BERLIN — Local artists will be scattered this weekend throughout downtown Berlin, where they’ll capture historic old-town sights on their easels for Paint Berlin, a celebration of local painters.
The public is welcome to observe these artists perform their work on any of the event’s days, Aug. 10-12.
Painters may choose any scene on which to base their work, as long as it is within the town limits, according to Anna Mullis, executive director of the Worcester County Arts Council, organizer of the third annual event.
“It’s an experience for our artists to network and for people to come out on the streets,” she said. “It is our mission to promote the local arts around Worcester County and we’re really proud of our artists.”
About 20 artists participate yearly and spread out in town to paint on Friday and Saturday, the first two days of Paint Berlin.
The final day, Sunday, is a gathering in front of the Atlantic Hotel, where the freshly created works of art will be judged and then available for sale from 1-4 p.m.
Called the Wet Paint Sale, aptly named because the paint may literally not have time to dry completely, works could cost anywhere between $75 and $500, depending on the artist and type of painting.
Before the paintings exchange hands from artist to art enthusiast, they will be judged by Gary Brotman, professor of fine art at Salisbury University.
Monetary awards will go to Brotman’s top three picks, and to one People’s Choice award voted on by the public.
David Simpson, and Ocean City native and Worcester County Arts Council board member, has painted during the last two events. He earned first place last year.
“It’s definitely a privilege and an honor to paint a local town that has so much history involved,” said Simpson.
Artists tend to stay around the downtown area and visit more prominent locations such as the Atlantic Hotel and The Globe, though they have no specific areas in town they must paint.
Registration for artist participation ended Aug. 3, but all are encouraged to come out and see local artists in action.
For more information about the weekend-long event, visit http://worcestercountyartscouncil.org.