Updated: July 24, 2025
New Smyrna Beach pairs beach vibes with big artistic energy. This guide explores the town's standout galleries, hands-on workshops, and lively festivals like the IMAGES arts fest—plus where to stay if you want to soak in every brushstroke, mural, and masterpiece.
New Smyrna Beach isn't just for surfers and sun lovers — it's a lively arts and culture hotspot that draws thousands each year. The IMAGES Festival of the Arts alone brings in over 53,000 visitors, a clear sign of the city's creative spirit and community pride.
This charming coastal town blends natural beauty with a thriving independent arts scene, offering everything from gallery-hopping on Canal Street to inspiring art institutions that host workshops designed to unleash your creative soul.
I remember asking myself this question the first time I wandered through New Smyrna Beach—where exactly were all these creative little gems I kept hearing about? After a few days of exploring, I found them tucked along Canal Street, in sunlit galleries, and at lively art festivals that seemed to spill right into the salty air.
In this guide, I'm sharing the spots and events that gave me a real feel for the city's colorful, laid-back art scene so you can experience it the same way.
Before we start...
Are you looking for other local tips and hidden gems in NSB? At our destination blog, we offer expert insights on everything from the best restaurants and nightlife to fishing tips and hidden gems in New Smyrna Beach and around. You can also read our blog on everything you need to know before bringing your pet to NSB.
Ready to let your inner art lover roam?
Contents
1. Art Galleries, Museums & Workshops
- Arts on Douglas
- Jane's Art Center
- The Hub on Canal
- New Smyrna Museum of History
- The Bob Ross Art Workshop & Gallery
- Artists' Workshop of New Smyrna Beach
- Atlantic Center for the Arts (ACA)
3. Experience New Smyrna Beach Art Scene in Style
Art Galleries, Museums & Workshops
Arts on Douglas
Located in historic downtown New Smyrna Beach, in a restored 1920s-era former auto dealership, Arts on Douglas is a cornerstone of the city's thriving arts scene. The contemporary gallery spans 3,500 square feet of exhibition space and features a distinctive industrial charm that enhances its thoughtfully curated exhibitions, which rotate frequently. Art enthusiasts can expect a fresh perspective on modern art forms, including painting, sculpture, and mixed media.
Within Arts on Douglas, you'll also find the alt_space gallery—a dedicated exhibition space highlighting emerging and established Florida artists working in contemporary practices such as conceptual art, site-specific installation, new media, digital art, video, sculpture, and other experimental formats. It's a must-visit destination for those eager to discover innovative and talented local artists.
Jane's Art Center
Founded in 2018, Jane's Art Center is a beloved cultural gem in New Smyrna Beach, known for its strong focus on ceramics and its commitment to both fine art and community education.
The gallery features rotating exhibitions showcasing both established and emerging artists working in ceramics, painting, sculpture, mixed media, and printmaking. These thoughtfully curated shows often include artists from outside Florida, adding a wider contemporary perspective to the local arts scene.
Jane's is also home to one of the best-equipped clay studios in the region, outfitted with electric and gas kilns, slab rollers, pottery wheels, and more. The center regularly hosts community firings, including the ever-popular Raku nights—hands-on, beginner-friendly events that bring people together through creative play.
If you're ready to get your hands dirty (literally), sign up for one of their engaging workshops. Classes are offered for all skill levels and cover topics such as wheel throwing, hand-building, glazing techniques, and experimental forms. Jane's also brings in visiting artists for occasional workshops, which draw enthusiastic participants from both the local area and beyond.
I signed up for one of Jane's Raku nights on a whim during a weekend trip, and it ended up being one of my favorite memories of New Smyrna Beach. The instructor showed us how to shape a small clay bowl, and then we all gathered outside around the glowing kilns to watch our pieces transform in the fire.
The whole group—locals, a couple visiting from Georgia, and even a family on vacation—cheered as the colors came out smoky and metallic. My bowl came out a little lopsided, but I loved it. There's something really special about taking home a piece you made yourself in such a relaxed, creative atmosphere.
The Hub on Canal
The Hub on Canal is one of the most dynamic creative spaces in New Smyrna Beach—a vibrant, artist-run center that brings together working studios, galleries, and an arts education hub under one roof. Located right on Canal Street, in the heart of the city's historic downtown, it plays a central role in shaping the area's cultural identity.
This creative mecca is home to the studios of over 70 artists, including painters, photographers, fiber artists, sculptors, jewelers, and more. Visitors can watch artists at work, ask questions, learn about their creative process, and even purchase unique pieces directly from the source.
Within The Hub, you'll find the Founders Gallery, where rotating monthly exhibitions feature both regional and national artists. For those looking to get involved, The Hub offers a variety of workshops, from beginner-level painting and drawing to advanced techniques in printmaking, photography, and creative writing. They also host regular art talks, film screenings, and live music events — rounding out their role as a true multidisciplinary arts center in New Smyrna Beach.
New Smyrna Museum of History
New Smyrna Beach's art scene isn't limited to galleries — it's also deeply embedded in the city's rich history. The New Smyrna Museum of History offers a compelling look at the area's layered past, from its ancient Native American roots to its colonial settlement and modern evolution as a surf town and artist haven. While it's primarily a history museum, artistic elements are woven throughout — particularly in the exhibits, visual storytelling, and artifacts that reflect both historical craftsmanship and cultural expression.
Exhibits often pair historical artifacts with artistic interpretations, creating a fascinating intersection of culture and creativity. Hand-painted murals and illustrations bring key moments to life, including scenes from the British Turnbull Settlement and the region's Indigenous heritage. Decorative objects from the 18th and 19th centuries—such as hand-painted ceramics, vintage signage, antique furniture, and textiles — highlight the fine craftsmanship of their time.
The museum also occasionally features local artists or thematic visual art tied to New Smyrna's past, including photography collections and contemporary interpretations of historical events. For architecture enthusiasts, the building itself is a work of art — restored with care to reflect its 1920s origins, complete with classic brickwork, arched windows, and original interior detailing.
The Bob Ross Art Workshop & Gallery
Did you also grow up watching The Joy of Painting? New Smyrna Beach offers a delightful surprise for you: the Bob Ross Art Workshop & Gallery. It's a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates Ross's iconic, serene style.
Walking into the Bob Ross Art Workshop feels a bit like stepping into a childhood memory. I used to watch The Joy of Painting with my grandmother, so seeing those original canvases up close gave me a weird mix of nostalgia and inspiration. I signed up for a beginner class on a quiet weekday morning, and by the end of it I had my own little mountain-and-lake scene, complete with happy trees.
The instructor was patient and funny, just like Ross, and even though my painting wasn't perfect, I couldn't stop smiling. It was such a warm, low-pressure way to spend a couple of hours, and I left with paint on my hands and a canvas I was proud to carry back to my car.
More than just a gallery, the space is a celebration of Ross's legacy and an active training center for artists interested in mastering his famous wet-on-wet painting technique.
Inside, you'll find a large collection of original Bob Ross paintings, offering an intimate look at the calming landscapes that made him a household name. The gallery also features instructional guides, art supplies, and novelty items — making it easy to take a piece of the experience home with you.
For those eager to learn, the workshop offers classes for all skill levels, led by Certified Ross Instructors who teach his signature methods for creating landscapes, seascapes, and florals. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming — much like Ross himself — making it the perfect place to try your hand at painting or simply soak in the nostalgia of his work.
Artists' Workshop of New Smyrna Beach
The Atlantic Center for the Arts (ACA) is a creative haven where imagination takes center stage. Since 1977, this internationally recognized residency program has served as a vital part of the city's cultural landscape—a place where artists of all disciplines come to connect, collaborate, and create.
ACA offers a range of programs, from exhibitions and workshops to community events that invite the public into the artistic process. You can explore immersive installations, attend artist talks, or get a behind-the-scenes look during open house events.
What truly sets ACA apart is its embrace of all art forms — visual arts, music, writing, and performance — making it a vibrant, inclusive space.
Atlantic Center for the Arts (ACA)
The Artists' Workshop of New Smyrna Beach is one of the city's most established and community-focused art organizations, with a history dating back to 1959. Operating as a nonprofit, it serves as both a creative workspace and an educational resource for artists of all levels — from enthusiastic beginners to seasoned professionals.
This beloved creative gem offers a wide range of classes in painting (oil, acrylic, watercolor), drawing, printmaking, and mixed media, all taught by experienced instructors, many of whom are professional artists. The organization also hosts regular member exhibitions, juried shows, and community displays — both in its own gallery and at other local venues — spreading art and creativity throughout New Smyrna Beach.
Art Festivals & Events
IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts
This highly anticipated event transforms New Smyrna Beach into an outdoor gallery every January featuring over 200 artists showcasing their work, ranging from paintings and sculptures to photography and jewelry. It's not just about the visuals, though—live music, food vendors, and a bustling atmosphere make it a full sensory experience.
Hosted by the Atlantic Center for the Arts, this free, family-friendly festival draws tens of thousands of visitors each year and showcases top-tier talent in a relaxed, coastal setting along the Riverside Park. Beyond the colorful and diverse art you'll see all around, a full lineup of local and regional performers creates a lively atmosphere throughout the weekend. A dedicated stage area often features jazz, acoustic sets, and family-friendly acts.
Everyone can also get in the action with hands-on art activities and demos sponsored by local businesses and especially designed to spark creativity in younger attendees.
Canal Street Art Stroll
The Canal Street Art Stroll is a monthly favorite that blends art with local charm, bringing New Smyrna Beach's historic downtown to life. Held on the first Saturday of each month, this free, walkable event invites visitors to explore galleries, meet working artists, enjoy live music, and experience the creative energy that defines Canal Street.
As you stroll along, you'll find artists displaying their work on sidewalks, live demonstrations, and even pop-up performances. It's a wonderful way to connect with the community and discover local talent in a relaxed, intimate setting.
Note: Check each venue's website or call ahead for the latest class schedules and availability, as programs change seasonally.
Experience New Smyrna Beach Art Scene in Style
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