The Masters Gallery is comprised of studio paintings from the returning invited artists, often in larger formats than are possible en plein air. Join artist Michelle Held as she discusses what make the pieces presented in the Masters Gallery so valuable.

Join Beth Bathe for a Lunch and Learn event, "Carving Out A Painting." Wondering what water mixable oil paints are all about? Known for blurring the line between watercolor and oil paintings, Beth Bathe's unparalleled style evokes feelings of nostalgia, like an old sepia-toned photograph. Beth uses limited tonal colors and unconventional tools including squeegees and cotton swabs to "carve' away the paint. Beth is a artist ambassador for Royal Talens North America paints.

Come see the small paintings just hung today in the Wet Room available for purchase! Pick up one of these little jewels for your personal collection and meet the artists who painted them.

Watch artists Lon Brauer, Tim Horn, Vicki Norman, Jeremy Sams and Manon Sander capture the atmosphere, tradition and lifestyle of the small fishing community and the beauty of the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve in Eastpoint. At the reception, the artists will present a brief discussion of their paintings. Free to the public.

Join Mark Fehlman for a Lunch and Learn entitled “Design Strategies for Great Paintings.” Every great painting starts with a great foundation. The design of this foundation is the magic that creates a stunning painting. Mark will demonstrate and discuss how to find a great scene to paint en plein air and capture the essence of the place.

Come watch artists Charles Dickinson, Joe Gyurcsak, Kathleen B. Hudson and Richie Vios as they capture the beauty that is St. George Island and the St. George Lighthouse.

Watch local students paint one on one with our invited artists.

Watch artists Greg Barnes, Carla Bosch, Cindy Briggs and Mark Shasha paint at the Carrabelle Marine Street Pavilion.

Join Jeremy Sams for a Lunch and Learn entitled “Making Time Stand Still.” One of the most common objections to painting en plein air is the struggle of capturing moving light, shadows and other elements. In this demo, Jeremy will demonstrate practical methods to overcome the complexities and frustrations of trying to paint a scene with constant movement.

Mexico Beach Artists Demonstrations, 2pm-5pm, 102 Canal Parkway, Mexico Beach, at the Mexico Beach Welcome Center. Join artists Olena Babak, Greg Barnes, Vicki Norman and Manon Sander as they capture the scenes in this beautiful area.

Note: All of Forgotten Coast en Plein Air events run on Eastern time, so events in Mexico Beach will be one hour earlier than local time. For example, an event starting at 2:00pm Eastern, will actually start at 1:00pm Mexico Beach (Central) time.

Join Suzie Baker for a Lunch and Learn event entitled, “Why That Painting Works (Even When It Shouldn’t.” As the great sage Dolly Parton says, “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap.” Likewise, great artists make it look easy. But behind every seemingly effortless painting lies a wealth of skill, experience, and forethought.

In this Lunch & Learn, you’ll see plenty of examples—from artists past and present you know and love—in a lively, image-filled presentation. You’ll gain a clearer understanding of what draws you in, a deeper appreciation for the strategies artists use to compose a compelling painting, and insight into how the rules and principles of art can be both followed—and brilliantly broken. Enjoy a meal, share some laughs, and leave with a sharper eye for the art you love.

Meet artists Olena Babak, Lon Brauer, Charles Dickinson and Mark Fehlman as art enthusiasts gather to view their work and converse about the art and the setting.

Enjoy gospel music and artists painting a Sunday morning church service outdoors. See featured artists Greg Barnes, Carla Bosch, Gene Costanza and Manon Sander and many more capture a Sunday morning service on the waterfront in Apalachicola.

Reception to hear Judge’s Perspective on the 2026 Quickdraw winning paintings and to meet the 2026 Florida’s Finest Ambassadors. Reception is free and open to the public. Light refreshments served.

Quickdraw 2026 will be held at the Mill Pond area in Apalachicola, FL.

Join artists Carla Bosch, Joe Gyurcsak, Michelle Held, Tim Horn and Mark Shasha at the riverfront in Apalachicola as they paint the boats and area along Water Street. Reception immediately following the demonstration. Free to the public.

Richie Vios Residency Presentation and Exhibit

One day workshop in Apalachicola with Steven Walker entitled “Pushing Design & Composition.” Feel like your paintings look like everyone else’s?  Most paintings start with intent and a design. In this workshop we’ll explore many of the traditional forms of design and how to push the boundaries in order to make your paintings fresh and original. Limited to 10 students.