Paint the Town (PTT) Art Exhibit and Sale
MAA Judged Show
at the Kensington Armory
Key Dates
Registration: July 15 - August 5
Art Drop off: September 2-3
Artist Preview Reception: September 4
Show: September 5-7
Plein Air: September 4-5
Award Presentation: September 5
Pick up sold/unsold art: September 7-8
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 Jennifer Lynn Beaudet as the 2026 Judge for the PTT Show. Please read about Ms. Beaudet here.
Membership Requirement: Current MAA 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
- Portraits (people and animals)
- Abstract
- Sculpture
Members can also register a third entry which will be added (in order of registration) if there is available space. We will limit the total artwork to about 500 pieces.
Bins for prints and card racks will be included in the show, with limitations (please review Guidelines).
The registration fee is $25.
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 2026 PTT Prospectus for full information, the PTT FAQs for 2026, and as appropriate, review the Digital Painting Policy and Guidance for MAA Art Shows and Fractal Art as Digital Painting.
Show managers: Anastasia Walsh and Tova Katzoff
© 2025 Montgomery Art Association Inc., PO Box 2154, Kensington, MD 20891