Next weekend over 80 artists, mostly painters, will meet in Annapolis Royal to paint their little hearts out for 2 solid days all over the town.
I’ve painted live at this event for at least 5 years now and it is one of the highlights of my summer.

This event is a huge fundraiser for the local Arts Council, Annapolis Regional Community Arts Council (ARCAC), and typically about $15,000 is raised for arts programs and to help fund a beautiful building containing 3 galleries and workshop spaces. Another $15,000 is earned by the artists for paintings and other artworks that are created on the weekend. These pieces hang at the silent auction in at the Legion.

Many of the works sell for under $100 although some bidding goes into the hundreds. There are dozens of volunteers who collect the works, hang the works, prepare a lovely Saturday night meal for the artists, many of whom travel for hours to participate.

Paintings are bid on all day.

The weekend ambience for participants is lovely. Artists trade ideas and tips show their work in a festive venue and meet their public.

I have some preparation to do this week. As usual I will spend Saturday at the historic gardens in Annapolis. It’s a drop dead gorgeous botanical garden place that provides endless inspiration as well as shady spots to paint. I will probably be there on Sunday too.

Here is my packing list for Paint the Town

• • small canvases
  • acrylic paints
  • palette
  • 2 coroplast boards
  • acrylic markers
  • acrylic inks
  • gel medium
  • Charcoal
  • Inktense crayons
  • brushes
  • 2 water containers
  • gallon jar for water
  • rags
  • French easel
  • bungee cords
  • plastic drop sheets
  • stool
  • sketch book
  • marker
  • spray bottle
  • spray can fixative for charcoal
  • latex gloves
  • colour shaper
  • lunch
  • water
  • sunblock
  • insect repellent
  • hat
  • raincoat
  • business cards
  • camera
  • extra gallery painting

And all that will fit in my Frenchy’s bundle buggy with the help of bungee cords.

For more information about Paint the Town click on the link here.
It’s really worth a trip to Annapolis this weekend to see the wide variety of work being created on the spot.