2nd Annual Port Royal
Plein Air invitational
October 9-11, 2026
We’re thrilled for the return of the 2nd Annual Port Royal Plein Air invitational!
Join us October 9-11, 2026, for an unforgettable celebration of art, community, and the beauty of the Lowcountry. Enjoy artist demos, community paint-outs, and more—explore all the details below!
Building on the success of our inaugural Invitational, we're excited to welcome the return of this thoughtfully curated event for its second year. Rather than expanding into an open festival, we've chosen to continue the Invitational format, bringing together a select group of exceptional artists whose work beautifully embodies the spirit of plein air painting.
Each participating artist has been carefully chosen for their distinctive style, artistic vision, and ability to capture the beauty and character of our region. Together, they create an inspiring experience for fellow artists, collectors, and the community alike.
2026 Artists
We are thrilled to announce the outstanding lineup of artists selected to participate in our 2nd Annual Plein Air Invitational and can't wait to celebrate another remarkable year of creativity, connection, and art.
Steve Hessler - Floyd, VA
Elizabeth Middour - Mt. Pleasant, SC
Susan Mayfield - Salida, CO
Susan Trott - Charleston, SC
Trina Smith - Augusta, GA
June Klement - Augusta, GA
Susan Stone - Port Royal, SC
Emily Scott - Beaufort, SC
Anne McCall Wilson- Port Royal, SC
Christopher Pursley - Port Royal, SC
Louis Bruce - Port Royal, SC
Lydia Balash - KY
Michelle Seay - Charleston, SC
Schedule of events
Welcome Reception + Friday ‘Uncorked’
The Port Royal Plein Air Invitational will kick off on October 9, 2026 at 5p, with a Reception to welcome the artists who have traveled to Port Royal, SC, to capture the exceptional beauty of the Lowcountry.
Live Painting
Artists will be given suggested locations to paint, and guests are encouraged to visit them on location during the day Saturday and October 10th from 10a-12p / 2-4p & Sunday October 11th from 10a-12p
Wet Paint Party
The event offers a unique opportunity for artists to showcase their work created during these two days at the ‘Wet Paint” style Finale Party, which will be held on Sunday, October 11th from 4-6p. This event is open for all to attend but we do kindly ask for RSVP’s
Host a Visiting Artist
Support a Visiting Artist for the Inaugural Port Royal Plein Air Invitational
Thank you for your interest in supporting the inaugural Port Royal Plein Air Invitational, hosted by Windhorse Gallery. This exciting event will welcome local, regional, and nationally recognized artists to our community.
For those artists traveling from out of town, we would love to help alleviate the stress and financial burden of accommodations.
Host a Visiting Artist! Do you have a guest room or guest house available? These talented artists would be thrilled to stay with you during the festival. If hosting isn’t an option, you can also contribute towards their accommodations to ensure a comfortable stay.
Your support makes a difference in helping us create a memorable experience for both the artists and our community.
Thanks to our Incredible Inaugural Sponsors
Sponsorship opportunities
Support the Inaugural Port Royal Plein Air Invitational
A Celebration of Art, Community & the Lowcountry Landscape
As a valued local business, organization, or community member, we invite you to become a sponsor and help bring this inspiring new event to life. Your support plays a vital role in promoting arts and culture in Port Royal, providing artist stipends and awards, funding meaningful community engagement, and laying the foundation for a lasting cultural tradition.
Sponsoring the Port Royal Plein Air Festival offers a unique opportunity to align your brand with a vibrant, forward-thinking event that celebrates artistic expression, environmental appreciation, and authentic community connection. Your contribution will directly support public programming, artist recognition, and free events that invite the entire community to participate in the creative spirit.
Join us in shaping this exciting new tradition from the very beginning—and help make art a lasting part of Port Royal’s story