New Smyrna Beach: A Prime Destination for Art Lovers

The art scene in the New Smyrna Beach Area is nationally known and for good reason. With multiple galleries featuring world-class artists, numerous opportunities to learn more about art, and an annual festival that attracts upward of 53,000 visitors, it’s time to explore the creative side of this area. 

Plan to Attend IMAGES: Festival of the Arts

This world-renowned arts festival, held January 26–28 2024 in New Smyrna Beach, welcomes more than 225 artists, vendors, and live entertainment, with something to please young and old alike. Featuring pieces from locals as well as artists farther afield, you’ll find a variety of work, from paintings to digital art, fiber creations, glasswork, and photography. Spend the day wandering through the displays, then enjoy a meal or snack while grooving to live music. If you’re visiting with youngsters, they’ll enjoy the student art exhibit or getting their hands into the mix in the Creative Education Tent, where they can try out hands-on projects themselves.

Wonder Through The Galleries

Not in town for the IMAGES Festival? Never fear—you’ll find numerous galleries representing art in all forms every day in the New Smyrna Beach Area. Hit up the Hub on Canal, an incubator space for more than 70 artists. You can not only view their work but can also learn about their vision through talks, workshops, and classes. While you’re in the Historic District, check out the work at several other galleries, including Arts on Douglas, Jane’s Art Center, and the Ring Gallery.

The Atlantic Center for the Arts showcases visual artists as well as those who work with sound, print, and movement. Stop in for a Literary Tea talk, explore the rhythm of the world through a soundwalk, or join a workshop to create your own calming totem to help you stay grounded day to day. The January ACA Spotlight features instruction by artist Bethany Bennett—bring your art supplies or purchase them onsite.

Take a Class or Two!

Feeling inspired after viewing all the extraordinary work at the festival and in the galleries? Try your hand at one of the area’s art classes. At Bob Ross Workshop and Gallery, learn to paint using Ross’s “wet-on-wet” technique to create beautiful landscapes, complete with “happy little trees.” At the Artists’ Workshop, take a class to discover the medium that speaks to you, whether paint, pastels, pencil, or clay.  

And art classes aren’t just for adults. At ArtHaus, in Port Orange, kids can take a variety of hands-on classes, or even join a multiday art camp. The studio also displays student work in ongoing exhibitions. After all, according to one of the most influential 20th-century artists, Pablo Picasso, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”

Find your creative side, or enjoy viewing the work of others, in the New Smyrna Beach Area, a
“creative community at heart.”