The 14th annual New Smyrna Beach Plein Air Paint Out is set for Oct. 15-19, and will once again benefit Marine Discovery Center and Artists’ Workshop NSB.
Paint Out combines art and nature and features nationally recognized artists who travel to New Smyrna Beach to create outdoor paintings during each day of the weeklong event. Artists paint from dawn to dusk at various locations throughout the city and surrounding areas, interpreting natural flora, fauna, local historic landmarks and landscapes onto canvas.
“We’re always excited for the New Smyrna Beach Plein Air Paint Out, which is the largest annual fundraiser for both Marine Discovery Center and the Artists’ Workshop,” said Wendy Castino, co-coordinator of the 2024 Paint Out. “This event has created a lot of synergy between the two nonprofit organizations, blending art and nature in programs for both children and adults.”
This year’s Paint Out will bring 19 artists to New Smyrna Beach, with new artist participants Dana Enders, John Guernsey, Tom Sadler and Luann Widergren, contributing to the 2024 event.
The week will kick off Tuesday, Oct, 15, with an “Evening Paint” event at JB’s Fish Camp, followed by another evening paint event on Thursday, Oct. 17, at Outriggers Tiki Bar & Grille.
The Paint Out “wet gallery” of freshly created works will be open throughout the week in the Artists’ Workshop, which shares the building with MDC. The public may visit the gallery to view and purchase the daily creations.
A total of nine art demonstrations will be held throughout the week, which are free and open to the public. Art and nature enthusiasts have an opportunity to get a close-up view of work in progress at each event.
“The public can go to these art demonstrations and mingle with the artists, watch their techniques and ask them questions,” added Castino.
The 2024 Paint Out also features two ticketed events, including the Collector’s Reception on Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 5-8 p.m. That event will be held on the campus of MDC and Artists’ Workshop at 540 Barracuda Boulevard and will feature a live auction with 19 pieces of art available for purchase with 100 percent of the proceeds supporting the two nonprofits. Musician Lucy Spott will provide entertainment that evening and heavy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided. Tickets are $100 per person.
A second ticketed event will be the Grand Finale and Final Art Sales on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 5-9 p.m. That event will be held on campus and will feature a tropical vibe with dinner by Outriggers alongside musical entertainment by Aaron Esposito. A silent auction throughout the week will be held for this year’s cover art created by artist Michelle Held. Winner of the featured painting will be announced at the Grand Finale event. This event will be the last chance to purchase art created throughout the week. Tickets are $50 per person.
For a complete schedule of events and to view the virtual gallery during Paint Out week, visit www.NSBPaintOut.com. In addition, there will be posters and rack cards distributed throughout the community with more information available at Marine Discovery Center and Artists’ Workshop NSB.
Marine Discovery Center’s educational programs are outdoor-oriented and nature-focused and it partners with neighbor, Artists’ Workshop NSB, which offers classes in a variety of art techniques, as well as studio space for artists.
About the Marine Discovery Center
The Marine Discovery Center (MDC) was founded in 1997 with the goal to protect and restore the Florida coastal and Indian River Lagoon ecosystems through education, research and community stewardship. A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, MDC has become widely recognized for its quality educational and hands-on, feet-wet learning programs for kids, as well as adults. Using its 40-passenger Discovery boat and fleet of kayaks, the center offers learning opportunities as a floating classroom, in adventure camps, as well as for guided eco-tours by certified naturalists. The center showcases engaging exhibits for experiential learning and invites community participation in stewardship opportunities. For more information, visit www.
