A platform for students to show their creativity, gain recognition for artistic efforts, and exhibit artwork at Gadsden Arts.

Most recently, the Gadsden Arts Center awarded a special Dean Mitchell Award to Luis Reyes for his poem inspired by Dean Mtichell's work. Below are student winner from the Art in Gadsden Poster Competition and the SWAT Art Competition. To learn more about these exhibitions, visit Student Exhibitions.

The Gadsden Arts Center’s Docent Program provides an educational opportunity for people of all backgrounds to learn and experience art and has been recognized in North Florida as an outstanding way of educating children and adults in Gadsden County and the region. Docents are trained volunteer educators interested in leading group tours to children, visitors, students, and the local community through the Center’s exhibitions. No prior experience or knowledge is required—just a desire to learn and share.

For more information, 627-5020 or grace@gadsdenarts.org.

Celebrate your child’s birthday at the Gadsden Arts Center with art activities and inspiring gallery adventures for a fun and memorable, hands-on learning experience. 

Arty Party Birthday Package includes:

• Admission for up to 10 children, plus the birthday child, ages 5-12
• 2 hours exclusive use of the Children’s Art Studio, including two activities of your choice and a gallery game
• A staff member to guide activities and games 
• Dessert plates, cups, napkins, cutlery 
• Decorations
• Party Favors

Arty Party Activities: 

• Clay Pots (pinch or coil pots)
• Masks
• Puppets
• Birthday Hats
• Collage Garden
• Landscape Painting “step-by-step”
• Pop-up Cards

Cost: $140 Child Members / $150 non-members
Availability: Saturdays from 1-3pm or 2-4pm. 
Download the Arty Party Contract. For more information or to reserve your party, call 627-5023 or email Jessica.joyner@gadsdenarts.org.

Currently Exhibiting Artists: Barbara Balzer and Jill Quadagno
Tuesday March 15th, 2-3pm
Admission free

Learn more about artists Barbara Balzer and Jill Quadagno during a fascinating artist talk in the Sara May Love Gallery at the Gadsden Arts Center. Visit Current Exhibitions for more information. 

June & July 2012
Monday–Friday, 9am-12noon
Ages: 5–11
Fee: $65/week

Send your child to Gadsden Arts Center for creative fun this summer. They will explore painting, collage, drawing and sculpture each week while learning about famous artists and cultural arts. Children interested in performing arts can participate in a full day of camp by combining Art Camp with the Quincy Music Theater Camp in June or the Legacy School for the Performing Arts in July. Call 850.875.9444 for the QMT Summer Workshop, or call 850.322.4061 to register for the Legacy School for the Performing Arts.

For more information, contact Jessica at 850.627.5023 or jessica.joyner@gadsdenarts.org.

Painting and Drawing Class

Have you always wanted to learn to draw or paint, or would you like to tune up your skills in a fun and creative social setting? Join artist/instructor Joni Wildman for one of the Gadsden Arts Center's new drawing and painting classes. Ms. Wildman is an FSU studio art graduate, an exhibiting painter in her own right, who has been working with Gadsden Arts Center school and family programs since 2009.

Classes are designed to be affordable and flexible, offered each week in a "pay as you go" format, with basic materials provided. Classes are offered each week for both beginners and intermediate/advanced levels. Beginning Drawing and Painting offers exercises to develop student skills, including use of a range of mediums, allowing students to design their own works of art in a supportive, guided instructional environment. Intermediate/Advanced takes this format to a higher level, challenging students to hone and expand skills, including class critiques to share knowledge and insight.

Tuition: $5 per class, pay as you go, basic materials provided (Gadsden Arts Center membership required)
Schedule: Thursdays, Beginning: 12:30-2:30pm, Intermediate/Advanced: 3-5pm

No preregistration required. Students complete a student information form, and membership form (if needed) at their first class. Information: 850.627.5020 or grace@gadsdenarts.org.

Families gain insight into the varied exhibitions of fine art in the galleries through fun facts, gallery activities, and discussion questions. Family Gallery Guides are offered free of charge with every new exhibition. Download current and past Family Gallery Guides:

Barbara Balzer, Tom Busby, and Jill Quadagno (Feb-Apr2012)

Highlights from the Permanent Collection: Mary Proctor and Chief Oloruntoba (Feb-Apr2012)

23rd Annual Art in Gadsden Exhibition (Nov2011-Jan2012)

Dean Mitchell: Rich in Spirit Exhibition (July-Oct 2011)

Eluster Richardson: Life of a Quilt (April-June 2011)

Alla Prima (Jan-March 2011)

Are you looking for the perfect activity for visiting friends and relatives, a club, church group or children’s group? Docents (tour guides) are available free of charge to lead group tours for four or more visitors. Learn the history of the Center and our unique building, and gain insight into the varied exhibitions of fine art in the galleries.
Specially prepared volunteers lead guided educational tours of the exhibitions for school and adult groups, free of charge. Tours are customized for each group depending on the age, size, time and can include any number of studio activities.

Add lunch from the Mainstreet Café for a private Luncheon Tour, for only the price of lunch.

To schedule a tour, call Grace Robinson Maloy at 627-5020 or email grace@gadsdenarts.org.

Established in memory of Faith Babcock and Gianna Mitchell

Every third Saturday of the month, 1–3pm
Join art instructor and FSU graduate Joni Wildman as adults and children create art together at these fun, family-oriented art-marking workshops. Projects are inspired by original works of art in the Gadsden Arts Center's exhibitions, holidays, and cultural themes. All materials are supplied. No registration necessary. Tuition is just $2 per child and Children's Memberships provide free admission to all Family Art Workshops.

Saturday, February 18, 1-3pm - Paper Beaded Necklaces & Decorative Gift Bags
Create a necklace made of paper beads using newsprint, magazines, construction paper, and more. Decorate a gift bag for your necklace to take home with you!
Fee: $2 per child

Saturday, March 17, 1-3pm - St. Patrick's Day Leprechauns
Celebrate this St. Patrick's Day by sculpting a leprechaun out of clay, then paint your creation!
Fee: $2 per child

Saturday, April 21, 1-3pm - Flower Pot Paintings
Be creative this spring! Paint your own flower pot and embellish with decorative materials to plant your favorite flower.
Fee: $2 per child