The oldest art gallery in Fernandina Beach has a full slate of community events coming up, including workshops such as landscape painting and, on Oct. 19, the annual Plein Air Paint Out that will make the streets of Fernandina Beach seem like Paris.
On the two previous days, October 17th and 18th, there will be a pre-Plein Air PaintOut workshop.
Almost since its inception, the Island Art Association (IAA), founded 50 ago and located on north Second Street, has reached out to the local art community. For example, its education center offers a basic watercolor workshop for beginners in a “fun, relaxing class” with workshops on Sept. 9, 16 and 23.
But the most far-reaching art adventure will take place Oct. 19 as artists will spread out from Centre Street to Fort Clinch, to the beach, and beyond, to capture art in the open air, hence the French term “plein air.”
According to Sharon Haffey, co-chair of marketing and communication for IAA, artists will have the opportunity to gather at the gallery and socialize later in the day.
“Bring your paints, pastels, pencils, charcoal, or whatever your medium, to the Art Education Center beginning at 9 a.m. and capture the historic beauty of our historic homes and amazing landscapes,” Haffey says.
Participants will pick up a water bottle, a snack, and a map of the area after they sign in. Later, at 3 p.m., there is a reception at the center.
“Any artist who wishes to participate may bring their completed pieces back to the center from 2-3 p.m. for an artist-sharing session,” she explained.
She also urged attendees to email her at sshaffey@gmail.com to be updated on details and changes.
Preceding the Plein Air Paint Out, well known artist Eric Jacobsen will present Plein Air painting on Oct. 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is a charge for the two-day workshop. Call Jacobsen at 541-490-0447 for his information.
A digital portrait workshop will be held on Sept. 12 and 13, and an acrylic encaustic workshop on Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. are also upcoming. Call 904-261-7020 for further information after 11 a.m.
October Island Art Association Calendar
Oct. 1, 3, 8, 10, 22, 29, 31 Open Studio
An Open Studio is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-5 p.m. Bring your own project/supplies to the Art Education Center to create with a group. There is a $5 fee. For more information, contact Diane Withrow, diane.withrow@icloud.com or Chris McCall, chris.mccall370@gmail.com.
Oct. 4-5 Palette Knife Painting Workshop
Sally Cummings workshop: Palette Knife Painting from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Cost is $395. Contact Sally to register at sally.paletteknifeartist@gmail.com.
Oct. 6 and 13 Sam Varela Pet Portrait Workshop
1-5 p.m. each day (two days). Cost is $225. Contact Sam at http://applexam.myportfolio.com/events to pay and for materials required. Island Art Association: 904-261-7020; 18 N. Second St.
Oct. 12 Figure Drawing Group Island Art Association has a monthly live figure drawing session from 9-11 a.m. The cost is $5 to support a model. The meeting will be held at the Island Art Association’s Art Education Center. Mary Quinlan leads the session.
Oct. 12 Second Saturday Artwalk and Reception
Island Art will host the reception for the featured artist, Marcia DeFalco. Hours are 5-7 p.m. during the second Saturday Artrageous Artwalk. DeFalco is an award-winning mixed media artist. Island Art Association 904-261-7020 18 N. Second St. Visit www.islandart.org. Also, Amelia Island Dance festival will present a program in the courtyard from 5-7 p.m. Two dancers, John and Julia Boyd of Acrofit, and a painter artist, Chris Riley, will perform simultaneously. This is a fundraiser for the Amelia Island Dance Festival.
Oct. 14-16 Eric Jacobsen Workshop
Eric Jacobsen: Indoor Painting workshop, Painting Expressive Landscapes in the Studio, will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The cost is $395.
Oct. 17-18 Eric Jacobsen Workshop: Plein Air Painting
Workshop will be held on Oct. 17 and 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The cost is $295.
Oct. 15 Ukulele Fun Group
The Ukulele Fun Group meets at the Island Art Association Art Education Center. The cost is free and anyone may participate. Just bring your instrument or your voice and join in the fun, from 7-8 p.m. Island Art Association 904-261-7020; 18 N. Second St. Visit www.islandart.org. For information, contact Gene Janicke at 651-769-4881.
Oct. 17 Fernandina Beach Photography Club
The Photography Club meets each third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Island Art Association Art Education Center at 18 N. Second St. The group’s leader is William McKenna. Island Art Association 904-261-7020, 18 N. Second St. Visit www.islandart.org.
Oct. 19 IAA Free Children’s Art
An Art Class for children 5 years old and older is held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Art Education Center at the Island Art Association. Registration is not required, but classes fill quickly. Call the Island Art Association at 904-261-7020; 18 N. Second St. Visit www.islandart.org. Pipar West leads the session.
Oct. 19 Annual Regional Plein Aire Paintout
A day of art making on Amelia Island. Free and open to any interested artists. Take your art materials and sign in at the Island Art Association at 18 N. Second St. at 9 a.m. Pick up your snack bag and head to island areas and downtown to paint. Plan to stay for the sharing session from 2-3 p.m. Please email Sharon at sshaffey@aol.com so the organizers can keep you informed of details and changes.
Oct. 20 IAA Sundays on Second
Island Art Association hosts free Artist Encounters every third Sunday at 2 p.m. This month, Pat Batchelder teaches bracelets at the Island Art Association Art Education Center, 18 N. Second St.; 904-261-7020, www.islandart.org. Reservations are required. Contact Alice at glassgirl445@gmail.com to save a spot.
Oct. 26 IAA critique group
An open discussion and critique group meets on the last Saturday of each month at Story & Song Bookstore Bistro from noon to 2 p.m. All mediums are welcome. Artists may bring works in progress to receive the group’s support and views. Story & Song’s Bistro offers a breakfast and lunch menu.