When traveling, do you enjoy experiencing the local culture? If cloistering yourself off in private lodging isn’t your style, there are plenty of opportunities to appreciate the finer side of life on Amelia Island. Here are five artsy places you’ll love for life.
Clay Times Art Center
Clay Times Art Center is the go-to place for handmade works by local artists. Available for purchase are handmade pottery, jewelry, glasswork, paintings, wearables, furniture, and home accessories – all proudly made in the USA!
After purchasing a special Florida souvenir, you may tour resident artists’ studios to get a sense of how the masters work. If this inspires you to get into the art business for yourself, the center offers art classes for all ages. Wheel-throwing, glass painting, pottery, alcohol ink, dirty-pour acrylics – plenty to keep you occupied. If your schedule doesn’t fit the public schedule, just contact the center to arrange a private class. The center is also available for private gatherings or events. So, whether it’s just you, the entire family, or an entire gathering, there’s room for everyone!
Shady Ladies Art
Shady Ladies Art is the collaborative effort of five local artists who display their art under the shade of a 400-year-old oak tree. They offer photography, paintings, prints, cards, and naturally-dyed clothing – perfect local souvenirs from your time on Amelia Island! Exhibitions are held monthly, with artists from all over coming to display their work for a month in the gallery. Each month is arranged around a theme, and visitors are invited to vote for their favorite pieces. With new art gallery paintings added regularly, there is always a reason to return!
Amelia Sanjon Gallery
Sandra Baker-Hinton combines her love of nature and art into the Amelia Sanjon Gallery, which showcases a brilliant display of paintings, photography, fused glass, and jewelry. Visitors can watch Sandra work on signature watercolor paintings and learn about her various techniques. As a volunteer with Sea Turtle Patrol in the State Park, she is knowledgeable about local wildlife, and her art gallery doubles as an information center for where to find the best photo shoots, where to catch a glimpse of sea turtles, alligators, and birds, and where to fossil hunt. The friendly atmosphere and nature-themed gallery are sure to delight!
Plantation Artists’ Guild and Gallery
The Artists’ Guild and Gallery serve as a cooperative run by many fine artists who call Amelia Island home. The cooperative gives visitors the opportunity to interact directly with the artists themselves – no paid staff, no middleman to raise the prices. Art in watercolor, acrylic, pastel, mixed media, sculpture, and photography in contemporary and traditional styles are available for viewing and sale and rival those found in larger art guilds and galleries. Art classes, commissions, programs, demonstrations, and lectures are offered. Keep your eyes open for quarterly shows and guests lectures and demonstrations. Whether you intend to purchase original artwork, participate in a class, or attend a demonstration, guests are always welcome!
2nd Story Gallery & Studios
Located on the second story above a toy store, 2nd Story Gallery and Studios is a great destination for local artwork, jewelry, pet portraits, prints, gifts, and much more! The artwork has an emphasis on nature and water-based artwork in various mediums, specializing in the island- and beach-themed art, from paintings of pelicans to photographs of sunsets.
You don’t have to travel to famous art galleries to view something incredible. Whatever your artistic inclination, you are certain to find something to suit your tastes on Amelia Island! The island attracts artists from across the country, so you will be certain to find a little bit of everything at the various types of art galleries on Amelia Island. Whether you are interested in making a purchase, learning a new skill, or simply observing and learning, these five artsy, fartsy places fit the bill!
All of these locations are just minutes from our Amelia Island condos. For more information about our accommodations, contact us today!