First Annual Painted Bunting Celebration: A Day of Art & Nature at Felts Audubon Preserve

Name: First Annual Painted Bunting Celebration: A Day of Art & Nature at Felts Audubon Preserve
Start: 2025-12-06T09:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-12-06T12:00:00-05:00
Location: Felts Audubon Preserve

Schedule

Sat Dec 06 2025 at 09:00 am to 12:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Felts Audubon Preserve | Palmetto, FL

Celebrate the return of the Painted Bunting with creativity and conservation!
Join us for a one-of-a-kind Painted Bunting Celebration at Felts Audubon Preserve—a vibrant, family-friendly event where art and nature come together to honor one of Florida’s most beloved and colorful songbirds.
Event Highlights:
🎨 Artist Village & Exhibits
Stroll through our open-air gallery of local and regional artists showcasing original works inspired by birds, wildlife, and natural beauty. From watercolor paintings and photography to ceramics and textile art, these booths offer a wide variety of nature-themed pieces available for purchase.
🛍️ Artisan Market
Browse handcrafted goods including nature-inspired jewelry, birdhouses, wood carvings, prints, greeting cards, eco-friendly wearables, and more—perfect for gift-giving or adding a touch of nature to your home.
🎨 Painted Bunting Painting Contest
Show us your artistic interpretation of the Painted Bunting! Artists of all ages and skill levels are invited to submit their best painted bunting-themed artwork. Entries will be displayed during the event, with awards given for adult, youth, and children’s categories. Prizes include gift cards, birding gear, and a feature in our newsletter.
Judging will be by the visitors voting on their favorite Painted Bunting interpretation.
✂️ Creative Craft Stations
Families and children can enjoy hands-on activities like:
Painted Bunting mask making
Making birds out of what you find in nature
Bird feeder decorating
🖌️ Artist Workshops & Demonstrations
Learn directly from talented artists in small-group sessions and live demos. Topics may include:
How to paint birds with watercolors
Basics of bird photography
Nature journaling
📸 Photo Walks & Birdwatching Tours
Guided nature walks will take guests through the preserve’s bird blinds and trails—perfect for catching a glimpse of Painted Buntings and other resident species. Bring your binoculars and camera!
🍪 Light Refreshments
Enjoy coffee, cold drinks, and light snacks available for purchase from local vendors.
🪺 Bird Conservation Station
Stop by our educational tent to learn about Painted Buntings, their migration, and how you can help protect their habitat. Manatee County Audubon volunteers will be on hand with resources and stories.
Hosted by Manatee County Audubon Society and Big Waters Land Trust at the beautiful Felts Audubon Preserve.