The Edisto Plein Air Paint Out is an open enrollment, plein air painting event. It takes place in the beautiful Lowcountry of South Carolina in and around the Town of Edisto Beach and the surrounding area of Edisto Island and the ACE Basin, from Tuesday, October 14 through Saturday, October 18, 2025.  The paint out aims to bring painters together from around the world to paint outside in the fresh air while getting to know each other and sharing their work. The event prompts participants to explore the unique flora and fauna of the creeks and marshes, spectacular sunset views, and overall peace and calm that the gently developed area provides.

After several days of painting "en plein air," painters are invited to display their completed works at the Wet Paint Show & Sale on Friday and Saturday, October 17th and 18th. Collectors, art guild members and the public are invited to attend this impressive display of Plein Air paintings to both view and purchase the unique works that highlight the incredible beauty of the Lowcountry.

All submitted art to the art show will be entered into a judged plein air painting competition

• Registration is limited to the first 100 artists.   After that, interested artists may add their names to a waitlist registration form which will appear on the website after registration is closed. 

• First and second check-ins are at the Edisto Beach Civic Center in the Hammocks Room  from 9:00-11:00 on Tuesday, October 14 and Wednesday, October 15.

• Paintings must be two-dimensional. Oils, acrylics, watercolor, gouache, ink, mixed media, and pastels are all acceptable.

• All paintings must be done “en plein air” outside, in natural lighting during the time frame of the event.  Interiors are acceptable in the event of difficult weather.  To be clear, plein air is plein air.  To work on a painting away from the motif is something else.

• Artists may stamp an unlimited number of canvases/boards/papers but will submit only up to two pieces for the Wet Paint Show and Sale and awards.

• Canvases must be free of images prior to stamping, though a solid base coat of paint is allowed.

• All work is to be wired for hanging and framed with an open back to facilitate viewing of the festival stamp on the back. Unframed gallery wraps will be accepted.

• All work must be turned in on Friday afternoon, signed, with completed tags (found in ID badge) between 2:00-4:00 at the Civic Center. 

• Artists may paint at a variety of locations of their choosing as long as they are “Over the Bridge” on Edisto Island or the Town of Edisto Beach

• Past winning work has included everything from street scenes to local landmarks, farm fields, trees, to scenic vistas and marshscapes

• All artwork must be for sale through the Edisto Art Guild which will collect a 10% commission. When art is sold, it may be replaced with another piece painted on a stamped substrate during the 2025 paint out.   Artists may have 2 paintings for sale during the show at any given time.

• Artists are expected to donate 10% of any off the easel sales to the Edisto Art Guild.

NOTE:  Checks will be mailed out within 30 days using the mailing address associated with artists’ registration payment method.  Please update your mailing address as appropriate.

NOTE:  Since you never know when you’ll do your best work, make sure that during the paint out you always use a substrate showing the EAG 2025 stamp on the back.

Tuesday, October 14, 2025:  

• Artist check-in 9-11 AM, Hammocks Room, Civic Center, 42 Station Court, Edisto Island, SC  29438

Wednesday, October 15, 2025:

• Second Check In, 9-11 AM, Hammocks Room, Civic Center, 42 Station Court, Edisto Island, SC 29438

• Artist social 5:00-7:00 pm Wednesday, October 15, home of Linda and Kevin Steele, address to be provided at check-in

 Friday, October 17, 2025:

•  2:00-4:00 PM:  Artists turn-in paintings at the Civic Center

• 6:00-8:00 PM:  Artist/Sponsor/Ticketed Guests’ reception sponsored by McConkey’s also at the Civic Center

• 6:30 PM:   Judge’s comments

Saturday, October 18, 2025:

• Public viewing and sale, 10-2, Artists remove paintings at 2.

Fees: $55

Cancellation policy:  a refund will be issued to artists who cancel on or before August 31, 2025.  Refunds will be subject to a $5.00 processing fee.

If you are new to plein air events this list can help you know what you might need to bring:

• Canvas/panels/paper – Stamps should be visible on the back of the artwork. If framing, please use open back frames. 

• Before you travel, decide on what formats you are most likely to use and bring appropriate sized frames and framing supplies.

• Paint and palettes – Are you a "less is more," or "everything but the kitchen sink" sort of painter?

• Brushes, paints, pastels, pencils, knives etc. The closest supply store is in Charleston.

• Rain gear – Those passing showers create some dramatic sky lighting conditions perfect for  capturing on canvas.  Toilet Paper, because you never know.  Bug Spray.  SC state bird is the mosquito.  Thermacell works well.

• Sun protection – most days are likely to be sunny and pleasant, with highs in the high sixties  and lows around 50. Dress accordingly in layers, and don’t forget the sunscreen.

• Sturdy shoes – Some of our vistas are easily reached from roadsides and sidewalks, but  many more await a short hike away. Please be prepared for a variety of conditions. 

• Easel, tripod, umbrella, chair, etc – bring your preferred arrangement, being aware that  sudden gusts can be surprisingly strong. 

• Umbrellas can be useful for both rainy and sunny conditions. 

• Paper towels and reusable trash bags

• Camera to record scenes to paint after you’ve returned home

• Bulldog clips, tape, bungees, whatever your method to secure your painting & accessories 

• Brush washing solvents or water and containers - Bring a spare in case of spills. To protect  our well water and our marshes do not empty solvents onto the ground or down any sink whatsoever.

• Small sketch pad and tools, viewfinder 

• Backpack and/or box to carry it all. A rolling trolley is helpful over rough terrain

• Water and snacks. Edisto has a few market and restaurant options.

• An open mind to paint in new locations and conditions

https://www.outdoorpainter.com/how-to-frame-paintings-at-a-plein-air-event/

Note and adhere to posted speed limits. Edisto is known for its wildlife so be mindful especially on Edisto’s many dirt roads.

Parking is limited to designated parking areas or off-road shoulders. 

If using state parks, you must have a pass and stay on maintained trails (park passes may be purchased in advance)

If using Botany Bay WMA, be sure to sign in and follow all instructions

Hiking shoes or boots are recommended. 

It is hunting season. Make wise choices.

Many areas are outside mobile and WiFi reception. 

Plan routes ahead of travel. 

Please do not block driveways, fire hydrants, bike paths, vehicular or pedestrian traffic, so we ask that you not set up in the roadways or other high-traffic areas. 

Bring anything that you need because you may or may not be able to find it on the island. The Food Lion on the beach is small and the closest drug store is 25 miles away in Hollywood, SC.

The Paint Out will conclude on October 18th with an exhibition and sale of the art created on Edisto. Past Wet Paint shows have included both emerging as well as established professional artists. This is a unique opportunity to purchase art depicting Lowcountry landmarks and landscapes and meet the local and regional painters.

Sponsors and ticketed guests may view the fresh paintings on Friday evening, October 17, 2025 at a reception to be held at the Civic Center.  The general public may view the Wet Paint Show & Sale on Saturday, October 18th between 10:00-2:00 pm. 

Enjoy special benefits including advertising opportunities, a reception and first viewing and opportunity to purchase new paintings.  Sponsors also support the outreach of EAG in our community. If you or your business would like to sponsor an award, contact Camille Lemon at cslemon@logoman.com

Numerous lodging options are available to meet a variety of tastes and budgets. We recommend making arrangements early, as demand can be high in the fall.

Visit  Edisto Chamber of Commerce for lodging information.

You may also visit:

VACASA, P.O. Box 10, Edisto Island, SC, 29438  Phone:  843-869-2151 or 866-713-2154  website:  vacasa.com (106 units)

EDISTO REALTY:  1405 Palmetto Blvd., Edisto Island, SC  29438  Phone:  843-869-2527/ 866-856-6538  website:  edistorealty.com  (400 units)

CAROLINA ONE REALTY:  400 Highway 174, Edisto Island, SC  29438  843-869-2516 / 800-945-9667 website:  carolinaonevacationrentals.com (102 units)

EXTRA HOLIDAYS BY WYNDHAM:  1 King Cotton, Edisto Beach, SC  29438  843-869-4500 website:  extraholidays.com (47 condos)

VACATION RENTALS BY OWNER:  website:  vrbo.com (163 units)

CAMPING:  https://southcarolinaparks.com/edisto-beach/lodging#jump