A week-long celebration of art and nature
Wekiva Paint Out, started in 2006, is a celebration of Plein Air artists that helps benefit charities such as Keep Seminole Beautiful and Wekiva Wilderness Trust. All week long, guests can visit Wekiva Island free of charge and witness world-class artists painting along the boardwalk, in kayaks, canoes, at the bar and at various locations along the Wekiva River. Throughout the week, there will be plenty of opportunities to view the work, purchase their pieces. support our artists and charities, enjoy live music, indulge in great food and celebrate art in our community!
History of the Wekiva Paint Out
The Wekiva Invitational Plein Air Paint Out was started by philanthropist and nature lover William “Big Bill” Tippit. Big Bill had an idea to produce this art event to increase awareness of one of our area’s greatest natural resources, the Wekiva River. Big Bill approached The Friends of Wekiva River (FOWR) for their support. FOWR had produced a one-day event to increase awareness of the River and Park, The Wekiva Riverfest, in 2006. Big Bill felt becoming part of the Riverfest event would give the Paint Out a strong foundation. They hosted the very first Wekiva Paint Out in March 2007 as part of that year’s Riverfest celebration. He handed the event over to the FOWR the following year in 2008. Bill Tippit is no longer the host but is still a big supporter of the event and can be seen regularly in the wetroom socializing with the artists.
In 2009, FOWR decided to cancel the Paint Out portion of Riverfest event because of the significant costs associated with hosting it. Mr. William C. Weinaug Jr. (Bill) agreed to sponsor and host the Paint Out at the Wekiva Island that year. Bill had recently purchased the old Wekiwa Marina to make a stance against the declining health of the river. He renamed the property what’s known today as Wekiva Island. Like Big Bill Tippit, Bill Weinaug continues to believe this one event is our best chance to increase awareness of the Wekiva River and what we can do to save its health. A few years after the Wekiva Island started hosting the Paint Out, the FOWR had decided to cancel the Riverfest Event. This year, Mr. Weinaug continues to host the Wekiva Paint Out at the Wekiva Island, his seventh. He is committed to making this one of the best most famous paint outs in the Americas.
Today its benefactors are Keep Seminole Beautiful and the Wekiva Wilderness Trust.
The Calendar of Events: February 26 – March 4
Sunday – February 26th
Artists arrive & get settled for their week long stay at Wekiwa Springs State Park
Artist Welcome Dinner with Artists, Patrons and Sponsors
Monday – February 27th
All Day: Artists painting all day around the Island
5-9P: Open gallery & live music
Tuesday – February 28th
All Day: Artists painting all day around the Island
5-9P: Open gallery & live music
Wednesday – March 1st
All Day: Artists painting all day around the Island
12-10p: Open gallery & live music
6-7p: Preview event with complimentary beer and wine + craft beer tasting
7-8P: Live Auction
To register for Live Auction, simply email us with your name and number of guests. The first 25 people to register will receive a free beer or wine ticket to be used anytime.
If you are a collector or interested buyer do not miss this opportunity to get a fantastic piece of art and support our non-profits.
Thursday – March 2nd
All Day: Artists “paint in” around the bar
12-10p: Open gallery & live music
10-3p: How to Finish a Quick Draw Workshop with Hai-Ou Hou
Click here for more info and to register for Hai-Ou Hou workshop!
Friday – March 3rd
All Day: Artists painting all day around the Island
12-11p: Open gallery & live music
10-3p: How to Finish a Quick Draw Workshop with Hai-Ou Hou
Evening Nocturne Painting at the Bar
5-9p: Pasta Bar, $10.95/person
Click here for more info and to register for Hai-Ou Hou workshop!
Saturday – March 4th
10a-4p: Open gallery of work created throughout the week
12-2p: Quick Draw open event
6-7p: Private patron reception at Wekiva Island Wet Room/Gallery
7-11p: All inclusive GALA dinner with live music, beer/wine and wine tasting event.
Register to participate in Quick Draw, $25/person
Purchase your Gala tickets, $40/person or $70/couple
Sunday – March 5th
Stop by early for the final chance to view and buy work before our artists depart!