Wildlife Arts Festival – Thomasville Center for the Arts

31st Annual Wildlife Arts Festival

November 20 – 22, 2026

Luminous Passage, June Klement, 2026

Luminous Passage , June Klement, 2026

2026 Featured Artist

June Klement, Painter

Interested in Applying as an Artisan?

Wildlife Arts Festival Artisan Market | November 2026

The Wildlife Arts Festival invites talented artisans and makers to apply for participation in this year’s Artisan Market in beautiful Thomasville. Set beneath the city’s iconic southern oaks, the market offers a distinctive opportunity to showcase handcrafted work in an atmosphere that celebrates art, nature, and community.

As one of the festival’s most anticipated experiences, the Artisan Market welcomes artists whose work reflects creativity, craftsmanship, and originality. Participating vendors will have the opportunity to engage with thousands of festival attendees while enjoying the charm and hospitality that make Thomasville such a treasured destination.

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY JULY 1, 2026. A letter of regret or acceptance into the 2026 show will be sent via email no later than July 15, 2026.

Apply HERE

Festival Favorites

2026 Wildlife Arts Festival Workshops

WILDLIFE ART WORKSHOP

Our favorite artists spend a morning guiding beginner and experienced artists alike as they create their own works of art. Ticketed event, space is limited.

CREATIVE COVEY FLORAL WORKSHOP

The Red Hills region touts some of the finest flora in the nation. Our talented guest floral designer will guide participants through the steps to bring natural elements into the home with a custom designed piece. Ticketed event, space is limited.

BEGUILED BY THE WILD | YOUTH ART WORKSHOPS

Let your children’s (ages 5-17) imaginations go WILD under the direction of wildlife artists.

Create a mini masterpiece, while learning about our local wildlife and ecosystems. Free to Members & Underwriters. Classes fill up fast! Register online. Members – Free, Non-Members $10.

WILDLIFE WALKABOUT STATIONS | ARTISAN MARKET

Throughout the festival grounds, young visitors will also find wild and wonderful ways to engage with our furry and feathered animal friends and learn more about the unique ecosystem of our region.

LAND & LORE SERIES | SATURDAY, NOV. 21 & SUNDAY, NOV. 22

Listen and learn from speakers, authors, and artists, on the importance of local ecosystems and share their experience in conserving our beautiful land. Watch and enjoy feature films and be part of conversations and lectures that educate. Free entry. Register online.

2026 Wildlife Arts Festival Schedule of Events

Festival Kickoff & Public Art Unveiling

Thursday, November 5 | 6pm

Celebrate the kickoff of our Festival with a Public Art unveiling at the UnVacant Lot. Free entry.

Patron & Artist Welcome Reception

Thursday, November 19 | 5pm

A special celebration with fellow patrons and Festival artists for an intimate evening of conversation, camaraderie, and Southern hospitality. By invitation.

Art in the Wild

Friday, November 20 | 10am

Observe skilled Wildlife Arts Festival artists in action as they create masterpieces en plein air amidst the beauty of the Red Hills.

Champagne Reception

Friday, November 20 | 5:30pm

Exclusive early access includes: Fox Hound, Wild Turkey, and Bob White Underwriters.

Preview Party

Friday, November 20 | 7pm

Where gala meets gallery opening, our Preview Party is an illuminating evening celebrating the mastery of sporting and wildlife artists and artisans from across the country. Mingle with friends, indulge in decadent fare and peruse the works of renowned artists and artisans to add to or start your own fine art collection. An Underwriter-only experience.

Bird Dog Bash

Saturday, November 21 | 7pm

The ‘come together’ party of the year for artists, sponsors, and friends with boot stomping music, bonfires, and live auction featuring ‘quick-draw’ works from festival artists. Place your bid at the art auction while enjoying live music, open bars, and a southern feast. Ticketed event. 21+

EarlySelections_BirdDogBashWAF_2025-90 (1)

Fine Art Show & Artisan Market

Saturday, November 21 |10am-4pm

Sunday, November 22 | 12-4pm

Explore the mastery of sporting and wildlife artists and artisans from across the country paired with live music, workshops, family-friendly activities, wildlife encounters, and local flavors under the oaks at our historic art center. Free entry.

Fine Art Show

Explore the mastery of 70+ sporting & wildlife artists and artisans from across the country paired with live music, Wildlife Encounters, and local flavors under the oaks. Presented by Synovus.

Presented by:

2027 Wildlife Arts Festival Host Committee

Rachel Arnold

Natalie Braswell

Brooke Crocker

Jamie Lawrence

Haile P. McCollum

Emily McKenna

Beckey Malphus

Kate Scovil

Thomasville Garden Club