The Town of Lunenburg will be awash in easels and palettes this weekend as the Lunenburg Art Gallery hosts its 11th annual Paint Sea on Site July 23 and 24.

 Up to 70 artists from across Nova Scotia and beyond are expected to converge on the town in a two-day painting extravaganza which is the gallery's major fundraiser of the year.

 Participating artists garbed in yellow T-shirts will spread out around Lunenburg painting various images of the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site which will be sold at the end of each day in a silent auction taking place at the town's community centre.

 Bidding ends at 4:30 p.m. daily and the proceeds from each work sold are split between the artists and the gallery.

 Participants include artists of all ages, even youngsters who will have an opportunity to show off their talent during the children's art event which takes place Saturday in two sessions, from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m.

 Budding artists ages six to 13 are invited to create their own works which will not be sold, but will be displayed at the Paint Sea on Site show each day.

 Each session begins with a 30-minute painting lesson, after which participants, with the accompaniment of a parent or other adult, are free to paint whatever Lunenburg scene they wish.

 For a nominal registration fee participants will receive a basic painting kit, a Paint Sea on Site hat, a painting lesson and the thrill of seeing their own artwork displayed for all to see.

 A maximum of 25 children will be accepted.

 For reservations or further information contact Sue Beavan at 766-0126.

posted on 07/19/11