Art enthusiasts will find plenty to inspire them during a stay in the New Smyrna Beach Area. From its numerous galleries featuring work in multiple media, special events to celebrate the arts, a self-guided Mural Trail, and even workshops where participants can unleash their inner artist, it’s no wonder that the city was included in John Villani’s book, “The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America.”
Art and artists of all types can be found throughout the New Smyrna Beach Area. A great place to start is The Hub on Canal in the historic district. This creative incubator showcases local artists and offers talks, classes, and workshops for all levels and features a rotating schedule of exhibitions. Make sure to also visit the numerous galleries and studios up and down Canal Street, which display work ranging from paintings and photography, as well as jewelry, ceramics, and sculpture. Jane’s Art Center, also in the historic district, is known for its pottery exhibits and workshops. Outside of this neighborhood are multiple other galleries worth visiting, including ArtHaus in Port Orange and Arts on Douglas in New Smyrna Beach.
If viewing the area’s galleries sparks visitors’ creativity, they’ll find plenty of opportunities to try their hand at making their own oeuvres at one of the many artistic workshops in the New Smyrna Beach Area. In addition to those at The Hub on Canal and Jane’s Art Center, classes and hands-on learning can be found at the Bob Ross Art Workshop. Visitors can learn to paint “happy little trees” and other scenes in the style of the star of the “Joy of Painting.” For those seeking craft workshops, check out Gather 2 Grow in Port Orange for a changing variety of classes, including sea glass sculptures and rustic jewelry making.
In addition to the everyday opportunities to take in the creative variety of exhibits and artistic workshops in the area, several annual events ramp up the celebration of the New Smyrna Beach Area’s art scene.
The following month, February, stop by the Art Fiesta along Riverside Drive and take in the more than 240 artists and craft makers showing and selling their work. This event is free and fun for the whole family. Check out the brilliant creativity of the artisans while enjoying live music, and revel in the thrill of competition among the vendors for awards and cash prizes.
Rounding out the year, the Flamingo Follies Holiday Art Show offers visitors the chance to pick up one-of-a-kind artisan-made gifts for family and friends. Artists and craftspeople, entertainers, and food vendors line Flagler Avenue for this two-day event, so visitors have plenty of opportunities to find something unique and support the local art scene.
Beyond these annual celebrations, the Canal Street Historic District hosts monthly events that consistently showcase the area's artistic flair. On the first Saturday of each month, the Art & Artisan Stroll takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring a diverse array of local art, antiques, and live music. Concurrently, the Gallery Walk invites visitors to explore the district's galleries from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., offering an intimate experience with the local art community.
With numerous art galleries and studios, hands-on classes and workshops, and exciting annual events that celebrate the arts, it’s clear that the New Smyrna Beach Area is a creative community at heart!