a “selfie” with the artist, and learn the story behind the art.
Plein air painting competitions such as Paint the Town bring artists and the public together, promoting art and enriching the community. Paint the Town is a unique opportunity for the public to watch artists at work, using local settings for their subject. “These paintings are a fabulous affirmation of what an incredible place we live,” said RiverArts president Lani Seikaly.
Young artists will have a special opportunity to participate in Paint the Town. Youth Plein Air will take place on Saturday morning, April 26 in Fountain Park. The works of these young artists will also be displayed outside the RiverArts gallery.
From last year’s Paint the Town: a watercolor by Ray Ewing.
At 11:00 on Sunday morning, April 27, the public is invited to take part in the Quick Draw paint-out. Noted artist Lee Boynton will be on hand to judge the Quick Draw. Melinda Carl, coordinator of Paint the Town, said, “We are very fortunate and honored to have Lee Boynton, a well-known painter of light, as our judge for the Quick Draw paint out.” She added, “Not only is Lee a revered painter and instructor, he has been a strong supporter of plein air painting and was instrumental in founding the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters Association.”
The Quick Draw event is also an opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award. Judge Lee Boynton will announce the winners at noon.
Following the awards, everyone is encouraged to remain to enjoy the culinary arts. The annual Taste of the Town will feature local chefs, local food, and local beer and wine, from 12:00 to 3:00.
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