Annual Appeals

Community is our superpower

Gadsden Arts is a community of people who know that art transforms lives. While community support has grown Gadsden Arts over three decades from a small arts center to a nationally accredited art museum, the heart of our organization remains the same – dedicated and generous people.

Every year, nearly half of Gadsden Arts income is made up of memberships and contributions to our three annual appeals – Annual Fund (general support), Art for Children & Youth, and Impact Fund (for major exhibitions).

Thank you to all of you who support Gadsden Arts each year! You truly make all we do possible. If you would like to discuss giving opportunities, our Executive Director would love to talk with you. Contact Grace Robinson, 850.627.5020 or grace@gadsdenarts.org.

Dine & Discover

Dean Mitchell: The Power of Watercolor
Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 12pm–1:30pm

Join us for luncheon and an inspiring talk with artist Dean Mitchell. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and raised in Quincy, Florida, Mitchell is one of the most celebrated American painters of our era.

Mitchell has earned several of the most prestigious awards for painting in the United States, including the American Watercolor Society Gold Medal, the Allied Artists of America Gold Medal, and the Thomas Moran Award from the Salmagundi Club in New York. Mitchell is the First Place Award winner in the Southern Watercolor Society 49th Annual Juried Exhibition, on view at Gadsden Arts through April 25.

Seating is limited – reservations close when sold out, or Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 5pm. Special thanks to Dean Mitchell for coming home to host this special program with us!

Youth & Family

Summer Art Camp 2026

Summer Art Camp is back at Gadsden Arts! Young artists ages 6–12 will enjoy hands-on projects in painting, drawing, sculpture, and more—guided by experienced instructors in a fun, encouraging environment.

Thanks to the generous supporters of our Art for Children & Youth program, camp tuition is now just $40 per week for members and $50 per week for non-members. Six one-week sessions will be offered throughout June and July. Scholarships are available, and space is limited—be sure to register early!

Art for Children & Youth programs are made possible by our Art for Children Donors, sponsors Patsy and Mark Bates, and Sunnyside Farm Management. Art @ Home Kits
are sponsored by TDS Telecom.

Art Trip 2026

Discover Charleston, SC with Gadsden Arts!


We have four spots left! Embark on an unforgettable art-filled adventure with Gadsden Arts. Join us to explore the art, architecture, culinary delights, and rich history of the leading American cultural destination, Charleston, SC. Reservations close May 1, 2026.

Questions? Email grace@gadsdenarts.org or call (850) 627-5020.

Youth & Family

Create, learn, and discover together!


Saturdays are for creativity at Gadsden Arts! From 10 AM–4:30 PM, families can enjoy hands-on art, reading, and discovery—completely free and open to all.


ArtZone – A free drop-in art studio where kids and adults can explore painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, and more. Each month features special projects inspired by our current exhibitions.


Reading Corner – In partnership with the National Hook-Up of Black Women – Gadsden Chapter, this space encourages reading together. Enjoy storytime with your child and take home a free book to continue the fun at home.


Visual Treasure Hunt – Explore the museum to find all the hidden artworks. Complete the treasure hunt and pick up a prize at Visitor Services.

Free Family Saturdays are presented by Centennial Bank, with support from the Jacarlene Foundation, and in partnership with the National Hookup of Black Women – Gadsden. All Art for Children & Youth programs are made possible by our Art for Children & Youth Donors, sponsors Patsy and Mark Bates and Sunnyside Farm Management. Art @ Home Kits are sponsored by TDS Telecom.

Major Exhibitions

Who says Field Trips are just for kids?


Bring your friends or family for a Grown-Up Field Trip at Gadsden Arts! Groups of four or more can enjoy a guided tour of the Southern Watercolor Society 49th Annual Juried Exhibition, exploring the techniques, stories, and inspiration behind the works on view.

Enhance your visit with an optional exhibition-inspired art activity, then relax in our Bates Community Room—perfect for book clubs, touring groups, or family outings. Tours are FREE with admission, but reservations are required: call (850) 627-5023. Admission waivers are available for groups who might otherwise face a barrier to attend.

Jean Gard Fletcher Museum Shop

Shop here and support local talent this year!


Celebrate local craftsmanship with a variety of unique pieces, including woodwork, pottery, jewelry, and more, all available in the Jean G. Fletcher Museum Shop. Gadsden Arts members enjoy 10% off your entire purchase – join and shop today!



Director’s Circle

A special thank you!

The Gadsden Arts Center & Museum is deeply grateful to our Director’s Circle members, whose generosity ensures that world-class art experiences continue to inspire our community. As top-level supporters, these members play a vital role in sustaining exhibitions, educational programs, and special initiatives that make Gadsden Arts a vibrant cultural hub for all ages.

Thank you for your leadership, vision, and commitment—your support truly makes a lasting impact.

Celebrating Art & Community

Black History Celebrated at Gadsden Arts

Gadsden Arts was thrilled to be part of this year’s Gadsden County Black History Month celebration! We loved welcoming so many visitors into the Gadsden Arts Center & Museum to explore our exhibitions and make art. Through art-making activities and our exhibitions treasure hunt, we celebrated the extraordinary work of O.L. Samuels (pictured above with his sculpture, Godzilla), and American painter Dean Mitchell who won First Place in the current Southern Watercolor Society Juried Exhibition. Thanks to everyone who shared a wonderful day filled with community spirit, music, and art.

Save the Date

Attention Artists: 38th Art in Gadsden Applications Open April 1, 2026!

Artists, get ready! Applications for the 38th Art in Gadsden Juried Exhibition will open on April 1, 2026. This highly anticipated exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your work as part of Gadsden Arts’ longstanding tradition. Artists who are current members of Gadsden Arts and live within 200 miles of Quincy, Florida, or are former Gadsden County residents are invited to apply.

Applications open April 1, 2026, and are due by 5pm on May 15, 2026.

Image: D. Arthur McBride, Against All Odds, 2023, oil on linen, Best of Show award winner, 37th Art in Gadsden Juried Exhibition

On the square in Quincy

Dining • Shopping • Arts & Culture


Big Papa’s Chophouse

Bantam Bay

Burned Beard Brewing

CJ’s Kitchen and Catering

Dean Mitchell’s Marie Brooks Gallery

Faison’s Way BBQ & More

J&A Seafood Plus

La Cabana

Padgett’s Jewelers

Quincy Main Street

Quincy Music Theater

Reynolds Donut Shop

The White Rabbit Market

Contact Brittney Rollins to be added to this list.

Visual Art

See what’s happening nearby!

Art Museums & Galleries

AHA Gallery, Havana

Anderson Brickler Gallery, Tallahassee

ArtPort Gallery, Tallahassee

Bwembya’s Market, Quincy

Dean Mitchell’s Marie Brooks Gallery, Quincy

Foster Tanner Fine Arts Gallery, Tallahassee

FSU Museum of Fine Arts, Tallahassee

LeMoyne Arts, Tallahassee

Signature Art Gallery, Tallahassee

Tallahassee Senior Center, Tallahassee

Tallahassee State College Fine Art Gallery, Tallahassee

The Gallery at Rio Carrabelle, Carrabelle

Venvi Gallery, Tallahassee

Contact Brittney Rollins to be added to this list.