06/18/2026
The MAA is proud to once again host the Marblehead Festival of Arts plein air exhibit.
Applications to participate in this annual tradition are open now.
MARBLEHEAD FESTIVAL OF ARTS
PAINTING THE TOWN 2026
The Marblehead Festival of Arts is pleased to announce that the Painting the Town Exhibit will be hosted once again at the Marblehead Arts Association during the 4th of July 2026 Festival Weekend. All Plein air painters who live, work, or are members of an arts association in Essex County are invited to participate.
Please read this notice carefully and note the procedures and schedule for painting and returning your art.
Registration and payment for PTT will be solely on-line and there will be no in-person registration. Artists may register for PTT by going to the Festival website at www.marbleheadfestival.org Scroll down to ART EXHIBIT SUBMISSIONS. Click on Learn More and scroll down to SUBMIT YOUR ART. Select PTT and enter all required info. Hit Continue to Go To Checkout and pay.
Please note there will be no gathering at Marblehead Arts for registration prior to painting. Artists should proceed directly to the site where they plan to paint.
Artists should, to the extent possible, determine the medium, title, and price for their work in advance of painting and are discouraged from making any changes once registration is complete. Registration for PTT on-line will remain open until on or about June 25, 2026, but it is advisable to register early.
The Schedule for Painting the Town is as follows:
June 26, 27, and 28, 2026 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday just prior to the Festival) artists proceed to their selected site and paint scenes from around the Town.
June 26, 27 and 28, 2026 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) Artists return completed and ready to hang paintings with Art Submission tag containing artist name, contact info, medium, price and title of work, to Marblehead Arts Association no later than 4:45 p.m. Please note Marblehead Arts closes at 5 p.m. (MAA is closed on Monday June 29 and Tuesday June 30). All paintings must be returned to MAA no later than Sunday, June 28th by no later than 4:45 pm. (If an artist is unable to return a painting on Friday, Saturday or Sunday due to exigent circumstances, alternative arrangements may be made by calling Jean at 781-316-6745)
June 29 and 30, 2026 PTT show is installed and judged and awards for Best of Show, Outstanding Work, and Honorable Mention will be determined. Awards will be announced at the Festival Awards Ceremony at Abbot Hall on Wednesday evening July 1, 2026.
July 2 – July 5, 2026 PTT exhibit will be open at MAA during MAA hours of operation.
The Exhibit will remain up throughout the month of July, until August 2026 at the close of MAA’s summer show. Artists will be notified when to pick up their works at MAA.
We look forward to seeing local artists painting the town once again this year. PTT is a very popular event and many works of art generally sell. Please spread the word to your artist friends in Essex County who might wish to participate. Please contact co-chair Jean Guastaferri if you have any questions. She may be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 781-316-6745.
Since 1962, our all-volunteer, community-funded non-profit organization has produced a premier arts festival over Independence Day in historic Old Town, Marblehead. Learn more about why the Festival is a time-honored tradition of the North Shore.
