Artists from around the region will gather in Ellicott City July 6-8 to participate in Paint It! Ellicott City, an annual plein air painting event culminating in an exhibit of 27 juried artists at the Howard County Center for the Arts.

In light of the recent tragic flooding in Historic Ellicott City, this year’s paint-out boundaries have been expanded to include the entirety of both Ellicott City zip codes, 21042 & 21043. Following an Artist & VIP Welcome Reception at the Howard County Center for the Arts on Thursday, July 5, artists will set up their easels and paint throughout Ellicott City July 6-8, choosing from such locations as Centennial Park, Clark’s Elioak Farm, Hebron House, the Shrine of St. Anthony, and more. Members of the public are encouraged to visit and explore these scenic gems while looking for the artists at work. Artists and art students from the community can also join the fun as Open Paint-Out participants.

Artists and the public are invited to attend a free opening reception at the Howard County Center for the Arts on Monday, July 9 from 6-8pm. During the reception, awards will be presented to the artists, including the Gino Awards, two $1,000 awards named in honor of Ellicott City artist Gino Manelli (1915–2010). The exhibited artwork will be available for purchase.

One wall in the gallery will be reserved for a benefit exhibit in support of HCAC’s Re-CREATE: Ellicott City Artist Relief Fund, established to support artists who suffered financial losses due to the flooding. The benefit show will feature a collection of work donated by artists who have participated in Paint It! during previous years, or who have painted Ellicott City on their own. This year's juried artists will also have the opportunity to participate. A minimum of 50% of all sales from the benefit exhibit will be donated to the Re-CREATE fund.

During the reception, HCAC will also offer sales space in the Center lobby to local artists and arts businesses, including those directly impacted by flooding, with portions of the proceeds going to the Re-CREATE: Fund.

The juried artists will be featured in HCAC’s Gallery I through August 17; Open Paint-Out artists’ work will be displayed in the Center lobby on the night of the reception.

Registration is required for those wishing to be included in the one-night Open Paint-Out exhibit. Visit https://www.hocoarts.org/explore/opportunities-artists-arts-groups/exhibit-opportunities-apply/specific-exhibits/paint-it/ for details.