Amelia Island is home to more than beautiful beaches and tons of sunshine – it’s also home to a vibrant visual arts community.
Loved by locals and visitors alike, Amelia Island’s arts scene is booming. It’s full of talented artists – well-known and up-and-coming – and galleries featuring ocean-inspired paintings and prints. Amelia Island’s Artrageous Artwalk is an attempt to bring these two together in a sort of open house for artists and art lovers of all walks (get it?) of life.
Keep reading to learn more about one of the best family-friendly activities a stone’s throw away from our Amelia Island vacation rentals.
About the Artwalk
Amelia Island has a reputation for high-end art, its galleries featuring works from renowned Florida artists.
On the second Saturday of each month, galleries in historic Fernandina Beach, the main town on the island, open their doors a little wider. Each gallery holds its own event or open house, some serving refreshments, and others drawing visitors in with live music. The Artwalks are also an opportunity to talk shop with local artists.
Media and styles of art vary greatly at the Artrageous Artwalks. Expect to see watercolor landscapes and bold tropical-style acrylics and oils. Visitors can also enjoy incredible photography reminiscent of views from Amelia Island vacation rentals. Pottery, metal sculptures, and stained glass are just a few of the other kinds of art featured among the galleries.
Participating Galleries
There are more than 10 participating galleries across Amelia Island – a testament to the robust arts community in the area.
The monthly Artwalks are put on by the Island Art Association (18 North 2nd St.), a non-profit, volunteer-run organization that works to support art and local artists. They, of course, take part in the open house, serving up light refreshments and displaying a range of island-inspired art.
Art on Centre (503 Centre St.) is another great spot to visit, with its modern style, unique sculpture pieces, and approachable staff.
Blue Door Artists (205 ½ Centre St.) is another must-visit on the Artwalk. This gallery is a co-op workspace and gallery with everything from paintings to photography to pottery. It also has some jewelry and greeting card-sized prints of some of the works.
For a mix of art and souvenirs that aren’t T-shirts and keychains, visit Slightly Off Centre (218-C Ash St.), a gallery and gift shop that is constantly mixing it up. They have lots of art on the wall, as well as masks, handmade dishes, and other handcrafted pieces. Often, they serve wine and cheese for the Saturday Artwalks.
Other galleries, 2nd Story Gallery & Studios, Carol Winner Artists Gallery, Casey Matthews Fine Art, Fern and Dina’s Gallery, and Gifts, LaTorres Gallery, among others.
For more information and a complete list of participating galleries, call the Island Art Association at (904) 261-7020 or visit them at islandart.org. They also operate a gallery and run a variety of workshops and events, including a Monthly Art Chat.
Dates & Times
The 2018 Artwalks take place once a month from 5 to 8 p.m. (4 to 7 p.m. during winter months). Upcoming dates for spring and summer are May 12, June 9, July 14, and August 11.
While most people come to Amelia Island for the sun, sand, and outdoor activities, the island’s monthly Artwalks are well worth an evening on the beach. Take a stroll in Fernandina Beach, stopping in at the participating galleries along the way.
When you’re done, grab a bite to eat on one of the town’s many patios. For more information on accommodations in the Amelia Island area, check out our family-friendly vacation homes for your next vacation.