Quayside Art Gallery (pronounced “Key-side”) shows a wide variety of art pieces that are available for purchase. As the Southeast’s largest artistry cooperative, this is an expansive gallery that has something for every taste.
The works at Quayside Art Gallery span the range in both medium and content. There are many oil, acrylic, and watercolor paintings, as well as photographs and pencil sketches. If you prefer something more tactile, woodworkers, fiber artists and jewelers also show their works here.
As for content, you’ll find plenty of pieces that are inspired by Pensacola’s waters, shores, and wildlife. There are also still lifes, abstract works and scenes from far afield, though.
Everything you see at the gallery is made by local artists, and the person running the gallery probably themselves is an artist or knows the cooperative’s artists personally. The entire gallery is volunteer-run, which both helps keep prices affordable and ensures a close connection between visitors and members. Because this is a cooperative, the proceeds from any purchases made go directly toward benefiting the artists themselves.
In addition to pieces of artwork, the gallery also regularly hosts events. These include general gatherings, themed events, and classes. The classes usually cover a particular aspect of artistry, and they range in price from around $35 for a lunchtime program to about $600 for a multi-day course.
If you’re an artist yourself or simply enjoy good artwork, Quayside Art Gallery is a must-see when you’re in Pensacola. No matter what types of work you prefer, you’ll find something to admire (and maybe even take home with you) here.
A few of our favorite events at Quayside Art Gallery include:
Gallery Night with a Featured Artist
Check out one of the cooperative’s most accomplished artists during a Gallery Night with a Featured Artist. These events typically showcase several collections of an artist’s work, which gives you a true feel for what they do. Of course, the featured artist is present to mix and mingle with everyone.
Gallery Night with New Artists
Find up-and-coming artists at a Gallery Night with New Artists. When several new artists join the cooperative, the co-op usually puts on a show that introduces these artists to members. This is a great chance to discover someone you haven’t heard of and to see several artists’ varying styles.
Meet and Greet
Get to know an artist in a more intimate setting during a Meet and Greet. Limited in size, these events require registration but afford an opportunity to really converse in detail with one of the cooperative’s member artists.
Workshop
If you’re an artist and want to expand your own skills, sign up for one of the Workshops. There are lots of different ones to choose from, and you’ll learn directly from one of the gallery’s artists.
Gallery Night Pensacola
Gallery Night Pensacola isn’t limited to just the Quayside Art Gallery but is a community event that brings together art lovers throughout the city. Start your evening at the Quayside Art Gallery, and then continue on to the many other art hot spots in the area.
Insider Tip:
Along with larger art pieces, some of the member artists also sell cards. These can make great old-fashioned postcards if you’re in Pensacola on vacation.