Bring Art to Life–Be a part of Gadsden Arts

Gadsden Arts delivers powerful experiences found nowhere else in our region. Through inspiring Major Exhibitions and free, year-round Art for Children & Youth programs, we open doors to creativity, growth, and expression for all—especially children who might not otherwise have access to the arts.

Our community makes this possible. By giving to the Impact Fund or Art for Children & Youth Fund, you invest in life-changing experiences for thousands.

Join our community—make your gift today.

Thank you for helping children thrive.

Opening Event

American Grit Opening Day

Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 10AM – 4PM

Join Gadsden Arts on Saturday, June 7, for the opening celebration of American Grit: Florida Crackers, Cowboys, & Cow Hunters, photographs by Adam Rountree. Enjoy a free day of fun for all ages, featuring live artist demonstrations, engaging talks, and hands-on activities that bring Florida’s cowboy culture and history to life.

Live Demonstrations & Presentations

Morning:

10:30 AM – Lilli Clark | Artist’s Demonstration

11:30 AM – Artists Guild | Panel Discussion

Afternoon:

1:30 PM – Havana History & Heritage Society | 100 Years of Shade Tobacco

2:30 PM – Dale Cox | History of Spanish & Native American Cattle

3:00 PM – Brad Phares | Cowboy Artist’s Talk

3:45 PM – Whitnie Yoder | History of the Florida Cattle Industry 

All Day Family Fun!

4-H Cattle Club Activity 

ArtZone (exhibition – inspired art activities)

Cowboy Photo Booth 

American Grit inspired recipe at Bantam Bay (7 AM – 3 PM)

American Grit: Florida Crackers, Cowboys, & Cow Hunters, photographs by Adam Rountree, is made possible by donors to the Impact Fund and the Watson Art Fund, presented by Signature Art Gallery, and sponsored in part by Black Fig and Proof Brewing Company.

New Additions to the Gadsden Arts Permanent Collection

On May 9, Museum Staff traveled to the Harn Museum in Gainesville, FL, to pick up four works of art by Hiram D. Williams. Williams was a celebrated painter and printmaker known for expressive, often introspective figurative work that explores a wide range of human emotions. In1994, Williams was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame.

The newly accessioned pieces—Walking Man (1971), Man Gazing (1977), Agonized Man (1986), and Self Portrait (1966)—are exciting additions to our growing permanent collection. We are thrilled to share Williams’ work with our community.

Image: Hiram Williams, Walking Man, 1971, 102 x 59 inches

Gadsden Arts is a Blue Star Museum!

May 17, 2025 — September 1, 2025

Looking for a creative and cool way to spend time with your family this summer? Gadsden Arts is proud to welcome military families with free admission all season long through the Blue Star Museums program!

From now through Labor Day, active military personnel and their families—including members of the National Guard and Reserve—can explore inspiring exhibitions, hands-on activities, and more at no cost. Thank you for your service!

Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families. For a full list of museums nationwide, visit https://www.arts.gov/blue-star-museums-map

Youth & Family

Get ready for a summer of creativity and fun!

The first week of camp starts June 9, and there’s still time to sign up for a summer your child won’t forget! At our 2025 Summer Art Camp, creativity takes center stage. Each week is packed with hands-on projects, colorful materials, and fun ways for kids to express themselves through art. From painting and drawing to sculpture and mixed media, there’s always something new to explore – register today!

Major Exhibitions

American Grit: Florida Crackers, Cowboys, & Cow Hunters 

Photographs by Adam Rountree

May 30 – July 19, 2025

We love to welcome schools, organizations, and groups of friends and family to discover great art! Join Gadsden Arts staff and Art Guides to experience American Grit: Florida Crackers, Cowboys, & Cow Hunters, a captivating exhibition of photographs by Adam Rountree that showcases the often unseen culture of Florida’s cattle ranchers. 

To schedule your tour or learn more, contact Kaiyla Thompson, Museum Educator, at 850-627-5023 or kaiyla.thompson@gadsdenarts.com

American Grit: Florida Crackers, Cowboys, & Cow Hunters, photographs by Adam Rountree, is made possible by donors to the Impact Fund and the Watson Art Fund, presented by Signature Art Gallery, and sponsored in part by Black Fig and Proof Brewing Company.

Special thanks to Adam Rountree, Doug Croley, Parker Stewart, Jimmy Nicholson, Mike and Terry Hawkins, and Harvey Suber; and American Grit partners Tallahassee Museum, Bantam Bay and Company, Havana History and Heritage Society, Cowhunters Unlimited, and the UF/IFAS Gadsden County Extension.

Youth & Family

Family Fun at Gadsden Arts 

Come enjoy Free Family Days every Saturday at Gadsden Arts! Get creative in the ArtZone, discover galleries through a Visual Scavenger Hunt, and unwind in the Reading Corner. Don’t forget to grab a free book and an Art@Home Kit to continue the fun at home!

Free Family Saturdays at Gadsden Arts are made possible by Art for Children & Youth Donors, and presented by Centennial Bank, in partnership with the National Hookup of Black Women – Gadsden, Art for Children Sponsors Bell & Bates Home Center, Sunnyside Farm Management Inc., a grant from the Community Foundation of North Florida, and Art @ Home Kits sponsor TDS Telecom.

Fletcher Museum Shop

Visit the Fletcher Museum Shop!

Discover unique, original artwork by local artists, like Judy Ehrhardt’s stunning bead and fiber designs at the Fletcher Museum Shop. Gadsden Arts members enjoy 10% off their entire purchase, just one more reason to stop by and support local creativity! We’re open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM, and we can’t wait to welcome you. 

Events

Plan your year with Gadsden Arts!

Looking for inspiration, fun, and creativity all year long? See upcoming events on the Gadsden Arts website! From opening receptions and artists’ talks to family-friendly activities and workshops, our Events Page is your one-stop spot to see what’s coming up.

Gadsden Arts nominated for Best Museum!

We’re thrilled to share that Gadsden Arts has been nominated for Best Museum in the Tallahassee Community’s Choice Awards 2025! This honor reflects the heart of our mission — connecting people with art that inspires, educates, and enriches lives. Now, we need your help to bring this award home!

Voting is open from June 6 – 20, 2025. Every vote counts, so rally your friends, family, and fellow art lovers to show their love for Gadsden Arts! Let’s celebrate the power of art and our amazing community together!

Thank You and Welcome

To all 100+ Gadsden Arts annual volunteers, thank you!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the retiring Board Members and Officers for their dedicated service in helping make Gadsden Arts a vibrant hub for the arts in our community: Dianne Croley, Katee Tully, and Allie VanLandingham – Thank you!

We are pleased to welcome incoming Board Members Eluster Richardson and Jim Miller, longtime supporters of Gadsden Arts. Additionally, we welcome our new officers – Board President Jimmy Nicholson, Vice President Joyce Gardner, and Board Secretary Ranie Thompson.

Thank you all for your service!

Welcome Elly to the Gadsden Arts team!

Gadsden Arts is pleased to introduce Elly Howell who joined our team in May. A Florida State University graduate with a degree in History and minors in Education and Biology, Elly brings to Gadsden Arts a strong academic background and a passion for community engagement. She has years of customer service experience and previously interned with FSU History’s Social Media Team. Elly also founded the March for Minds Color Run in Gainesville, FL, combining her love for event planning with fundraising. Be sure to say hello to Elly on your next visit to Gadsden Arts!