October 14th - 18th
Welcome to Art Swarm 2026!
Art Swarm is the Fine Arts League of Cary's annual celebration of art in action. For five days this October, downtown Cary will become a vibrant, open-air studio where artists create, learn, and connect with the community through plein air painting, studio sessions, workshops, exhibitions, and special events.
Whether you're an art lover, collector, or artist, Art Swarm offers a unique opportunity to experience the creative process up close. Watch artists paint throughout downtown Cary, explore original artwork at the sidewalk sale and judged exhibition, attend the public awards reception, or participate in one of our instructor-led workshops. The sidewalk sale, exhibition, and awards reception are free and open to the public.
Artists from across the region are invited to join Art Swarm by painting outdoors, working in our shared studio spaces, exhibiting and selling their artwork, and participating in workshops designed for a variety of skill levels. Whether you're an experienced plein air painter or simply looking for an inspiring creative experience, there's a place for you at Art Swarm.
Swarm 2026 Schedule
The 2025 Inaugural Art Swarm was a Win for the Arts
Art Swarm 2025, which brought scores of artists to our event in downtown Cary, was a huge success. For five days in September, artists from across the region set up easels and created their art in public settings in downtown Cary as well as in the Cary Arts Center. Here are some highlights from Art Swarm 2025:
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30 artists participated in plein air painting
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25 artists created artworks in-studio
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Art instructors held 7 hands-on workshops
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Dozens of art lovers stopped by to watch artists at work and to purchase art at a sidewalk sale on the final day of Art Swarm
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Nine artworks created during Art Swarm received special recognition (details below)
The Fine Arts League of Cary sponsored Art Swarm, but we could not have succeeded without the help of our volunteers and sponsors.
2025 Art Swarm Exhibit Awards
Congratulations to the plein air artists whose Art Swarm paintings were selected for awards by Judge Brenon Day.
Judy Crane, "Academy St. Bistro", Technique award
Nicole White Kennedy, "Pink Shadows", Message award
Lily Braff, "Outdoor Dining on E Chatham St", Color award
Lyudmila Tomova Clark, "Timekeeper on Chatham", Professionalism award
Andrea Florstedt, "The Pink House", Brenon's Choice award
Congratulations as well to the Honorable Mention winners:
Linda Hauser, "Let's Make Art"
Genie Lazcano, "Nature's Music"
Celeste Izquierdo, "The Nest"
Emily White, "Fresh Moment"