Hello, art lovers and creatives! My name is Rory the Rooster from Flagler Avenue (yes, we really live there), and these are my Confessions of a Trailhead. Grab your artsiest beret and get ready to explore the vibrant, eclectic arts scene of the New Smyrna Beach Area--we’ll also get to take home a few crafts of our own!.
Stop 1: Atlantic Center for the Arts
At our first stop, let’s get our creative juices flowing with a glimpse at the work of the next generation of artists! The Atlantic Center for the Arts is known for hosting up-and-coming musicians, sculptors, painters and more to create and display their art. Don’t forget to come back in January for the iconic IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts; my rooster pals and I love to go every year!
Stop 2: Ring Gallery
Over on Historic Canal Street, the Ring Gallery will be a favorite of anyone with an eye for photography. New Smyrna Beach resident Mike Ring has won awards for his amazing photos of our beautiful beachside hometown! You might even be able to find me in the background of a photo or two, but I think I’m ready for my close-up.
Stop 3: The Hub on Canal
Want to meet a jewelry maker, hear a local musician play or watch a painter bring a canvas to life? The Hub on Canal is a longtime community staple that serves as both a studio and a gallery so we can meet the artists behind the work. I love to come for their concert nights—they’re a cluckin’ good time!
Stop 4: Jane’s Art Center
Throw on a smock and get those pottery hands ready! At Jane’s Art Center, we’ll have a chance to take ceramics classes and learn how to make bowls, plates, teapots and anything else we can come up with! Does anyone want to help me? Turns out claws aren’t ideal for the clay…
Stop 5: Arts on Douglas
Wash up and pick out your chicest outfit—we’re heading to the Arts on Douglas. This gallery just a short stroll from Canal Street is a haven for contemporary artists from around the state. We’ll have a chance to view paintings, photography, sculptures and more in a hip space where we can live out our art critic dreams!
Stop 6: ACA Downtown: Harris House
Didn’t get enough of the Atlantic Center for the Arts this morning? Let’s pop in their downtown spot in the charming Harris House, where they focus on outreach for the community and children. We can each have the chance to contribute to one of the community art projects; getting creative with friends and neighbors is another part of what makes the New Smyrna Beach arts scene so special!
Stop 7: TaDa Gallery and Gift Shop
Now we’ll arrive at our last stop, but not to worry—the handmade gifts at TaDa Gallery and Gift Shop are a wonderful reminder of our journey through the Arts Trail! Bursting with color and creativity on the inside and out, this gallery and boutique is the perfect place to find inspirational and imaginative gifts for your favorite artist and yourself!
Thanks for coming along with me to explore my favorite spots along the New Smyrna Beach Area Arts Trail and don’t forget to come find me on Flagler Avenue! For more information on the Arts Trail, please visit https://www.visitnsbfl.com/nsb-arts-trail.
