7th Annual Gulfport FL Plein Air Festival

Description

The Gulfport Merchants Chamber invites artists working in all mediums/substrates to join the Seventh Annual Gulfport Plein Air Festival April 13-18 2026.

Registration opens November 13th, 2025 to artists 18 and older. Registration fee is $40. Registration deadline: March 31, 2026.
Link to register: https://www.cloudfolios.com/exhibitions/330

Participating artists are requested to bring canvases and other surfaces they intend to use to the Gulfport Welcome Center (5317 Gulfport Blvd) for stamping at the Artist Meet & Greet on Monday April 13th 4-6pm. (stamping of canvases and other surfaces is also available on Tuesday)

Paint Gulfport’s scenic locations and submit your favorite painting on Friday April 17th at the Gulfport Merchant Chamber Welcome Center between 1-2 PM and 4-5pm.

Registration includes a plein air workshop on Saturday, April 18th 10am-12 pm with award-winning artist/instructor Jack Providenti. Jack originated the idea of this plein air event 7 years ago!

Join us for the festival finale Exhibition & Collector’s Sale on April 18th from 4-6pm with prizes and awards! Artists must be present. Exhibition awards will be decided by a panel of 3 award-winning artist judges.

$300 cash award for Best in Show and the following fun awards will each receive a Blick gift card worth $50.

1. Spirit of Gulfport – the piece that best embodies the fun and funky atmosphere of Gulfport
2. Gecko Award – best incorporation of a gecko in a painting.
3. Best Tree Award – best expression of a tree

Event Schedule:

Artist Only Events:
4/13 4-6PM Debrief & canvas stamping at Welcome Center
4/14 10AM-12PM Alternative canvas stamping
4/17 1-2PM and 4-5PM Submit 1painting at the Welcome Center for Saturday’s Art Exhibition & Collectors Sale
4/18 10AM-12PM Workshop at Veterans Park with Instructor Jack Providenti

Artist & Public Events:
4/14 10AM-1PM Artists paint Downtown Gulfport (Tues Market)
4/15 9:30AM-12:30PM Artists paint Gulfport Beach
4/16 7 PM Artists paint Gulfport Beach at Night
4/17 9:30AM-12:30PM – Artists paint Gulfport Marina
4/18 4-6 PM Art Exhibition & Collectors Sale at Gulfport Welcome Center, 5317 Gulfport Blvd S, Gulfport, FL

For updates, festival map and additional details, visit the event website at https://visitgulfportflorida.com/events/

Local Lodging: Peninsula Bed & Cocktails - Use promo code ART to receive 20% off of your stay!

Questions? Contact art@visitgulfportflorida.com.