Paint the Town 2026

Live Art Event and Online Fundraising Auction in Support of ARTSPLACE Gallery

A New Chapter for Paint the Town as It Celebrates 31 Years

August 15 & 16, 2026
View artists creating work in Annapolis Royal: August 15 & 16, all day
View completed artworks: August 16, 10am – 4pm
ARTSPLACE Gallery, Annapolis Royal

ARTSPLACE Gallery and the Annapolis Region Community Arts Council are pleased to present Paint the Town 2026, taking place August 15 and 16 in Annapolis Royal, followed by an online auction from August 17 to 21. Celebrating its 31st anniversary, the event enters a new chapter this year by welcoming artists from across Canada to participate.

For over three decades, Paint the Town has transformed Annapolis Royal into an open-air studio, inviting artists to create work on location in the town’s streets, gardens, waterfront, and historic landscapes. This year, up to 50 artists will paint and create throughout the community over the weekend, while an additional 30 artists from across Canada will participate remotely from their studios. Remote participants will share works in progress online and contribute selected works to the auction, expanding the event while maintaining its strong connection to place and community.

Visitors are encouraged to explore Annapolis Royal throughout the weekend, where they will have the opportunity to meet artists and experience the creative process firsthand, an enduring tradition that has made Paint the Town a favourite annual event for residents and visitors alike.

“Paint the Town has always been about bringing artists and the broader community together,” says Sophie Paskins, Gallery Director of ARTSPLACE. “This reimagined format allows us to welcome artists regardless of geography while keeping the energy and community engagement that have made the event special for so long.”

Paint the Town has served as ARTSPLACE’s signature annual fundraiser. Thousands of artworks have been created and sold, supporting participating artists while also helping sustain the year-round exhibitions, workshops, youth programming, and community arts initiatives of the Annapolis Region Community Arts Council.

“This event has always reflected what’s possible when a community commits to art as something that belongs to everyone,” says ARCAC board member Ted Lind. “Extending it across Canada is a natural next step.”

Artists aged 19 and older from anywhere in Canada, whether emerging or established, are invited to participate. Registration is open to those working in painting, drawing, sculpture, fibre, printmaking, collage, and related media. Photography and reproduced works are not eligible. Registration is also open for collectors and supporters wishing to participate in the online auction. Businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring Paint the Town are encouraged to contact admin@arcac.ca.

Artist and bidder registrations are now open.

For more information or to register, visit arcac.ca/paintthetown or follow @arcac.artsplace on Instagram.

About ARTSPLACE

ARTSPLACE is a public Art Gallery that is operated by the Annapolis Region Community Arts Council, a registered charitable, community organization dedicated to encouraging and promoting the arts. Supported through the Province of Nova Scotia and the Canada Council for the Arts.

For more information please contact:
admin@arcac.ca
(902) 532-7069

ARTSPLACE is located in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq. We recognize and honour the contributions of L’nu’k, the Indigenous people of Mi’kma’ki, and we commit to making space within our programs for people to learn about the history of the Peace and Friendship Treaties and the relationship between nations, both past and present.

We also acknowledge that land acknowledgements alone are not enough. We must seek out and support Indigenous artists. We must listen to diverse voices.

ARTSPLACE Gallery
396 St. George Street
Annapolis Royal, NS B0S 1A0
www.arcac.ca
admin@arcac.ca
902-532-7069

Facebook @ARTSPLACEGallery
Instagram @arcac.artsplace

Accessibility:
ARTSPLACE Gallery includes one designated accessible parking space and a ramped entrance. The first-floor exhibition spaces, and washroom are wheelchair accessible. Please note that the second-floor studio space is currently accessible by stairs only and does not have lift or elevator access.