Plein-air artists demonstrate their skills while the State House looms at the end of the cobblestone street.
Editors note: At press time, it remains uncertain whether or not these events will take place in light of current stay-at-home policies due to the coronavirus crisis. Check back for updates.
From June 6 through 14, Maryland’s bustling capital showcases the creativity of area artists and musicians during Annapolis Arts Week. Now in its fourth year, the annual event features gallery exhibits, live music and performing arts.
Activities get into full gear on June 7 with the First Sunday Arts Festival, which takes place on the first Sunday of the month from May through November. This popular event attracts more than 130 vendors to Annapolis’ quaint downtown streets. The first two blocks of West Street in the Entertainment District are closed to traffic to accommodate shoppers.
A highlight of the Arts Week program, Paint Annapolis is a week-long, juried plein-air painting competition inviting artists to ply their craft on subjects ranging from Colonial architecture to maritime scenes; and Art on the Avenue, a block party boasting a juried exhibit of plein-air paintings that have been created around town that day. Art on the Avenue includes live music, vendors and a beer garden—all with the iconic State House dome in the background. annapolisartsweek.com