SAUGUS — Artists of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate in a community art show this summer as the Saugus Cultural Council continues its efforts to bring more arts programming and public art opportunities to town.

The art show, themed “The Great Outdoors,” will be displayed during the Summer Concert at the Iron Works on Aug. 5. Organizers are encouraging submissions that celebrate nature through landscapes, wildlife, outdoor adventures, scenic vistas, and personal connections to the outdoors.

This event is the latest in a series of initiatives by the council aimed at increasing artistic engagement and visibility throughout the community.

Cultural Council Co-Chair Tori Darnell has been a leading advocate for expanding public art in Saugus. In 2025, she completed the eight-month ChangeMakers program through the Creative County Initiative, a program of the Essex County Community Foundation focused on strengthening arts and culture across the region.

Darnell was the first participant from Saugus to complete the program and received a $1,000 grant.

In a previous interview, Darnell said, “One of the things I’ve learned through the program was how important art can be as part of a community’s infrastructure. Art and art centers can help with the narrative of the infrastructure of a community.”

The council has hosted initiatives for residents to participate in creative opportunities. It hosted an art show during last year’s Iron Works concerts.

The council also launched “The Bridge” project, a townwide collaborative artwork project inviting residents to create squares using drawing, painting, writing, collage, or other artistic mediums to reflect their cultural or personal identities.

Those individual pieces were then assembled as a large-scale mural celebrating the diverse stories and experiences at the inaugural Saugus Community Festival: Culture & 411.

Those looking to participate in “The Great Outdoors” art show can submit their pieces by July 6 via email at [email protected].