Save the date for our 21st Artists Paint OC August 12th-16th, 2026!
The Art League of Ocean City invites everyone to experience Ocean City through outdoor painting during Artists Paint OC: Plein Air (French for “in the open air”) Festival, August 12–16, 2026. Fifty-plus artists from the Mid Atlantic region will paint throughout Ocean City and its surrounding areas—from sunny beaches and boardwalk spectacles to maritime scenes and the expansive agricultural vistas of the Eastern Shore. The festival concludes with an outdoor gallery and sale of all the original art created during the festival, with cash prize awards totaling over $10,000.
Locals and visitors can observe artists at work across town each day of the festival, view the finished works, and shop original art inspired by our beloved region at the Wet Paint Sales: Saturday, August 15th from 5-7pm and Sunday, August 16th from 1-3pm. Live music and complimentary refreshments enhance the shopping experience at the outdoor gallery, which captures Ocean City’s spectacular sunrises, sunsets, moonlit waters, and energy.
Juror: Kevin Fitzgerald
2026 Registration
This limited competition is open to just 50 artists (18+), so early registration is encouraged. Participants will display and sell their work at our Wet Paint Sale, with the opportunity to win over $6,000 in awards, including a $2,500 First Place prize and the $1,000 Spirit of OC Award, along with several specialty awards celebrating light, maritime scenes, nocturnes, and more.
Artists are also invited to participate in the Quick Paint Competition on August 16, where painters create works against the clock in downtown Ocean City before returning to the Arts Center for judging and a public art sale.
The event will be juried by acclaimed painter Kevin Fitzgerald, whose work has been exhibited and collected internationally.
Registration is filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
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$50 – Art League Members
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$65 – Non-Members
Registration includes participation in the Artists Paint OC event and the Quick Paint Competition.
CLICK HERE FOR 2026 PROSPECTUS
All spots are currently filled CLICK HERE TO BE ADDED TO WAITLIST
Quick Paint
Paint against the clock in downtown Ocean City for your chance at $650 total prizes.
NOTE: Artists registered for the full Plein Air event are automatically signed up for the Quick Paint and do not need to sign up separately.
Date: August 16, 9-11am
Location: Downtown Ocean City (painting) and OC Center for the Arts (sale)
Awards:
- 1st Place – $300
- 2nd Place – $200
- 3rd Place – $100
- 1 Honorable Mention – $50
Awards made possible by the Ocean City Development Corporation.
Judge: Evan Fitzgerald
2026 Artists
Carolyn Aberbach, Gwendolyn Anderson, Jon Bandish, Judy Benton, Genie Blake, Alexandra Bradley, Gavin Bromell, Jacqueline Bruce-Yamin, Donna Brumbergs, Greg Cannizzaro, Katie Cassidy, Taylor Collins, Patti Connell, Christine Corbitt, Ann Crostic, Erica DeHart, Siobhan Duggan, John Eiseman, Nancy Fine, Rhonda Ford, Gerilyn Gaskill, Kathy Gibson, Jill Glassman, Catherine Homens, Betty Huang, Bruce Ley, Lynn Lewis, Ed Lewandowski, Mimi Little, Judith Loeber, Mick McAndrews, Lin McNamara, Liz Maynes, Rebecca Morgan, Lia Pierson, Jim Rehak, Al Richards, Jose Ramírez, Gregg W Rosner, Eva Rotolo, Maggii Sarfaty, John Schisler, Jessica Schlegel, David Simpson, Olivia Spencer, Barbara Stepura, Gail Stern, Nancy Thomas, Mary Veiga, Cheryl Wisbrock, Dennis Young, Vicky Zhou
Click here for the full history of our Artists Paint OC event
Follow Us & Download Our App
- Facebook Page (Art League of Ocean City)
- Facebook Page (Artists Paint OC)
- Facebook Event
- Instagram – Use the Hashtag #artistspaintoc
Download the Art League of OC App!
Get a head start on Artists Paint OC by exploring artist bios and learning about this year’s talented plein air painters in the Art League app!
During the festival, artists will pin their painting locations on an interactive map so you can find them creating live, follow their progress, and experience plein air painting up close.
Access event schedules, updates, and more—all from your phone. Grab a friend and map out a tour of art in-progress in the town we all love!
Enjoy Live Music
Island Fusion brings their popular mix of tropical favorites, classic rock, swing, and blues to the Wet Paint Sale on August 15 from 5–7 PM.
On August 16 from 12–3 PM, enjoy a performance by Callum, a 19-year-old recording artist from Berlin, Maryland, whose soulful blend of alternative rock and jazz-folk pairs emotionally rich songwriting with a captivating stage presence.
Funding for this project is provided in part by the Worcester County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts, organizations dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.
Volunteers Needed
Help make Artists Paint OC a success! We’re seeking volunteers to assist with artist and guest check-in, food and beverage service, bartending, parking, event setup, children’s activities, exhibit support, sales, and more.
We’re also looking for experienced photographers willing to donate their time and talent to capture festival events and artists in action.
Join us, meet fellow art lovers, and be part of one of Ocean City’s favorite arts events!
New Volunteer? Click Here to Apply!
Sponsor Artists Paint OC
Support one of Ocean City’s premier arts events and connect your business with thousands of artists, visitors, and art enthusiasts. Sponsorship and award opportunities are available at a variety of levels, with recognition through event marketing, social media, newsletters, and more.
Join us in celebrating the arts and making Artists Paint OC a success!
Click Here for More Information!
Kids Paint OC Plein Air Event
Save the date for Kids Paint OC this August! Young artists ages 6–17 are invited to paint outdoors throughout July and showcase their work at a special exhibit and awards event during the Artists Paint OC Festival. Free! Registration available soon.
July 1-31: Paint outdoors in OC
Sun. August 9: Deadline for artwork entry
Fri. August 14: Art show and award winners to remain on display during the Artists Paint OC Plein Air Festival
Awards made possible by John Sisson.