15th annual Wekiva Paint Out to bring artists to Central Florida for week-long event

Canvases set up in canoes. Easels hiding amidst the trees. Fine art lining the boardwalk.

Artists from all over will soon be setting up around Wekiva Island and Wekiwa Springs State Park for the 15^th annual Wekiva Paint Out. The event will take place from February 21 to 27, 2021.

The Paint Out brings together world-class plein air artists from around Florida and the U.S. for a week-long benefit aimed at raising awareness for the Wekiva River and protecting the environment. Proceeds support the Wekiva Wilderness Trust and Keep Seminole Beautiful.

“Last year’s Paint Out took place just before COVID-19 shut down much of the country,” said Mary Sue Weinaug, the event’s organizer. “We’re thrilled that we can bring these artists together again safely in 2021 for our event, which takes place almost entirely outdoors and is perfect for social distancing. This will be the first art event for many of these artists and for many art lovers in the community.”

The main event during Paint Out is the chance to watch the artists work daily from Monday, February 22, to Saturday, February 27, throughout the state park and around Wekiva Island. Guests can also tour the gallery, which will feature new works daily as the artists complete them. Works are available for purchase.

In addition, art lovers will have to chance to snap up some of their favorite pieces—and maybe get a deal—during the live art auction at 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 24. Wekiva Island will host its Sunset Paint In™ on Friday, February 26, when artists will paint inside the boundaries of the Island, and guests will have the chance to enjoy a pasta bar and craft beer tasting.

On Saturday, February 27, aspiring artists can try their own hand at painting en plein air with the Quick Draw open event at noon. Finally, the entire week will wrap up with an all-inclusive gala on Saturday night.

Tickets to the gala are $35 each or $70 for couples. Entry for the Quick Draw is $20. Participants are asked to register for the auction here. Individuals or businesses are also invited to support the artists as a patron or sponsor of the event, which affords them access to exclusive events as well as an art voucher.

More information about the Wekiva Paint Out can be found at https://wekivapaintout.com/.