Wildlife Arts Festival – Thomasville Center for the Arts

31st Annual Wildlife Arts Festival

November 20 – 22, 2026

WAF 2025 Photo Gallery

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

2026 Wildlife Arts Festival Schedule of Events

THURSDAY, NOV. 5 | FESTIVAL KICKOFF & PUBLIC ART UNVEILING | 6PM

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

THURSDAY, NOV. 19 | PATRON & ARTIST WELCOME RECEPTION | 5PM

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

FRIDAY, NOV. 20 | ART IN THE WILD | 10 AM

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

FRIDAY, NOV. 20 | CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION | 5:30 PM

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

FRIDAY, NOV, 20 | PREVIEW PARTY | 7 PM

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.

SATURDAY, NOV. 21 | BIRD DOG BASH | 7 PM

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+

FINE ART SHOW & ARTISAN MARKET: SATURDAY NOV. 21| 10 AM – 4 PM & SUNDAY NOV. 22 | 12 PM – 4 PM

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.

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.

A Special Thank You

For three decades, Thomasville Center for the Arts has proudly hosted one of the nation’s premier wildlife and sporting arts festivals — and this year, was our best yet.

Thank you to our talented artists, volunteers, underwriters, event sponsors, staff and our incredible community. We raised our highest amount to date in art sales this Wildlife Arts Festival to support art education programs in Thomasville. We couldn’t have done it without you and are truly so grateful for your unwavering support. Until next year!

Congratulations!

A very special congratulations to Debbie Gaskins on receiving the Bob Crozer Visionary Award and Dr. Beckey Malphus on receiving the Margo Humphrey Bindhardt Service Leadership Award. Both have exhibited exceptional service, leadership and dedication to championing the arts and the mission of the Wildlife Arts Festival.

A Special Thanks To:

Abode Fine Furniture

David Walter Banks

Lucrezia Bieler

Big Oak Nursery

Big Oak Tree Rug Gallery

Cathead Distillery

Chehaw Park & Zoo

Colson Printing

Cotton & Quill

Dirt Road Dog Co.

Alison Fairbrother, Works of Harte

Grassroots Coffee Co.

Mike Hanscom

Kevin’s Fine Outdoor Gear & Apparel

Longleaf Alliance

Magic Kumquat Productions

Walt Matia

National League of Junior Cotillions Thomas County

Dr. Lloyd and Martha Newberry

Spalding Nix

Onward Reserve

Orvis Fly Fishing School

Pebble Hill Plantation

Quail Forever

Janisse Ray

Marilynn & Randy Rhea

Seagate Printing

The Gift Shop

Thomas University Athletes

Thomasville City Schools

Thomasville Garden Clubs

Thomasville YMCA

Kathryn Mapes Turner

Todd and Hope Whiddon

Wildwood Flower Design

Youth Field Trial Alliance

30th Anniversary Host Committee

Rachel Arnold
Natalie Braswell
Debbie Gaskins
Brandy & Gates Kirkham
Jamie Lawrence
Morgan Lewis
Beckey Malphus
Laura Miles
Courtney Oliva

Thomasville Garden Club

Lauri Parrott
Vanessa Patz
Marilynn & Randy Rhea
Lee Saussy
Nancy Scott
Kate Scovil
Carey Sewell

Brooke Crocker
Carla & Ty Turner

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:

Illustrations by Works of Harte | Alison Fairbrother | @worksofharte