The weeklong Gloucester Arts Festival kicks off this Saturday, with activities that give people of all ages and abilities a chance to paint side-by-side with the area’s premiere artists.

“The excitement for the inaugural Gloucester Arts Festival has really been building over the past few weeks,” said Jenny Crittenden, executive director of the Cook Foundation, a key presenter of the festival. “We’re looking forward to a great turnout at what promises to be a wonderful opportunity for our community.”

Gloucester Arts Festival events begin with a weekend Plein Air Workshop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the Arts on Main building on Main Street. This session led by award-winning artist Hai-Ou Hou will help artists prepare mentally and physically for painting quickly in plein air or any alla prima subject. Tickets to the Plein Air Workshop are $295.

A Nocturne Paint Out will take place from 3:30-7:30 p.m. Monday at historic Little Englan...