Art in the Barn
Fine Art Paintings, Pottery, Sculpture, Photography, and More!
Art in the Barn is one of the North Shore’s premier art events, showcasing the exceptional work of more than 120 regional artists across a diverse range of media. This celebrated, juried show has been a tradition for more than 30 years and is held at Greenbelt’s headquarters in Essex — an iconic plein air painting location and the former studio of renowned muralist Allyn Cox.
Proceeds from this event benefit Greenbelt’s land conservation efforts, supporting the preservation of beloved landscapes throughout the region.
Event Dates
Art in the Barn 2026
- Friday, June 12: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Opening Reception: 5:00 – 8:30pm
Join us for an exciting evening featuring an Artist Meet & Greet from 6 -6:30 PM, live music from The Splinters, and delicious food, dessert and drinks from local favorites Hungry Nomads, Del Sur Empanadas, Crepe du Jour and True North Ale Company. - Paintings, Photographs, Collages, Pastels, Sculpture, Ceramics, Blown glass, Fine woodworking, Stonework and more! All purchases support Greenbelt’s conservation work in Essex County!
- Saturday, June 13: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Coffee and breakfast bites will be for sale from Amushé Cafe & Crepe du Jour as supplies last!
Artists contribute 50% or more of proceeds to Greenbelt’s conservation work!
Volunteers Needed!
The success of Art in the Barn relies on the dedication of our amazing volunteers, and we’d love for you to be a part of it! Volunteer opportunities currently available include artist check-in, artist check-out, cashiers, wrappers, docents, parking crew, and Beer Garden Guardians.
Sign-ups for volunteer shifts are available here. Volunteer recruitment for Art in the Barn 2026 is officially open!
Celebrating Art – Past, Present, and Future
Held at the breathtaking Allyn Cox Reservation, Art in the Barn is more than an art exhibition — it’s a celebration of a rich artistic legacy. Allyn Cox, the property’s namesake, was a renowned muralist who painted the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol among many other projects. In 1974, Cox generously donated his Essex property, including his farmhouse and studio (now the barn), to Greenbelt, creating a lasting legacy that blends art and conservation.
For more than 30 years, Art in the Barn has been Greenbelt’s signature annual fundraiser, supporting essential conservation efforts across Essex County. We are excited to continue this tradition of blending the arts with nature and we invite you to be part of this incredible experience for years to come.
Photos from Art in the Barn 2025
Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who visited, volunteered, or participated in this year’s Art in the Barn! From the opening reception to the final hour, the event was a rousing celebration of creativity, community, and conservation.
The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for our lively opening night, which helped draw a large and enthusiastic crowd of art lovers and Greenbelt supporters. That positive energy carried over into the next day, with a steady stream of visitors. We’re so grateful for your support — and already looking forward to seeing you next year!
Click on photos to enlarge and see gallery. Photos by Stephen Kozowyk, Neil Ungerleider, and Greenbelt staff.
Thanks to Our Business Sponsors!
A big thank you to our generous business sponsors for supporting Art in the Barn. Your contributions help make this event possible and supports local art and culture. We truly appreciate your partnership!