Premier Event Benefits Greenbelt Conservation Work
For three days every June, the Cox Reservation barns are transformed into brilliant galleries, filled with diverse paintings, colorful ceramics and whimsical sculpture.
From very modest beginnings in 1990, over 30 years sales have increased 30-fold and the number of artists has grown from 20 to 150.
It is now recognized as one of the North Shore’s premier showcases and sale from some of the most-talented artists in the region.
Whether salt marshes portrayed in water colors, farms and field scenes in oils, or wood carvings of birds, each year we have more art, more visitors, more income and more enjoyment from the event. Photo: Art in the Barn 1990)
Art in the Barn has been held during torrential rainstorms and intense summer heat, but each year the strong attendance is a tremendous example of the vibrant Greenbelt community.
Art in the Barn began as something of an experiment, first held in the barn and studio once used by famed muralist Allyn Cox. But it took only 5 years for the number of participating artists to grow large enough to expand the event by an extra day.
In 2003, our second barn was built, adding a new venue for display. (Photo: Stewardship Barn 2003)
In the same year, musical entertainment was introduced, adding an outdoor party feel to the Friday night opening.
In 2007, exceptional handmade jewelry was sold for the first time, and the bejeweled tables inside Greenbelt’s headquarters’ building now draw large crowds.
Food and beer trucks now have long lines for local vendors with delicious offerings and tasty brews.
In 2008, Art in the Barn saw over 3,000 people attending for the first time. It's a number that continues to grow.
In 2014, the 25th year for Art in the Barn, over 150 artists were represented and sales totalled $92,000.
Last year, Art in the Barn generated over $100,000 in sales, the proceeds benefiting Greenbelt’s conservation work.