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!

No RSVP required, parking is free.

Artists contribute 50% or more of proceeds to Greenbelt’s conservation work!

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 2026

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 joyful celebration of creativity, community, and conservation.

Perfect weather set the stage for a lively opening night, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd of art lovers and Greenbelt supporters. The excitement continued on Saturday, with a steady stream of visitors and plenty of opportunities to connect, explore, and celebrate local art.

Thanks to the incredible support of our community, more than 1,000 pieces of artwork were sold during the event, and over 150 volunteers generously shared their time and talents to help make it a resounding success. Their commitment, energy, and hospitality helped create an inspiring and welcoming experience for artists, visitors, and supporters alike.

We’re deeply grateful for your support and participation — and we’re already looking forward to welcoming you back next year!

Photos by Stephen Kozowyk, Neil Ungerleider & Greenbelt staff.

Click on photos to enlarge

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!