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.
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.
Event Dates
Art in the Barn 2025
- Friday, June 13: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Opening Reception: 5:00 – 8:30pm
Join us for an exciting evening featuring an Artist Meet & Greet, live music by The Splinters, and delicious food, dessert and drinks from local favorites Butter UR Biscuit, The Cravery, and True North Ale Company.
- Saturday, June 14: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Slow River Studio will be holding art-making workshops throughout the day.
Artists contribute 50% or more of proceeds to Greenbelt’s conservation work!
Participating in Art in the Barn
New Artists
Art in the Barn is a juried show. Deadline for jury submissions was Sunday, April 6.
Applicants will receive an email with the jury’s decision by May 2 at the latest. We look forward to seeing your creations!
Returning Artists / New Accepted Artists
Returning Artists: Look for an email from us in early February with details about this year’s Art in the Barn. Your response is requested by April 6 for the limited reserved returning artist spots.
All Participating Artists: Mailed packets will go out in early May with a May 20th deadline for emailing us your digital inventory sheet. (Paper/handwritten inventories are no longer accepted. Please reach out early if you are having trouble with the digital version! We’d love to help you out, but last minute requests can only be accommodated if our workload allows!)
We can’t wait to see you in June!
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. Special Offer: Volunteers who did not participate in the 2024 event will receive a free volunteer t-shirt when they sign up before May 1!
If interested, please fill out our volunteer form and a staff member will be in touch!
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.
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!