Special to the Herald
Canvases and canoes. Brushes and the boardwalk. Easels and egrets. Wekiva Paint Out is back, and the event is once again combining art and nature to raise awareness and funds to protect the Wekiva River.
The event brings artists from around the country together for a week of painting en plein air at Wekiva Island and Wekiwa Springs State Park. Guests can tour the gallery and purchase pieces—or even buy them straight from the easel. Proceeds benefit Keep Seminole Beautiful and the Wekiva Wilderness Trust, both of which work to protect the river for future generations.
This year’s event will run from Feb. 24 to March 1 at Wekiva Island and surrounding areas.
“The Wekiva Paint Out has become a tradition not only for our artists, but for the community,” said Mary Weinaug, the event’s organizer and executive director of Keep Seminole Beautiful. “It’s a celebration of this incredible natural resource we have in our own backyard. Everyone in Central Florida should stop by and watch these artists work for a few minutes and come away with a whole new outlook on the area and art.”
In addition to the chance to watch the artists and tour the gallery, visitors can attend several special events.
• Live auction—7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26. Guests can bid and battle for their favorite pieces—and maybe get a deal—at this fast-paced, traditional art auction. Free to attend. Register here.
• Evening nocturne painting and pasta bar—5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28. Watch the artists work at night at Wekiva Island and enjoy a special pasta bar for $14.95.
• Quick Draw amateur competition—Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 1. Amateurs can paint alongside the pros and compete for a prize.
• All-Inclusive Gala—6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 1. Celebrate the week with a curated meal, drinks, and a riverside atmosphere. $50 per person or $90 per couple.
Sponsorships or patron opportunities are available and include tickets to special events and an art credit.
To see the schedule for the event, click here. For more information about Wekiva Paint Out, visit https://wekivapaintout.com/.
Wekiva Island has served as Wekiva Paint Out host since 2009. The business is founded on a mission of art, education and sustainability, and it features its own art gallery, Gallery CERO. For more information about Wekiva Island, visit wekivaisland.com.
About Wekiva Island
Located on the beautiful Wekiva River, Wekiva Island offers visitors the chance to experience the real Florida. The natural attraction features more than 2,000 square feet of entertainment along the riverfront, including activities from canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding to volleyball and cornhole. Wekiva Island hosts regular monthly events. The Tooting Otter bar offers a selection of craft beer and wine, and Without a Paddle Café serves up a full menu, including for special events. Guests can also purchase gifts or souvenirs at the General Store. In addition, Wekiva Island features a unique art gallery that showcases natural works from around the world, as well as offers classes, events and more. Corporate meeting space, event venues and private cabana rentals are available at Wekiva Island. Sustainability and a passion for the environment is at the heart of the organization’s mission. Wekiva Island is located at 1014 Miami Springs Drive in Longwood, Florida. For more information, visit wekivaisland.com or call 407-862-1500.
