Coastal Colors Paint Out at the House of Refuge returns for its second year as a juried plein air celebration on Hutchinson Island, welcoming our region’s celebrated outdoor painters to capture the beauty, light, and ever-changing character of this remarkable historical Landmark, the House of Refuge, as their muse. Anticipation is already building for this special year as the House of Refuge celebrates its 150th anniversary and the completion of a major restoration. Over two inspired days on campus, artists will paint along the Anastasia rock formations, the shoreline, and the sweeping vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon.

This is a unique juried exhibition where each artist may submit two artworks. All submissions follow an 80/20 honor system, with at least 80 percent of each piece painted on site and up to 20 percent completed in the artist’s own space to refine and finish their work. One piece will be juried for awards and placement. The second submission offers viewers a broader appreciation of each artist’s style, technique, and perspective, adding depth and richness to the show.

Awards will be presented by an esteemed panel of judges who bring exceptional expertise and insight to this year’s event. In addition to the primary juried awards, several honorable recognitions will be presented by our generous sponsors, providing further opportunities to celebrate artistic excellence across styles and mediums.

All artworks created during the Paint Out will be exhibited at the Elliott Museum for a multi-month show, giving collectors and guests an extended opportunity to view and purchase the work. An Opening Reception and Awards Evening will welcome guests to meet the artists, enjoy light refreshments, and be among the first to view and acquire the newly completed pieces. Throughout the exhibition, visitors are encouraged to return often to experience how each artist has interpreted this historical landmark in a most unique coastal setting.

Register
Juried Exhibition
Sponsors

Key Event Dates

    Paint Out Event - April 11 to 12, 2026

    Event starts from 7:00 a.m. ends 5:00 p.m. at the House of Refuge. REGISTER HERE

    Free Transfers from the Elliott Museum. Call to inquire (772) 225-1875 LEARN MORE HERE

    Rain Date - April 18 to 19, 2026

    Please keep the rain dates of Saturday, April 18 to Sunday, April 19 open, as the event will be postponed to those dates in the case of inclement weather.

    Online submission - April 13 through April 21

    For the Juried exhibition at the Elliott Museum, your Online submission is due no later than the Tuesday, April 21 deadline.

    Fill out the online submission form here and upload images of unframed artwork.

      Artwork Drop-Off - April 23 and 24

      For the Juried exhibition at the Elliott Museum, your artwork must be hand delivered Thursday, April 23 between 10AM-4PM OR Friday, April 24 between 10AM- 4PM.

      • Works must arrive with quality framing and ready to hang.
      • Artwork delivery and pickup must be in person
      • NO shipping or handling provided by HSMC
        Award Reception: Thursday, May 7, 2026

        Award Reception: Thursday, May 7, 2026, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Elliott Museum

        Note: All artwork must remain at The Elliott Museum for the entire duration of the exhibit, regardless of purchase.

        Exhibition Dates - May 8 through August 31, 2026

        Exhibit Dates

        Friday, May 8 – Monday, Aug 31, 2026
        Award Reception: Thursday, May 7, 2026, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Elliott Museum

        Note: All artwork must remain at The Elliott Museum for the entire duration of the exhibit, regardless of purchase.

        Waiver and Registration

        Eligibility and Submissions

        Open to all plein air artists

        MUST INCLUDE:

        Waiver and Registration. LEARN MORE
        Work 1 for juried and eligible for awards
        Work 2 for non-juried expands the overall exhibit (if applicable)
        Online Submission Required Information: ONLINE SUBMISSION FORM HERE

        How do i register?

        Entry Fee: $35 per artist

        Artists may include at least one or up to two plein air artworks suitable for exhibition

        Date/Location of Event: April 11 to 12, 2026, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the House of Refuge
        Registration Closes: April 1, 2026
        Platform: Eventbrite online registration and payment

        BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH OR SNACK

        1. Tap Button Below
        2. Read & Sign Waiver. You will be redirected to Eventbrite after submission. IF YOU ARE NOT REDIRECTED or you need to go back and pay, TAP HERE for event brite payment portal
        3. Choose your date and Pay $35 non-refundable fee on EVENTBRITE
        4. Remember your date of arrival and call us to schedule a shuttle from the Elliott Museum to the House of Refuge LEARN MORE HERE
        5. After you have painted your heart out, What’s Next? TAP HERE
        Waiver and Registration

        Please note:

        Only use Eventbrite button below if after submitting your signed waiver, it does not redirect you to the eventbrite payment portal.

        Eventbrite Payment Portal

        Transportation & Facilities

        Due to limited parking  at the House of Refuge, we are offering parking and complimentary Refuge Shuttle from the Elliott Museum (6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

        • Limited Availability for Free Shuttle Service: From the Elliott Museum, running from 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Reserve your shuttle service with Catherine Larsen Keeper of the House at (772) 225-1875
        • We strongly encourage ride share and drop-off as there is limited parking at the House of the Refuge
        • On-Site Amenities: Restrooms and water stations available all day.
          • The shuttle is limited to 8 passengers
          • It is scheduled from 6:00 am, 6:30 am, 7:00 am, and 7:30 am and will continue to circulate every 30 minutes throughout the day.

        JURIED EXHIBITION AT THE ELLIOTT MUSEUM

        825 NE Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34996

        Paint out April 11 & 12

        ONLINE SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS April 21

        (Rain date April 18 and 19)

        Ready hang artwork DEADLINE IS April 24

        Submit your best artwork created during the 2nd Annual Coastal Colors Paint Out at the House of Refuge for entry into the Coastal Colors Juried Exhibition. If you created a second piece, we’d love to include it as part of the expanded showcase at the Elliott Museum. This exclusive exhibition offers exceptional exposure and celebrates the artistry and spirit of our local creative community.

        Awards and Prizes

        The juried exhibition will recognize artistic excellence with the following awards and cash prizes:

        • FIRST PLACE  –  $300 cash prize
        • SECOND PLACE  –  $200 cash prize
        • THIRD PLACE  –  $100 cash prize
        • Special Sponsor Recognitions

         Key Dates and Submission Guidelines

        • Now – April 1: Waiver & Registration TAP HERE
        • April 11 – April 12: 2nd Annual Coastal Colors Paint Out
        • April 18 – April 19: Rain Dates
        • April 13 – April 21:  Online submission – Upload photograph of the artwork (unframed) TAP HERE to fill out the form and upload art
        • April 23 – April 24: Framed Art Drop-off , ready to hang, clearly labeled
        • May 6 – May 7: Hanging Dates
        • May 7: Award Reception at 5 PM at the Elliott

        Exhibit Dates

        Friday, May 8 – Monday, Aug 31, 2026
        Award Reception: Thursday, May 7, 2026, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Elliott Museum

        Note: All artwork must remain at The Elliott Museum for the entire duration of the exhibit, regardless of purchase.

        Online Submission Requirements

        Each artist may submit one or up to two artworks by April 21

        online submission here

        Showcase and Sell Your Artwork

        • Artwork displayed at the Elliott Museum in a professional exhibition for up to four months
        • Sale of artwork encouraged
        • 65% of sales go to the artist
        • 35% proceeds go to the Historical Society of Martin County
        • HSMC processes transactions and payouts within 30 days after exhibition close

        Note: All artwork regardless of sale must remain at The Elliott Museum throughout the exhibit period, ensuring visitors have the full experience of the collection.

        Artist Amenities

        • Continuous shuttle service between the Elliott Museum and House of Refuge during event hours
        • ADA accessible restrooms and a shaded rest area at the House of Refuge
        • Hydration station provided
        • Artists provide their own supplies, snacks, and lunch

        Requirements

        • Artwork(s) must be created at least 80 percent onsite during the Paint Out. Up to 20 percent may be completed in studio after the event-Honor system
        • Durable museum-ready framing is required at drop-off
        • Artwork delivery and pickup must be in person
        • NO shipping or handling provided by HSMC

        Public Exposure and Engagement

        • The Paint Out welcomes the public to watch artists at work
        • Exhibit is promoted and viewed by members, museum guests, art collectors, cultural partners, and the general community at large
        • Marketing reaches the Treasure Coast arts community and broader regional audiences

        Create History With Us

        Capture the restored House of Refuge during its milestone 150th anniversary
        Celebrate Florida’s maritime legacy through art displayed at the Elliott Museum

        Any questions? Call us at

        (772) 225-1875

        OR Email Catherine Larsen, Keeper of the House, at clarsen@elliottmuseumfl.org

        Waiver and Registration

        Our Proud Returning Sponsors

        Want to be a sponsor?

        If you would like to support Coastal Colors Paint Out at the House of Refuge 2026 as a sponsor, please reach out to Linda Prange, Vice President Development at 772.225.1961 ext. 110 or email linda@hsmc-fl.com. We would be delighted to share how your partnership can help elevate this signature event.