Here is a list for many of the 20th of May 2026 Emancipation Events happening across surrounding counties. Select the county you wish to find out more about:

• Leon
• Wakulla
• Franklin
• Gadsden - TBA
• Jefferson
• Madison

This summer we will get creative with forays into fantastical places! Each week-long session will focus on a new imaginary land and feature artmaking that takes inspiration from the stories, settings, and the characters within! From the depths of Atlantis and the heights of Mount Olympus our campers will explore a world of imagination!

​Each day campers will take four art classes: drawing/painting, mixed media, 3D sculpture and ceramics. Through these classes campers learn about art from around the world, experience new artmaking approaches and techniques, and make a series of artworks to take home and enjoy at the end of each session.

Each Friday, the session will feature an Arty Party (12:45PM to 1:30PM). During the Arty Party, campers may invite their families into the studios to celebrate and view the artwork made during the session, and enjoy snacks, drinks, and fun!

Drop in on Mondays, from 11 am - noon, in the Auditorium. Dancing is a fun way to stay active! Come learn new moves, brush up on your favorites, and make new friends in a relaxed atmosphere. Learn a variety of line dances set to a mix of favorite songs.  $3 suggested donation.

We look forward to seeing you at Tallahassee’s favorite spot for creative workshops and social events.

Bring a friend or make new ones as you enjoy an afternoon filled with laughter, friendly competition,
and community connection as you play this timeless game.

Please bring your 2025 NMJL card, or you can purchase one at the shop.
All other materials will be provided, along with snacks.   BYOB.

Registration fee is $10 per person.

Open Play begins promptly at 2:00 pm.

Want to participate in camp but cannot join all week long?
This one day {BONUS CAMP} will allow your crafter to join in all the creative fun!

1 Day Camp Details:
Who: Ages 7-14
What: Campers will be making a Graffiti Style Plank!

NOTE: We need a minimum of four campers to have the camp.

Kids are encouraged to bring a snack and drink to enjoy during breaks.

Camp Details:

Who: Ages 7-14
What: Get ready for a week filled with inspiration, innovation, and boundless creativity.
We've taken this series to the next level to empower young artists to dream bigger and
create bolder. In this series, imaginations flourish and masterpieces come to life
through a diverse range of mediums to explore.

When: Tuesday-Friday 9:30 am - Noon

"The Studio Arts 2.0 Series" projects will include:
Project 1: 12x16 Graffiti Style Abstract Collage Art
Project 2: 18x21 Framed Textured Art
Project 3: Canvas Tote Bag with Pattern Technique
Project 4: Squeegee ARt

Kids are encouraged to bring a snack and drink to enjoy during breaks.

On January 29, 2026, at 5:30pm, you are invited to the opening reception of “Like everything alive that we try to hold forever,” an exhibition that brings the work of seven artists together to reflect on ways that our human bodies exist in relation to non-human objects.

Through photography, sculpture, and video, the artworks in “Like everything alive that we try to hold forever” start to navigate the many issues that come with being human. Refreshments will be provided. The reception is free and open to the public. You can park for free in the Call Street Garage after 5:00pm. The exhibition will be on view until June 27, 2026.

Like everything alive that we try to hold forever is curated by Elizabeth Diggon, Naomi Potter, and Shauna Thompson. The exhibition is organized by Esker Foundation and produced as a traveling exhibition by Independent Curators International (ICI). Funding for the exhibition tour has been provided by the generous support from ICI’s International Forum and the ICI Board of Trustees.

Artists Include:

Larry Achiampong & David Blandy (London, United Kingdom)

Diane Borsato (Guelph, Canda)

Stephanie Dinkins (Brooklyn, NY)

Bridget Moser (Toronto, Canada)

Sondra Perry (Perth Amboy, NJ)

Miya Turnbull (Halifax, Canada)

residual heat: FSU Student Exhibition

On display through June 13, 2026

Now on view through June 13, 2026, residual heat features work by MFA, BFA, and BA

students from Florida State University’s Department of Art. Spanning painting, sculpture,

photography, and more, the exhibition highlights a dynamic range of contemporary art

practices by talented young artists who are the future of our field. Visitors are invited to

explore how these artists express ideas about memory, change, and what remains over time.

This exhibition is curated by award-winning artist and Professor of Painting and Drawing,

Carrie Ann Baade, Audrey Lendvay, BFA, and Stephanie Rowe, MFA.

Gadsden Arts Artist’s Guild

On display through June 16, 2026

Enjoy the second Artists Guild exhibition of 2026, on view in the Gadsden Arts Center &

Museum’s Bates Community Room and Bates Gallery through June 16, 2026. On display is

artwork by Jan Austin-Hicken, Douglas Bondurant, Deborah Bullock, Michael Burchfield,

Tony Butkowski, Kathy Cody-Guastella, Hui Chiu McClure, Kathy J. Ferrell, Robert W.

Feuerstein, Ellen Fournier, Terry Francisco, Thomas Friedman, Debbie Gaedtke, Joy Green,

Sal Guastella, Lucy Harris, Cathy Hathaway, John R. Isaacs, Sandra Lipner, MJ Lord, Kristin

Manos, Michele Moffett, Kent Putnam, Jill Quadagno, Linda Rabon, Ann Robinson, Stephen

Bennett Smit, Debra Spitler, Karen Stewart, Mary Liz Tippin-Moody, Georgia Turner, and

Erika Zambello.

Generations A Solo Exhibition by Julie TorresMay 15 – July 11, 2026From Tallahassee to the Metropolitan Museum of Art—Julie Miller Torresproves that art can be for everyone, even if you’ve never stepped into agallery before. Julie Miller Torres creates work that blends everydaymaterials with powerful ideas, turning familiar techniques like crochet andweaving into bold, eye-catching pieces. Her art explores themes offreedom and empowerment in ways that are easy to connect with,transforming legal texts and big civic ideas into striking visual storiesthrough her signature “woven screenprints” and “paper quilts.” One of hermost recognized works, Super Diva, is a portrait of Justice Ruth BaderGinsburg and is part of the permanent collection at the MetropolitanMuseum of Art in New York.A Tallahassee native and Maclay School graduate, Torres now lives andworks in Atlanta. Her path bridges both art and law—she holds degreesfrom the University of Florida, the University of Miami, and the SavannahCollege of Art and Design (SCAD). Today, her work appears in majorcollections including Delta Airlines, the Ritz-Carlton, SCAD, and the JordanSchnitzer Family Foundation.Support for this program is provided by the National Endowment for theArts, celebrating NEA America250: Arts Projects Honoring the NationalGarden of American Heroes.

Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle is presenting an exhibit on the U.S. Women of WWII.  This exhibit will open on Tuesday, May 5 and be on display at the museum until Saturday, May 30.  The museum is open every Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm. There is no charge for admission, but donations are gladly accepted.   

During WWII, American women played a crucial role, serving in the war effort as members of the Women’s Army Corps (WACs), Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) of the U.S. Navy, the SPARs of the United States Coast Guard Women’s Reserve (Semper Paratus, Always Ready), the U. S. Marine Corps Women’s Reserve (MCWR), and as WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots), as well as civilians working in war industries throughout the country. Over 350,000 American women served in the U. S. Armed Forces during World War II, taking on over 200 different roles. Their work filled vital positions that supported the war effort both at home and overseas and ranged from mechanics, pilots, and drivers to gunnery instructors, nurses, postal workers, and translators. During their service, 432 servicewomen lost their lives and 88 were taken prisoner. 

This exhibit will showcase the many contributions of women during WWII and explain the important roles they played in the war effort. Featured displays will include historic photos and authentic artifacts such as uniforms, handbooks, and even a practice aptitude test given to women applicants hoping to enlist. The exhibit will also highlight individuals like U.S. Navy Flight Nurses, who were among the first women to arrive at battles such as Iwo Jima and Okinawa and will remember and honor many of the local women of Franklin County who served during World War II.

Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum is located in Carrabelle, directly across from Carrabelle Public Beach Park at 1873 Hwy 98 West. For more information, contact Camp Gordon Johnston Museum at (850) 697-8575 or museum@campgordonjohnston.com. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council. 

LeMoyne Arts presents Funkadelic Visions, featuring the vibrant and imaginative paintings of music legend George Clinton. Known for his groundbreaking work in funk music, Clinton brings the same bold creativity and energy to his visual art, offering viewers a colorful, immersive experience that blurs the lines between music, culture, and imagination.

Kindly Presented by Akbar Thomas

Opening Reception:

Thursday, May 14- 5 pm-7:30 pm

Live music by The Bay Kings Band

In-House Bar

Muffins & Mimosas

Saturday, May 16 | 11:00am - 12:30pm

In-house mimosas, baked goods from Uptown Cafe, and hot coffee provided by Argonaut Coffee.

We’ll be previewing some old things that will be new again—fresh stories and historic photos coming to the historic rotunda on long-term exhibit beginning July 2026. Plus, we’d love to hear from you as we begin preparing for upcoming anniversaries in 2027 and 2028. Did you work at the Capitol before 1978? Be sure to attend and share your memories of this special place.

This program is free and open to the public.

Want to participate in camp but cannot join all week long?
This one day {BONUS CAMP} will allow your crafter to join in all the creative fun!

1 Day Camp Details:
Who: Ages 7-14
What: Campers will be making Textured Art!

Kids are encouraged to bring a snack and drink to enjoy during breaks.

"The Wonders of Watercolor" Paintings by Bill Holkham at Jefferson Arts Gallery Saturday May 2 through Saturday May 30.

Bill Holkham was born in London, England and had a professional career in Housing Management and Development, assisting those with a wide range of housing needs. His more serious interest in painting started in his 20’s teaching himself oils, acrylics and pastels. He progressed to watercolor and joined art societies and received guidance from professional artists. Rapid progress resulted and he became one of the London Bayswater Road artist selling their artworks directly to the public alongside Hyde Park. This progressed to him being represented in various art galleries and art exhibitions and shows. Bill moved to the USA 20 years ago and became a citizen on July 4th, 2009, with the ceremony taking place at Tom Brown Park in Tallahassee. He licenses companies to print his artworks on multiple products for purchasers across the world. Whilst in America Bill has exhibited his works in various shows and festivals including Mount Dora, Naples Invitational and Gainesville Fine Art Association to name a few. He now concentrates his time in Tallahassee and the surrounding areas. His classes teaching Transparent Watercolor painting in the English style of using the white of the paper have proven to be very popular. He enjoys passing on his knowledge and seeing people advance their skills. At least 60% of those attending have classed themselves to be beginners. Bill says his style is representational with a dose of impressionism at times although he also occasionally produces very detailed works. These include Golf Courses and Aircraft which of course need to be very accurate, and he wants his aircraft to look airworthy! In general, whether he’s painting a serene beach sunset or the iconic greens of Pebble Beach, Bill’s watercolors celebrate the joy of painting and the natural beauty that surrounds us. As the founder of the popular Let’s Paint Watercolors brand, Bill shares his passion for teaching by guiding beginners and experienced artists alike through step-by-step tutorials on-line. Through his social media platforms, he has 100,000 followers and this is increasing every week

The Joe Center for the Arts invites the public to explore scale and perspective in "LARGER THAN LIFE & Tiny Art" during the opening reception on May 1st from 6-8pm (Eastern).  From expansive canvases that take the mundane and elevate it to monumental size to small works with minuscule detail, see how artists interpret their views of the world?  This exhibit runs from May 1-29, 2026.

Want to participate in camp but cannot join all week long?
This one day {BONUS CAMP} will allow your crafter to join in all the creative fun!

1 Day Camp Details:
Who: Ages 7-14
What: Campers will be making a Canvas Tote Bag with Pattern Technique!

Kids are encouraged to bring a snack and drink to enjoy during breaks.

Tallahassee Watercolor Society's 2026 Tri-State Annual Juried Water Media Exhibition

Thursday, May 28, 5:30-7:30pm.

Mark your calendars for the opening reception of the Tallahassee Watercolor Society's 2026 Tri-State Annual Juried Water Media Exhibition! Enjoy works by local artists from Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. This year's juror is a nationally renowned watercolor artist and past board director of the American Watercolor Society, Don Andrews. His paintings have received numerous awards, including three awards from the American Watercolor Society and two Best of Show awards from the New England Watercolor Society. This exhibition will be on display from May 28th, 2026 through July 25th, 2026.

You can learn more about the exhibition, TaWS membership, and Don Andrews through the Tallahassee Watercolor Society.

The Artists Guild returns to kick off the summer season in TSC’s Fine Art Gallery.  Members are from the area surrounding Quincy, reaching from up into SW Georgia and down to the coast. This group of professional artists presents an exciting exhibit that is diverse in style, media, and technique. Opening Reception, Thursday, May 28, 5 until 7.      Be sure to join us.

Opening Reception: Tallahassee Watercolor Society's 2026 Tri-State Annual Juried Water Media Exhibition

Thursday, May 28, 5:30-7:30pm

Mark your calendars for the opening reception of the Tallahassee Watercolor Society's 2026 Tri-State Annual Juried Water Media Exhibition! Enjoy works by local artists from Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. This year's juror is a nationally renowned watercolor artist and past board director of the American Watercolor Society, Don Andrews. His paintings have received numerous awards, including three awards from the American Watercolor Society and two Best of Show awards from the New England Watercolor Society.

You can learn more about the exhibition, TaWS membership, and Don Andrews through the Tallahassee Watercolor Society.

Join us for a fun-filled evening of painting and sipping, guided step-by-step in creating a stunning acrylic masterpiece. No experience necessary! Grab your favorite drink, relax, and let your creativity flow. We provide all the supplies, including canvas, paints, and brushes. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, you’ll leave with a beautiful piece of art to cherish. This is the perfect opportunity to unwind, socialize, and discover your hidden artistic talent. Come alone or bring friends for a memorable night out.What’s included: all art supplies, Step-by-step instruction, a fun and relaxed atmosphere. BYOB: Feel free to bring your favorite beverage to enjoy while you paint.