Essence of Summer Art Show

at Windridge Vineyards  

Key dates

• Show Dates:  June 25- October 5, 2025
• Registration: May 17  - May 31    
• Juried Art Selection:  June 13
• Artwork Drop Off: Monday June 23, 10am - noon 
• Meet the Artists: August 14,  5:00 - 8:00pm Tasting Room 
• Art Pick Up: October 6, 10am - noon

Everyone Loves a Sail by Margaret Ingram 

Theme for Submissions: Essence of Summer --  Summer is a season that brings to mind images of leisurely activities, relaxation, and the pursuit of joy. Artists have always been captivated by the spirit of summer.  

MAA artist are asked to present works that depict scenes or abstraction that evoke the essence of summer -- sense of freedom, enjoyment, and the simple pleasures of life. 

• Number of Artworks Allowed:  MAA Members are invited to submit for consideration up to 2 artworks that they feel embody the theme Essence of Summer.. Artists may submit work in any of the following categories: 
• • Natural Landscapes, Maritime, and Seascapes
  • Cityscapes, Townscapes, Urbanscapes 
  • Still Life 
  • Abstract Art 
  • Portraiture - People and Animals 

• Eligible Media:  2D works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, pastel, encaustic, hand-pulled prints, drawing/ink mediums, textile and photography.  3D works are not included in this show.  

• Cost: There is no cost to submit your work to for consideration. If your artwork is selected by the curators, a fee of $10 will be required at the time of art drop off. 

• Process:  Submitted artwork will be selected by the vineyard owners.  Approximately 18 - 25 selected works will be exhibited for a three month period.  All artwork must be for sale. Windridge will notify artists when work is sold.  Windridge will provide payment to the artist, less a 20% commission. 

• Framing and Wiring Requirements ( MAA Framing & Wiring Requirements):  All selected works must be framed, gallery wrapped or professionally finished, securely wired with hanging wire (no loops, sawtooth hangers, etc).  If submitting an unframed canvas, edge must be painted or finished.  No wet canvases will be accepted. 
• • All accepted work must be exhibition-ready and deliverd to Windridge Vineyard Tasting Room on Monday, June 23. 

• Replacement of Sold Artwork: Artists whose work sold may it with a similarly sized piece during the 3 month show period by contacting the show manager or VP Shows. Artists are not to contact the staff at Windridge Vineyard to replace artwork. 

• Membership Requirement:  You must be a MAA member to register for this show.  If you need to renew your membership go to Join MAA.

• Show Prospectus:  Please read the SHOW PROPSECTUS for show registration requirements and details -- particularly how to rename and upload your artwork image. 

Hope to see your artwork in the show -- If you have any questions contact the MAA show manager Kathy Tynan ( kftynan@gmail.com or maaartists@gmail.com)

Take me out to the Ball Game....and make some art and then sell it!

Since we were rained out on June 18, we will again be gathering at this location for the June 28th games.

MAA artists are invited to capture the essence of local summer collegiate baseball. Artists may use any medium desired to artistically embody the energy and setting of this Bethesda Big Train Baseball team and stadium as they take on the Alexandria Aces. 

Date: Saturday, June 28

Place: Shirley Povich Field, 10600 Westlake Dr, Rockville, MD 20852

Time:  Artists can arrive any time after 3pm. Because they had to adjust the schedule due to rain outs, it will be a doubleheader on June 28! First game begins at 4pm and second game starts at 7 pm. Each game will be 7 innings.

Cost: Free for participating artists

Number of registrants: 15 artists (spectators may purchase ticket at box office)

Location details:  Artists may set up almost anyplace they desire at Shirley Povich Field, but they must not block player access to the field, spectator views, or the ability for individuals to safely walk to and from their seats. Big Train will block off seats in four to six areas of the stands, as well as a few spots behind home plate for those who want to set up in these spaces.  There are also many pre-game activities and other spots within the stadium where you may want to set up too in order capture batting practice (BP), intern set up, grilling burgers, etc.

Sale Opportunity: At the end of the night, take your artwork home, put the finishing touches on if desired, frame it (if so inclined), and bring it back to Povich Field to the game on Sunday, July 20th, which starts at 7 pm, for a baseball themed open air art show and sale!  Artwork will be on display and sale from 6pm until the end of the game and can be purchased by this very baseball loving crowd at the concession stand.  Artists retain 75% of the sale and 25% will be donated to Big Train Baseball.  This is a great opportunity to share and sell the artwork you created at the event on June 28th with a crowd of baseball enthusiasts.  MAA and Big Train staff will be monitoring the artwork, so we can enjoy another great baseball game.  For July 20th, tickets are once again complimentary for artists and additional guests will need to purchase a ticket ($13).  More details will follow the June 28th games.

If a collector contacts an artist after July 20^th to purchase, kindly donate 25% of the sale to Big Train.

What to bring: Paints, substrate, easel, stool, water, money to purchase dinner and/or snacks, sunscreen and a hat. 

Facilities:  There are bathrooms, concession stands, and food trucks at Povich Field for your use.

Getting there: Shirley Povich Field is located inside the Cabin John Regional Park, adjacent to the Cabin John Ice Skate Rink. 

Parking: Parking at Shirley Povich Field is free and available just outside the ballpark. Fans assume the risk of their car being hit by a foul ball and will see signs in the parking lot that reaffirm this assumption of risk. 

About Big Train Baseball:  The Bethesda Community Base Ball Club, Inc (BCBBC) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity, registered in the State of Maryland doing business as the Bethesda Big Train.  The Big Train team is composed of talented college players from across the country who come to Bethesda each June and July for a summer of highly competitive wooden bat baseball. More info can be found at https://www.bigtrain.org/

Questions: Contact Mark Adler at 301-339-4010 or email adlermark@comcast.net.

Figure Model Drawing Sunday Sessions

Join us on Sunday, July 6 for our Figure Model Drawing sessions. 

We are glad to be back after a short break and excited to announce the start of two models per session. On some days the models will double up on the platform posing in tandem and other days they will be on opposite sides of the room with one model focused exclusively on long poses. If this proves to be popular, we will try to continue it into the Fall.

Dani and Brian will be the models for both sessions.

Morning Session: 9am–12pm
Afternoon Session: 1pm–4pm

Located at the Compass Atelier in Kensington, Maryland.

Bring your favorite drawing tools, paper, and we'll provide the inspiration. There will be a combination of short and long poses. Easels are provided.

Plein Air: Bohrer Park

Bohrer Park is a wonderful summer painting destination featuring ponds, grass fields, pathways, a stately home with barns on a hillside, and a log smokehouse, the oldest standing building in the City of Gaithersburg. 

Location: 506 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Directions:  Link to Directions

Getting there: From Route 355, turn onto Educational Blvd, across from Wawa and at a traffic light. The high school building will be to your right. Drive around the circle and take the third exit, drive past the Activity Center Building (on your right and marked with red dot on map) and proceed to our Bohrer Park meeting spot.

Map Coordinates: 39.130483052059354, -77.19661648526345

Our Meeting Spot

Cost: Free 

Number of registrants: Up to 30 members and guests/ (Members may bring guests.)

What to expect: After parking in any of the available lots, please check in near the grassy area to the right of the red roof barn. We encourage you to walk around the park before setting up.  You will see a wooden bridge over a pond dotted with ducks and geese, established oak trees, historic buildings, barns, and picnic pavilions. A pathway runs the circumference of the park; see the map. We will paint from 8 am- 10:30am, then gather near the barn to admire each other’s art and take photos.

What to bring:  Please bring your standard paints, substrate, easel, stool, rags or paper towel, medium, drop cloth, hand wipes, sun hat, bug spray, water, walking shoes, and shade umbrella if you desire.

Parking: There are many parking lots within walking distance of our meeting spot. If you'd like to try to find a ride or carpool with other participants, please post a note in our members-only Facebook group.

Photos: Photos are permitted.

Rain date:  This event will occur only if it is not raining.

Questions: Contact Patti Connell at pattic9063@gmail.com or text (301- 801-6590).

Figure Model Drawing Sunday Sessions

Join us on Sunday, July 20 at either or both Figure Model Drawing sessions. 

(ToBeAnnounced) will be the model for the two sessions:

   Morning Session: 9am - 12pm
   Afternoon Session: 1pm - 4pm

Located at the Compass Atelier in Kensington, MD

Bring your favorite drawing tools, paper, and we'll provide the inspiration. There will be a combination of short and long poses. Easels are provided.

Cost: $10 per session for members, $20 per session for nonmembers

Meet the Artists & Jazz Night

Thursday, August 14

Essence of Summer Show at Windridge Vineyards

Registration Opens July 24

You're invited to the Meet the Artists who are exhibiting in the Essence of Summer art show at Windridge Vineyard. This will be a fun evening of good conversation and music and time to meet other MAA artists.  MAA members are welcome. The weather will be perfect so join us.

What better sign of summer in Maryland than Old Bay seasoned spiced crab?  Captured beautifully in Alexandra Treadaway-Hoare's watercolor Summer Crab Feast, it's a delicious nod to a beloved local tradition.  

Summer Crab Feast by Alexandra Treadaway-Hoare

When:  Thursday August 14, 5:00-8:00pm

Where:  Windridge Vineyard Tasting Room & Patio

To attend do two things? 

• Register to Attend:  Use the Register button below to let us know you plan to attend. 

• Reserve a Table for Non-Exhibiting MAA Members, Family, and Friends:
  If you are not one of the exhibiting artists, please reserve a table directly through the Windridge Vineyard website using the following link: Reserve a Table at Windridge.  We recommend selecting seating in the Tasting Room or Tasting Room – Partial Patio with Ceiling Fans to enjoy the live music and easily socialize with participating artists. You may also choose seating on the outdoor patio or lawn areas, but please note: these events tend to fill up quickly with regular Windridge patrons, so early booking is encouraged.  

• Exhibiting Artists – Reserved Artists’ Table:
  Exhibiting artists and their guest (+1) are invited to sit at a reserved Artists' Table inside the Tasting Room. Look for the "Artists Table" sign. This dedicated space offers a great opportunity to relax, mingle, and enjoy the company of fellow MAA members. MAA will provide light snacks and offer each exhibiting artist a complimentary glass of wine.  Seating is available for 16–18 people.
  

Art Show Dates:  Tasting Room - MAA's Essence of Summer Show ends on September 28.  We hope you take a moment to see the fabulous artwork of 21 member artists. 

Hope to see you there.  If you have questions related to this event contact Kathy Tynan at kftynan@gmail.com.

Registration open  July 15-Aug 30

One of the special highlights of our annual Paint the Town Labor Day Show is our Plein Air Competition.

"Plein Air" means making art from full life in the moment, and  outdoors.

Costumed models will also be present from 10-1 for the competition.

Artists must each register their own canvases - as early as 4-7pm on Friday, August 29 and  7-11am on Saturday, August 30. Artists can submit one (1) two-dimensional work of art by 3pm on Saturday, August 30 for judging and sale at the general art exhibit. Prizes will be awarded during a reception that evening at 6pm in youth and adult categories.

Judge: MAA is honored to present gallery owner and curator Christopher Addison as the judge for the Plein Air competition for 2025. You can read about Mr Addison here.

Artwork may be priced for sale and left on display at the Kensington Armory through Monday's exhibition. 

This activity is open to members, non-members and children.

Registration: Register on this page in advance, or in person at the Kensington Armory on August 29 or 30.

Cost: The competition is free for MAA members in good standing and for children (under age 18). Non-member adults pay $10 per person.

Download the 2025 PTT Plein Air Rules & Information for complete details.

Paint the Town (PTT) Key Dates

Registration: July 15 - August 5

Drop off: August 27 - 28

Artist Preview Reception: August 29

Show: August 30 - September 1

Plein Air: August 29 - 30

Award Presentation: August 30

Pick up sold/unsold art: September 1 - 2

The Paint the Town Labor Day Show is our marquee event of the year. The three-day event includes a judged art show of approximately 500 pieces, live demonstrations, a plein air competition, bin work and card sales, and a warm community reception. The Town of Kensington, a long-time MAA supporter, provides the beautiful, historic Armory building to us for this show. 

Judge: MAA is honored to present Christopher Addison as the 2025 Judge for the PTT Show. Please read about Mr. Addison here.

Membership Requirement: Current membership is required to register for this show.

Submissions:  MAA members may submit up to two (2) entries in any of these judged categories: 

• Kensington
• Landscape (natural and urban)
• Still Life
• Photography (must include edition number)
• Portraits (people and animal)
• Photography
  
• Abstract
• Sculpture.

Members can also add a third entry which will be added (in order of registration) if there is available space. We will limit the total artworks to 500 pieces.

Bins for prints and card racks will be included in the show, with limitations (see Prospectus).

The registration fee is $20.

The Friday-Saturday Plein Air Competition is also judged. Registration is separate.

Prizes (cash and gift certificates) are awarded in 1st, 2nd and 3rd places and honorable mention. The Kensington category has as the first prize the Bertha Clum award, the highest award at this show.

Prospectus: Please refer to the 2025 Prospectus for full information. 

PTT FAQs for 2025

Show manager: Anastasia Walsh (maatreas@gmail.com) 

MAA Members Show at Strathmore Mansion - Juried 

Registration Opens - August 21

Key Dates 

Show Dates:  November 22, 2025 - January 10, 2026

Registration: August 21 -September 11

Juried Art Selection:  September 16

Notification to Artists:  September 17

Selected Artwork Data to Strathmore:  September 22

Artwork Drop Off:  Oct. 30 - Nov. 1

Opening Reception:  Nov. 22, 1:00PM - 3:00PM

Artwork Pick Up: January 12, 11:00am - 3:00pm 

About the show:  We are thrilled to announce our very first Members Show at the prestigious Strathmore Mansion this November! This exceptional venue offers an incredible opportunity for MAA artists to showcase their work in one of the region’s most highly respected galleries.  

This is a juried exhibition of 60 artworks. The show will be located on the first floor of the Mansion adjacent to the annual miniatures show at Strathmore.  

Membership:  All members are warmly invited to register their artwork for consideration. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this exciting milestone for MAA!  We are honored to have Jordan Bruns as the juror. 

Eligible Media:  Original 2D artwork:  Oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, pastel, encaustic, drawing/ink mediums, hand-pulled prints, fused glass, textile-fiber arts.  Photography is not accepted in this show. 

Number of Artwork:  Members may register up to two original works to be considered by the show judge.  

Size of Artwork: We will strive for a balance of artwork sizes to create visual interest.  The Strathmore first floor gallery layout can accommodate the following approximate sizes.  

Cost:  There is no cost to register your work to be considered by the show judge.  Selected artwork/artist will pay a show fee of $10.  All registered artists will be notified by email of selected artists/artwork.  Strathmore will take a commission of up to 40%; artists will receive 60% of the retail price for sold artwork. 

How to Register:   Just click on the register button at the bottom of this announcement.  You will need to complete the following for each of your artworks (up to 2 entries only):

Title of Artwork 

Media of Artwork 

Dimensions of Artwork (including frame, height and width in inches)

Price (in whole numbers) All work must be for sale. 

Image (jpg, jpeg.format) Upload a high resolution image of your artwork. 

Framing & Wiring:  All 2D artwork must meet MAA framing requirements and wiring standards.  All two-dimensional work will need to be framed, gallery-wrapped or professionally finished, securely wired, ready for hanging with the maximum of any side of 60".  If submitting unframed work, the edges must be painted or finished.  No Wet Paint. Entries not meeting show conditions will not be accepted.  MAA retains the right to determine the suitability of the work for entry in this show. 

See framing guidance FRAMING GUIDANCE.

Artwork Juror:  We are delighted to announce that artist Jordan Bruns will serve as juror for this show.  Jordan has been a resident artist at the historic Chautauqua Tower in Glen Echo Park, Maryland, for the past 15 years. With a career spanning over two decades, he is known for his compelling abstract and representational work, as well as his dedication to teaching drawing and painting.  To learn more about Jordan and explore his artwork, visit his website:  The Art of Jordan Bruns.  

Drop off of Accepted Artwork:  Runs from October 30 - November 1. Strathmore will be managing the art drop off process.   Artists will receive a bookings link to schedule a drop off appointment a month prior to the actual drop off date. (if you need to change your drop off date? ) 

Artwork Image Usage:  Strathmore retains the sole right to distribute posters and all other materials (whether of value or not) in and around the Strathmore building.  

About Strathmore:  Strathmore Mansion has plays such an important role in our local arts community. It’s a place where creativity is nurtured, where local artists are not only welcomed but celebrated. Through its exhibitions, programs, and events, Strathmore gives artists a platform to share their work and connect with the public. It truly brings the arts to life in a way that enriches us all."