Artists Paint OC Festival

Save the date for The Art League of Ocean City's 21st Artists Paint OC August 12th-16th, 2026!

Experience the beauty of Ocean City through plein air painting during Artists Paint OC, a five-day celebration of art, creativity, and coastal inspiration. Artists will paint throughout Ocean City and the surrounding area, capturing everything from beaches and bays to maritime scenes and local life.

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.

• $50 – Art League Members

• $65 – Non-Members

Registration includes participation in the Artists Paint OC event and the Quick Paint Competition.

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. 

Awards:

• 1st Place – $300
• 2nd Place – $200
• 3rd Place – $100
• 1 Honorable Mention – $50

Awards made possible by the Ocean City Development Corporation.