Southport Plein Air 2023

We had another fantastic turnout this year for the 2023 Southport Plein Air Festival! Seventy-seven registered artists came in full force with their paint brushes and easels to capture the serenity and beauty of our coastal home on canvas over a three-day span, May 18-20..

Take a walk back to a magical weekend in the galleries below!

Artist Reception

We hosted two receptions for registered artists this year, with thanks to American Fish Company and the Frying Pan Restaurant for hosting perfect Southport-style welcomes. Crazy, windy and rainy weather threatened to put a damper on both, but better spirits prevailed and new bonds forged.

Food & Fun

Chuck’s Mobile Seafood and Lil & John’s Sweetreat Ice Cream Parlor kept the crowds full and happy all Saturday long in Franklin Square Park. As attendees waited for the Wet Paint Sale to begin, Perry Smith and Turning the Wheel Wilmington had everyone moving to a new beat, while local artisans demonstrated their special talents.

Artists en Plein Air

Artists of all ages and levels came in rain and shine to immortalize the beautiful views of our North Carolina coast. Every stroke of color brought to life what this festival is all about: painting in the open air with constantly changing conditions of light, temperature, and time of day.

Kids Plein Air

Ginger and Kelly from 2nd Story Art and Music Studio helped inspire young artists to express themselves in the most plein air way possible.

Wet Paint Sale

Franklin Square Park was a sight to see, filled with the most amazing paintings from all the unique perspectives of our plein air artists. Patrons had the chance to take home the very art they witnessed come to life this weekend.

Award Ceremony

The heart and soul poured into these canvasses did not go unnoticed or unrewarded. The Brunswick County district court judges who presided over the awards ceremony this year were hard pressed to choose their favorites among them, as was Southport Mayor Joe Pat Hatem and Jack Randolph, who bestowed the post-thumous Eloise Randolph Award, in honor of his late wife, a Southport icon. Attendees decided their favorite for the People’s Choice award was Asheville artist Brian Murphy, whose art will be featured in promotional images for the 2024 Southport Plein Air Festival.

And a Special ‘Thank You’ from the Magic Makers

We members of the Southport Plein Air Festival Committee cannot begin to convey our gratitude for the camaraderie and positive attitudes expressed by the registered artists, who visited our community from across North Carolina and six other states. We hope you will be able to join us again next year and continue to let us know how we can make each successive festival serve your needs and display your talents best.

Cheers to Next Year!

The next Southport Plein Air Festival will take place again Thursday, Friday and Saturday May 2-4, 2024. Subscribe to our mailing list and follow us on Facebook to be notified when the registration forms are available this fall.