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The Forgotten Coast en Plein Air Paint-Out Draws Acclaimed Artists to Several Local Coastal Communities

by Alison Large Ketcham on February 23rd, 2024
En plein air painting Dune Winder, by Mark Shasha
Dune Winder, by Mark Shasha. Shasha is one of many internationally acclaimed artists who have participated in the Forgotten Coast en Plein Air Paint-Out, scheduled for May 15-24 in several locations along the Forgotten Coast.

Artists from Across the Globe to Gather Along the Forgotten Coast

Internationally acclaimed artists will flock to Cape San Blas and nearby coastal towns for 10 days beginning March 15th, for the Forgotten Coast en Plein Air Paint-Out. The Paint-Out is hailed as among the most-prestigious events of its kind and will feature 17 professional artists capturing scenes on canvas of Florida’s Forgotten Coast.

Nineteen Years and Counting

The goal for artists participating in the event is to document “Old Florida.” Each artist brings his or her unique view of this pristine stretch of coastline’s landscape. The result is a swath of beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces. Much of the art is readily categorized as investment quality, in addition to being picturesque and unique.

En Plein Air participants point to their framed paintings hanging on a wall.

Ten Days of Free and Ticketed Events, Exhibitions and Activities

The Forgotten Coast en Plein Air Paint-Out offers a full palette of activities for onlookers and participants. There’s sure to be something for everyone. The lineup includes live-art demonstrations, showcases of student work, artist receptions, distinguished guest speakers, lunch-and-learns, and collector’s forum. Casual visitors, artists, and collectors alike look forward to the yearly event. Here are details and a schedule of events.

Attendees can choose whether they want to attend ticketed and/or free events with a wide selection of both on tap.

  • Ticketed events include such topics as One Day Workshops, Lunch-and-Learns, and a Collectors’ Gala on the final night of the show.
  • Free events include such topics as Working Waterfront Artist Demonstrations, Reid Avenue Streetscapes Demonstrations, and Artists Choice Demonstrations – to name a few.

“The Forgotten Coast is a uniquely special place to all of us, with its natural beauty, classic old southern architecture, and wonderful local people, all lending inspiration for outstanding plein air art.”

— Susan Bassett, President Forgotten Coast Cultural Coalition

Forgotten Coast en Plein Air Paint-Out Location Specific Events

Seven Forgotten Coast communities will serve as host venues. Check out the Plein Air Art schedules in Mexico Beach, Cape San Blas, Apalachicola, Port St. Joe, St. George Island, Carabelle and Eastpoint and see if you’d like to attend events at one, two, or maybe all of the locations.

Student Art Day

Budding artists from Franklin and Gulf County schools will enjoy one-on-one instruction from Plein-Air Paint-Out artists, on Wednesday, March 20th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students will create masterpieces in the Lighthouse area on St. George Island. They’ll be supplied with a canvas, paints, and brushes and allowed to choose their subject. You’ll be amazed by the talent!

Students will sign their paintings, volunteers will help frame them, and they will be hung in the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce. The address is 17 Avenue E in Apalachicola. Viewing hours are Thursday and Friday, March 21st and 22nd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, March 23rd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Gulf and Franklin County School students gather to cheer for a photo with Forgotten Coast en Plein Air Paint-Out artists.
Students from Gulf and Franklin County schools celebrate working with Forgotten Coast en Plein Air Paint-Out artists to create their own paintings.

Where To Stay for the Forgotten Coast en Plein Air Paint-Out

Choose from BeachGuide’s wonderful accommodations all along the Forgotten Coast. Book now to get the widest selection during this popular event! Check out our vacation rental listings for ApalachicolaCape San Blas condos and vacation homesMexico Beach vacation rentalsSt. George Island vacation homes, and nearby Panama City Beach condos for the best places to stay. Or call one of our friendly vacation planners seven days a week — including some evenings — at 1-888-698-1488.

Plan on having a wonderful time immersing yourself in all-things art along a gorgeous stretch of the northern Gulf Coast!

From → Gulf Coast

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