Paint It! Ellicott City Award Winners Announced

Landscape artists from around the Mid-Atlantic region gathered in Historic Ellicott City July 11–13, capturing the charm and character of the old mill town while competing for cash prizes during the fifth annual Paint It! Ellicott City plein air paint-out.

A reception at the Howard County Arts Council on July 14 featured the premiere of an exhibit showcasing the work of 27 juried artists; a one-night showing of work completed by non-juried participants in the Open Paint-Out; and the presentation of more than $6,000 in awards to the artists. The Howard County Tourism Director's Choice Award was presented to Sharon Trumbull, while the Arts Council Director's Choice Award went to Noble. Steve Stannard received Howard County Blossoms of Hope's award for Best Depiction of Nature, while the Best Urban Scene Award, presented by Steve Stannard, Julie Hunko, and the Salient Group, went to David Diaz. The $1,000 Gino Awards, named in honor of Ellicott City artist Gino Manelli (1915–2010), were presented by juror Michael Bare to two artists, Mark Coates and Michael Kotarba. Bare also presented $500 Honorable Mention Awards to the following artists: Jaye Ayres, Bruno Baran, David Diaz, Greg Johannesen, Janice Kirsh, Heather Leatherman, Maria Marino, and Duane Sabiston.

The exhibit featuring the juried artists’ work remains on display at the Howard County Arts Council through August 22. Work created during the Open Paint-Out is on view at the Howard County Tourism Welcome Center through August 27.       

Paint It! Ellicott City is presented by Howard County Arts Council, Howard County Tourism & Promotion, and the Howard County Public School System. For more information on this and other Arts Council programs, visit hocoarts.org.