When we started the North Port Paint Posse in June 2024, our mission was simple: to get outside, share our love of painting, and capture the beauty of the city we call home. What began with a small group of five passionate artists has blossomed into a thriving community, culminating in a journey we are thrilled to document and share with you today.

The "Parks & Palm Trees" Series: A Visual Odyssey

Our inaugural project was an ambitious challenge: to paint 25 of North Port’s diverse parks. From the sprawling expanse of Walton Ranch Preserve to the intimate charm of Kirk Park, we ventured out week after week. Each location offered a unique landscape—a new view of the sun-drenched flatwoods, a different perspective on a majestic live oak, or a quiet moment by the Myakkahatchee Creek. We gathered not just to paint, but to share laughs, build friendships, and support each other's creative spirit.

Painting "In" and the Summer Sessions

As the Florida summer heat rolled in, we adapted. We moved our sessions indoors for our "Summer Paint-Ins," trading the sun for air-conditioned comfort. We met at local spots like Starbucks on Sumter and Perkins, where the change of scenery fueled new inspiration. We even had a truly unique experience at the Moore Museum of Art and Natural History, where we did collage work on tags while surrounded by a fascinating collection of animal skulls and skeletons. It was a perfect way to keep our creative momentum going while taking a break from the heat.

A Triumphant Culmination: The "Parks & Palm Trees" Exhibition

Our journey this year culminated in our inaugural exhibition and reception, "Parks & Palm Trees," at Lolablue. We were completely overwhelmed by the community's support. We had prepared 50 reception guides and ran out almost immediately, and we were overjoyed to see an estimated 80 to 100 people in attendance.

The show was a tremendous success, with many paintings finding new forever homes. We are so proud of the six artists who shared their talent and creativity, and we want to extend a huge round of applause to each one of them.

This show would not have been possible without the support of our incredible community. We owe a debt of gratitude to:

• Lolablue, for providing such a wonderful space to host our show.

• Jilly Cakes, for the delicious treats that were enjoyed by all.

• Arnold Insurance, for keeping us all refreshed.

• And a very special thank you to Samantha Parkinson, the curator from Ringling College of Art and Design, who so beautifully articulated the spirit and vision of the North Port Paint Posse in her curatorial statement.

  
  

Looking Ahead: The 2025/2026 Fall/Winter Session

The "Parks & Palm Trees" series has come to an end, but our journey is far from over. As the weather cools, we are heading back outside for our 2025/2026 Fall/Winter Plein Air Session. We'll be visiting new parks and places of interest, capturing the essence of our city and documenting its continued growth.

Our group is open to all mediums and skill levels. We are passionate about the connection between art, mental health, and wellness, and we believe that art has the power to guide individuals on a journey of self-discovery and emotional well-being.

Join us on our journey! We invite you to follow our adventures and learn more about our group by visiting our Facebook page and our website: https://northportpaintposse.my.canva.site/.

Let's make some art!