ESSEX — Art in the Barn, Essex County Greenbelt’s annual celebration of regional art and land conservation, returns Friday and Saturday.
Now in its third decade, this celebrated North Shore tradition features a juried selection of works by over 130 artists. More than a thousand pieces — ranging from paintings and photography to sculpture, stained glass, ceramics, and more — will be showcased against the scenic backdrop of a breathtaking New England salt marsh.
Art in the Barn celebrates artistic talent while also supporting Greenbelt’s vital conservation mission to protect natural landscapes and working farms across Essex County. Artists contribute 50 percent or more of their proceeds to Greenbelt’s conservation work.
This event takes place on Cox Reservation in Essex, a stunning 31-acre property with open fields and trails on the edge of the Great Marsh and the Essex River. A beautiful destination for a day trip to view art, explore a captivating landscape, and support Greenbelt.
Art in the Barn runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday with an opening reception scheduled from 5 to 8:30 p.m. The reception features live music by The Splinters, along with food, desserts, and drinks from local favorites Butter UR Biscuit, The Cravery, and True North Ale Company.
On Saturday, Slow River Studio will be holding art-making workshops from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Parking and admission for this event are free. For more information, please visit: ecga.org/artinthebarn.
Greenbelt works with individuals, families, and communities to protect Essex County’s natural landscapes and ecosystems, safeguarding its unique biodiversity and scenic beauty. By acquiring, stewarding, and advocating for the protection of open spaces, farmlands, forests, and coastal habitats, it play a pivotal role in preserving vital green spaces for current and future generations to enjoy. To date, Greenbelt has completed more than 700 projects and protected more than 22,500 acres of local land.