'Camden on Canvas' plein-air fundraiser set for Aug. 21-23

This year, the Reception and Live Auction tickets are complimentary

Sun, 08/09/2026 - 10:35am

Event Date

Sunday, August 23, 2026 - 01:00 pm

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(Photo courtesy Camden Public Library)

The Camden Public Library presents “Camden on Canvas,” a plein-air fundraiser being held in Camden and surrounding communities August 21-23, 2026, culminating in a reception and live auction in the Camden Amphitheatre on Sunday, August 23.

Twenty-three notable New England landscape artists will paint, en plein air, at multiple local sites from Friday morning, August 21, to noon on Sunday, August 23. The public is invited to visit the Camden on Canvas Information Tent outside the library’s Atlantic Avenue entrance. There, visitors will find information about the participating artists and a map to the locations where they may be painting. The Information Tent will be open from 9 am to 5 pm, Friday and Saturday, and 9 am to noon on Sunday. Information and updates are also available on the Library's Facebook page.

The wet paintings will then be displayed during a wet-paint exhibit in the historic Camden Amphitheatre, Sunday, Aug. 23, from 1 to 3 p.m.

The weekend will culminate with a Reception and Live Auction in the Amphitheatre, Sunday, Aug. 23, from 4 to 6 p.m., when the weekend’s new works will be auctioned. Attendees can enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and drinks while viewing the art and meeting the artists.

Auctioneer Kaja Veilleux, of Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, will kick-off the bidding at 5 p.m. This year, the Reception and Live Auction tickets are complimentary. Pre-registration is available but not required to attend. Proceeds from the auction will be shared equally between the Library’s Campaign for the Future and the artists.

“As we prepare for the much-anticipated Camden on Canvas event in the Library’s Amphitheatre, I am thrilled that this celebration of creativity will celebrate local artists, as well as support the work we’re doing here in this storied building," said Kristy Kilfoyle, the Library's executive director. "The plein-air works are sure to delight attendees, just as they have in the past. Join us as we celebrate the power of creativity and cultural enrichment. Together, let’s paint a bright future for the Camden Public Library!”

Learn more at librarycamden.org/camdenoncanvas.