The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District and Bethesda Urban Partnership are excited to announce their newest arts initiative: “Paint Bethesda,” a painting competition of downtown Bethesda’s buildings, icons, scenes and landmarks. The winning works will be displayed at The Writer’s Center in December 2026, with a public reception for the artists on Friday, December 11, 2026.
“Paint Bethesda” is an art contest and exhibition that will feature outdoor paintings of downtown Bethesda. Interested artists are asked to submit images of the buildings, icons, scenes, or landmarks of downtown Bethesda that they have painted, along with a selection of images of their past works. Artists are invited to come to downtown Bethesda at their convenience to paint plein air the scene or building of their choice. Artists may also take photographs of the Bethesda icon they’re painting and paint in studio.
All submissions will be reviewed by jury, and the deadline to apply is October 9, 2026. Up to 20 artists will be selected for the exhibition, and $4,500 in prize monies will be given to the top prize-winning artists. The contest is open to residents of Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. High school artists are also encouraged to apply.
