Opening this month!

The American South:

Photographs by Gordon Parks, Jimmy Nicholson, and Guggenheim Fellows

On loan from the Do Good Fund, Columbus, Georgia

Curated by Jimmy Nicholson

On view September 26 – December 13, 2025

Experience a powerful visual journey through Southern history, culture, and identity in this extraordinary exhibition, featuring Gordon Parks’ historic 1960s civil rights photographs, and works by 11 Guggenheim Fellows and Gadsden County native Jimmy Nicholson. Guest curated by Jimmy Nicholson.

Join us for the opening reception on Friday, September 26, from 5–7:30pm —free for members and children 17 and under, $5 for non-member adults, and $3 for non-member adult students.

The American South is made possible by the Impact Fund and Watson Arts Fund, and presented by the Do Good Fund (Columbus, GA) and Tallahassee State College, with additional support provided by Black Fig and Proof Brewing, Inc.

Image: Rosalind Fox Solomon, Mrs. Ova Heggi and her Mannequin, Chattanooga, TN, 2015, 25.5 x 21.5 x 1.5 inches

Major Exhibition

37th Art in Gadsden – only 2 weeks left!

On display through Saturday, September 13, 2025

Just two weeks left to see the 37th Art in Gadsden Juried Exhibition! Explore 117 original works by 91 talented artists from across North Florida and South Georgia, all gathered at the Gadsden Arts Center & Museum.



Dine & Discover

The American South Dine & Discover Luncheon

Thursday, October 23, 2025, 12–1:30 PM

Join us for a special American South Dine & Discover Luncheon on Thursday, October 23rd. Savor a delicious meal while hearing stories of the accomplished photographers featured in American South: Photographs by Jimmy Nicholson, Gordon Parks, and Guggenheim Fellows. 

Space is limited—secure your seat today.

The American South is made possible by the Impact Fund and Watson Arts Fund, and presented by the Do Good Fund (Columbus, GA) and Tallahassee State College, with additional support provided by Black Fig and Proof Brewing, Inc.

Art for Youth

Creative Futures Council – registration closes this week!

The Creative Futures Council is a paid program for high school students, college freshmen, and sophomores interested in visual arts careers. Participants meet via Zoom, work with professional artists, help plan events, and showcase their work. Selected applicants will be interviewed and earn $15/hour. Apply now to start building your creative future.

Applications due: Friday, September 5, 2025, 5PM

The Creative Futures Council is made possible by our Art for Children & Youth Donors, Art Bridges, sponsors Bell & Bates Home Center and Sunnyside Farm Management, and a grant awarded by the Community Foundation of North Florida.

Youth & Family

Family Fun at Gadsden Arts

Every Saturday 10AM – 5PM

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 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 Donors, sponsors Bell & Bates Home Center and Sunnyside Farm Management, and support from the Community Foundation of North Florida. Art @ Home Kits are sponsored by TDS Telecom.

Permanent Collection

Facing South: Purvis Young, Lonnie Holley, and Alfred Conteh

In honor of Lou Hill and in memory of Calynne Hill

On view through December 20, 2025

Gadsden Arts presents Facing South: Purvis Young, Lonnie Holley, and Alfred Conteh, showcasing art by three Black artists from the American South. This exhibition presents works by Purvis Young and Lonnie Holley from the Gadsden Arts Permanent Collection alongside Malik and Marquis, a mixed-media piece by Alfred Conteh, on loan from Art Bridges. Using everyday materials, these artists explore identity, heritage, and the human spirit. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity for audience participation while exploring how life shapes art, and art shapes life.

Image at right in the above picture: Alfred Conteh (b. 1975), Malik and Marquis, 2020, acrylic and urethane plastic on canvas, 84 x 47 1/2 in. Art Bridges.  Generous support for this project provided by Art Bridges. 

Regional Art

James Thigpen

Munroe Family Community Gallery

September 20 – December 13, 2025

Quincy-born artist James Thigpen showcases oil and acrylic paintings that reflect his rich career as both artist and educator, having taught across Florida from Jacksonville to Fort Lauderdale. This exhibition offers an inspiring glimpse into his creative journey.

Image: James Thigpen, Backyard-Fantasy, 2025, oil, 30 x 24 inches

Fletcher Museum Shop

Holiday Shopping at the Fletcher Museum Shop

The holidays are just around the corner and you will find unique gifts for everyone on your list at the Fletcher Museum Shop, featuring locally made art, jewelry, books, and more. Discover one-of-a-kind treasures that you won’t find anywhere else.

Save these dates for our Holiday Discount Days, offering 20% off purchases for Gadsden Arts Members: November 29, December 5, and December 6. If you’re not yet a member, join today!

Save these Dates

TWO WEEKS WITH THE ARTS 2026

Celebrate Creative Living January 20–31, 2026!

WEEK 1 • FREE EVENTS

Collect Select Exhibition

On view January 20–24, 10am–5pm

Collect Meet the Artists Reception 

Saturday, January 24, 2026, 5–7pm

WEEK 2 • SIGNATURE EVENTS

Afternoon with the Arts Luncheon: John Grady Burns

Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 12–2:30pm

Evening with the Arts: an Evening in Paris

Saturday, January 31, 2026, 6–9:30pm

Collect Select Sale 

Tuesday–Saturday, January 27–31, 2026

Sponsorships are available until October 31, 2025

Member reservations open 12/1/25. All events are at Gadsden Arts!

Giving Opportunity

You can help fund Art for Children & Youth

Gadsden Arts’ Art for Children & Youth programs give children and teens free opportunities to create, explore, and connect through art—in our museum, in schools, or at home. These programs build creativity, problem-solving, empathy, and even inspire future art careers, and are for many of these young people the only programs of their kind in our region.

Consider joining our community of donors and sponsors who make these programs possible. Click the button below, or call Grace Robinson, 850.627.5020

Community Partnership

Art with Big Bend Hospice

This August, Gadsden Arts partnered with Big Bend Hospice–Gadsden for a meaningful community art project. Every Saturday, visitors of all ages were invited to paint a butterfly in the ArtZone. These beautiful butterflies will be shared with families who have lost a loved one, offering a message of care and remembrance.

We are grateful to Big Bend Hospice for hosting this special program with us at Gadsden Arts and for the incredible work they do in our community.