Art on the Island

The Land as Inspiration

The soul and spirit of Spring Island can be easily witnessed in the Spring Island arts culture. The artist community serves as a rallying point for all Members and breathes inspiration for camaraderie and personal exploration. The Spring Island artist community plays host to a long list of inspired mediums. Painters find their group with acrylics, oil painting and watercolors. Artistic adventurers can try on or dig into ceramics, printmaking, photography, floral arranging and much more. One thing is true of the arts on Spring Island, if you want to try it, you can bet someone else does too. Exploration of the arts is truly limitless here.

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The Art Barn

The growing artist community on Spring Island has inspired the creation of a dedicated space to foster creativity. With 150 active Members—50% of the island’s residents engaged in various art programs—a 7,200-square-foot facility was built to meet the evolving needs of the Membership. Designed by Thomas and Denzinger and Manuel Studios, the complex is set on four acres, seamlessly blending into a Live oak grove. 

The main building features a gallery and two 2,000-square-foot studios. Adjacent to it, another building houses a lounge, the Arts Program Director’s office, and two additional studios, including one for the popular Artist-In-Residence program. The complex is completed by a kiln shed and plenty of parking.

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Experience the bi-annual Members Artist Showcase, where Members celebrate the strength and creativity that comes from exploring hidden talents and artistic expressions. All residents come together to admire the artwork created by their neighbors and friends.

The space is filled with energy, as lively conversations fill the air, while each piece of art speaks volumes of the talent within the community. After the showcase, Chef prepares an impressive spread at the River House, where all gather to enjoy the feast. Friends move from table to table, sharing inspiration and comfort in the warm, welcoming atmosphere.

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Artist-in-Residence Program

In 1990, when Jim Chaffin and Jim Light purchased Spring Island, they established the Spring Island Trust to preserve the island’s environmental beauty and cultural heritage. A key part of this mission was the creation of the Visiting Artist program and the Spring Island Trust Art Collection, both envisioned by Betsy Chaffin. Her goal was to bring artists working in various mediums to the island, offering them a chance to experience its beauty, rejuvenate, and find inspiration for their work.

The Trust provides these artists with housing, meals, studio space at the Art Barn, and access to the Club’s facilities. In exchange, the artists contribute a lasting piece of their work to the Spring Island Art Collection. The program includes a wide range of artistic disciplines, such as metalworking, fiber art, oil painting, watercolors, ceramics, mixed media, jewelry, and photography.

The Art Gallery

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Highlights

  • Artist-In-Residence program – monthly workshops from visiting artists
  • Art Barn equipped with kilns, easels, and more
  • 3,000 acres of natural inspiration
  • Supportive community and access to all mediums
  • All are welcome from novice to master
  • New Art facility opened in 2020
Get in Touch
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Contact Details
Spring Island Realty
38 Mobley Oaks Ln