October 9, 2025

Port Royal Hosts Inaugural Plein Air Invitational

Port Royal, October 9, 2025

News Summary

The Inaugural Port Royal Plein Air Invitational is a celebration of open-air painting happening in Port Royal, South Carolina. From Friday to Sunday, artists will create live paintings amidst the scenic beauty of the Lowcountry. The event features a welcome reception, live demonstrations, a community paint-out, and a Wet Paint Party concluding the festivities. Art lovers and the community can engage with talented artists while appreciating the art-making process in this vibrant event.

Port Royal, South Carolina Hosts the Inaugural Plein Air Invitational

The Inaugural Port Royal Plein Air Invitational celebrates open-air painting from Friday, Oct. 10 through Sunday, Oct. 12. Located in the historic town of Port Royal, South Carolina, this three-day event aims to capture the unique beauty of the South Carolina Lowcountry, showcasing its moss-draped oaks, marshy vistas, quaint harbor fronts, and sunlit village corners.

Hosted by Windhorse Gallery & Marketplace, the event offers a rich experience for art collectors, enthusiasts, and curious observers. The streets and coastal landscapes of Port Royal will be filled with activity, as selected artists create live paintings and demonstrate their techniques throughout the weekend.

Event Details

The festivities kick off on Friday, Oct. 10, with a welcome reception from 5 to 7 p.m. at Windhorse Gallery. Attendees will have the opportunity to mingle with the artists and guests while enjoying music and refreshments.

On Saturday, Oct. 11, and Sunday, Oct. 12, the event will continue with live painting and demonstrations held throughout the day. A community paint-out will also be open to all ages and skill levels, allowing everyone to participate in the celebration of art.

The event will conclude on Sunday, Oct. 12 with a Wet Paint Party and closing reception from 4 to 6 p.m. at Windhorse Gallery. This closing event will feature freshly completed paintings given directly from the easels of artists, along with live music, hors d’oeuvres, and an opportunity to purchase the showcased art.

Selected Artists

The event features a diverse group of talented artists, including:

Steve Hessler — Floyd, Va.
Elizabeth Middour — Mt. Pleasant
Susan Mayfield — Salida, Colo.
Susan Trott — Charleston
Trina Smith — Augusta, Ga.
Haldora — Sun City
Steve Weeks — Beaufort
Jessica Graham — Augusta, Ga.
June Klement — Augusta, Ga.
Ning Xie — Charleston
Susan Stone — Port Royal
Emily Scott — Beaufort
Ann McCall Wilson — Port Royal
Christopher Pursley — Port Royal

Background Context

The Port Royal Plein Air Invitational is designed to not only support artists but also foster a creative community celebration that connects individuals with their surroundings. By showcasing the artistic process in real time, attendees gain insight into the art of plein air painting, enriching their appreciation of creativity and culture in the Lowcountry.

This invitation aims to highlight the particular charm of Port Royal, which is renowned for its natural beauty and scenic views, making it an ideal location for such an artistic endeavor. The event’s focus lies not only on the artworks produced but on the community spirit it helps cultivate among artists and spectators alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Port Royal Plein Air Invitational?

The Inaugural Port Royal Plein Air Invitational is a celebration of open-air painting held from Friday, Oct. 10 through Sunday, Oct. 12, aiming to capture the unique beauty of the South Carolina Lowcountry.

When and where will the event take place?

The event will take place at The Shed and throughout the streets and coastal landscapes of historic Port Royal, South Carolina, from October 10 to 12.

What activities are planned during the event?

Activities include live painting, daily artist demonstrations, and a “Wet Paint” exhibit and sale featuring freshly completed works for sale straight from the easel.

Who are the selected artists for this event?

Selected artists include Steve Hessler, Elizabeth Middour, Susan Mayfield, and many others from various locations.

Is there an opportunity for community participation?

Yes, there is a community paint-out open to all ages and skill levels on Saturday and Sunday.

Key Features of the Port Royal Plein Air Invitational

Feature	Description
Event Duration	Friday, Oct. 10 through Sunday, Oct. 12
Location	The Shed and throughout the streets and coastal landscapes of historic Port Royal
Main Activities	Live painting, daily demonstrations, community paint-out, Wet Paint exhibit and sale
Attendees	Art collectors, enthusiasts, and curious observers
Selected Artists	Artists from various locations including Steve Hessler, Elizabeth Middour, and Susan Mayfield

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Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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