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WILDLIFE ARTS festival

To those of you we’ve known for year (decades even!) to those we’ve just met, thank you for showing up in ways that always amaze us. Dare we say you believe in us… in the mission we follow, in the work we do, in the things we teach, and in the community we build through our shared love of the arts. Thomasville is special, but it’s not just the longleaf pines and the bobwhite quail that make it so. It’s the people. The ones who plan and prepare with us for months before the festival; the ones who open their homes and hearts to artists visiting from across the country; and the ones who give of themselves in countless ways so that others can experience the joy of art, too! We are thankful for each and every one of you. On to 2023!

28th Annual Wildlife Arts Festival
November 9-19, 2023

Be on the hunt for opportunities to be an underwriter for the 28th Wildlife Arts Festival!
Send inquiries to jthomas@thomasvillearts.org.

Every fall Thomasville welcomes the arrival of world-renowned wildlife artists from near and far to Wildlife Arts Festival, now embarking on its 28th year. A true celebration of Thomasville’s sporting culture during a long weekend in November, at the start of Georgia’s Quail season, through a Fine Art Show, experiences that celebrate the land, workshops led by artists and designers and family friendly events.

2022 Featured Artist

Sue Key is a portrait artist of land, water sky, and animals. Primarily self-taught, Sue loved a camera first and followed many creative paths until focusing on painting in 2009. She found her first niche with large paintings of small birds and continues to be happiest with canvases measured by the foot.

2022 Field Guide

You can almost hear the Bobwhite quail whistle in anticipation of Thomasville Center for the Arts’ 27th Annual Wildlife Arts Festival. Take a peak inside the 2022 festival! The Field Guide walks guests through dozens of events and introduces over 50 fine artists and artisans.

2023 schedule
November 9-19, 2023

Opening Reception & Public Art

Thursday, November 9 | 6 – 7:30 pm

Due to Hurricane Nicole, we are moving the celebration indoors to our partners at Empire Bagel who will be serving up some tasty bites within a few steps of the installation!

Celebrate the festival opening with the unveiling of two public art installations that honor our local wildlife and wild waters: Joe Cowdrey’s newest permanent mural, Morning at the Fresh Spring, and LAND · WATER · SKY.

Presented by Hurst Boiler, 1915 South | ASHLEY, Big Adventure Outfitters, and THOM.

Red Hills Rover Rally

Saturday, November 11

Take the road less traveled during this guided off-road trail riding adventure through some of the most iconic and historic private properties in the Red Hills region with curated stops along the way.

Presented by Capital Eurocars.

Whiskey In The Woods

Saturday, November 11 | 6 pm

Take in the beautiful surroundings at this open-air concert, featuring Jason Byrd with southern comfort foods by j.b. crumbs, paired with cigars and spirits sure to keep you warm. Ages 21+ only. Advance purchase only, no tickets sold at the door.

Presented by Proctor Subaru, Southlife Supply Co. and Southwest Georgia Farm Credit.

Fine Art Show Preview Party

Friday, November 17 | 6 pm
Thomasville Center for the Arts

Dress to impress at this come together event of the year at Thomasville’s historic art center. Mingle with friends, indulge in decadent fare by j.b. crumbs and peruse the works of renowned artists and artisans to add to or start your own wildlife art collection.

Presented by Synovus.

Fine Art Show & Scouts Market

Saturday, November 18 | 10 am – 5 pm | Free
Sunday, November 19 | 12 – 5 pm | Free
Thomasville Center for the Arts

Experience acclaimed wildlife art in the halls of the Center’s historic building. Step outside into a lively social scene of top-shelf shopping, southern bites and libations, and family-friendly wildlife encounters in the Artisan Market.

Presented by Synovus.

SATURDAY LINE-UP

10:00 am
Festival Opens for the Day
Youth Floor & Youth Activities Begin
Jr. Wildlife Arts Festival Competition Awards Ceremony
Women of Wildlife Art Workshop

11:00 am
Beguiled By The Wild | Youth Workshop
Tallahassee Jr. Museum Roaming Wildlife & Biofacts (Until 3 pm)

12:00 pm
Storytime with Imagination Emporium
Land & Lore Lecture
Chehaw Wildlife Encounters

1:00 pm
Beguiled By The Wild | Youth Workshop
Creative Covey Floral Workshop

2:00 pm
Chehaw Wildlife Encounters
Land & Lore Lecture

4:00 pm
Land & Lore Lecture
Meet Burner Bob!
Southeastern Premiere of “Indigo”

5:00 pm
Festival Closes for the Day

SUNDAY LINE-UP

12:00 pm
Festival Opens for the Day
Youth Floor & Youth Activities Begin
Beguiled By The Wild Youth Workshop
Land & Lore Lecture

2:00 pm
Land & Lore Lecture
Beguiled By The Wild Youth Workshop

3:00 pm
Creative Covey Floral Workshop

4:00 pm
Land & Lore Lecture

5:00 pm
Festival Closes

Women of Wildlife Art Workshop

Saturday, November 18 | 10 am
Thomasville Center for the Arts

Grab a friend and come ready to adorn your favorite hat with feathers and flourishes! Create a one-of-a-kind hatband with wildlife artisan Suzette Bussey at this 90-minute workshop complete with refreshments, tools and swag. Advance purchase only, no tickets sold at the door.

Presented by ASHLEY.

Creative Covey Floral Workshop

Saturday, November 18 | 1 pm
Thomasville Center for the Arts

Florist Farmer Amanda Rodgers will guide you through the creation of a professionally designed arrangement or wreath to bring natural elements into your home. Advance purchase only, no tickets sold at the door.

Presented by ASHLEY.

Beguiled by the Wild | Youth Art Workshop

Saturday, November 19
Sunday, November 20
Thomasville Center for the Arts

Young artists ages 5-12 are invited to learn about our local wildlife and ecosystems while creating a mini-masterpiece under the direction of artist Karen Stauffer. Advance registration only, no walk-ups.

Presented by The Pediatric Center.

Go Wild! | Youth Art Activities

Saturday, November 18
Sunday, November 19
Thomasville Center for the Arts | Free

Bring your children to explore an interactive floor of wildlife-centric art activities
designed to inspire your young creator while you shop the fine art show. Featuring
the Jr. Wildlife Art Competition Exhibit and art by Dave Junker and Betsey Fowler.

Presented by Imagination Emporium.

Land + Lore Lectures

Saturday, November 18
Sunday, November 19
Thomasville Center for the Arts | Free

Storytellers & experts from Tall Timbers Research Center, Aucilla River Research Center, Quail Forever, The National Wild Turkey Federation, Georgia River Network & Georgia Department of Natural Resources share expertise about conserving our regional ecosystems. Special guest Durrell Smith of The Sporting Life Notebook will podcast live!

Presented by The Wright Group.

SATURDAY LECTURES

12 pm | Quail Forever
2 pm | Aucilla River Research Center
4 pm | Longleaf Alliance / Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources | “Indigo” Southeastern Film Premier

SUNDAY LECTURES

12 pm | Georgia River Network | “Okefenokee Destiny” Film Screening
2 pm | Tall Timbers Research Center
4 pm | National Wild Turkey Federation

Bird Dog Bash

Saturday, November 18 | 7:30 pm

Throw on your hat for a boot-stomping night at the festival’s wrap-up party. You won’t want to miss the lively quick-draw art auction, bonfires with friends, live music and hearty supper by Southern Bleu Catering. Ages 21+ only.Advance purchase only, no tickets sold at the door.

Presented by Wellington Shields.

For Underwriters

There’s still time to elevate your festival experience while supporting the preservation of fine art and the distinct sporting culture of the Red Hills region and Thomasville Center for the Arts!

BECOME AN UNDERWRITER

For Guests

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

ACCOMODATIONS

Courtyard by Marriott
207 S Dawson St.
Thomasville, GA 31792
(229) 264-4300

Hampton Inn
1950 GA-122
Thomasville, GA 31757
(229) 227-0040

South Eden Plantation (Dog Friendly)
301 Show Boat Lane
Thomasville, GA 31792
(229) 233-8285

Holiday Inn Express & Suites
452 Liberty St.
Thomasville, GA 31757
(229) 226-4666

VRBO
Thomasville, GA

For Artists + Artisans

Thank you for your interest in exhibiting. The application period for 2021 Wildlife Arts Festival is closed. Please apply for the 2022 Wildlife Arts Festival HERE by April 1, 2022.

Quick Links

WILDLIFE ARTS festival

2022 Featured Artist

2022 Field Guide

2023 schedule November 9-19, 2023

2023 schedule
November 9-19, 2023