Opening week-end  events begin Saturday,May 1. The artists will be painting 17 historic homes and sites along Avenues B and C in the Historic District of Apalachicola.  Maps for the free tour can be downloaded at www.sgipaintout.com or  picked up at the event.  The Historic  District Plein Air Painting Tour begins at the Gibson Hotel, 51 Ave. C  10am-4pm.  Mimosas and Bloody Mary's will be available for purchase on the porch before and after your tour.  Live Oak Gallery, 156 Market St. will host a complimentary reception to view all completed paintings from the tour from 5pm until 7pm.  Sunday, May 2 the Quick Draw contest is in Lighthouse Park on St. George Island  from 9am until 11am.  Register on line or, at the SGI Visitors' Center.  Open and Professional Categories will receive monetary prizes.  Gift bags and raffle tickets for prizes for all participants. Entry fees of $10 will be donated to the Franklin Co. Schools Art Department.

Monday-Thursday you can see the daily "Fresh off the Easel" at 3 locations Live Oak Gallery and Becasa in Apalachicola and Coastal Realty Group on the island from 11am-5pm each day.  Artists demos will be held on Tuesday at Eastpoint Brewery, 4-7pm.  Wednesday attend an 'After Hours' complimentary reception at Becasa in Apalach  as you watch the artists demo. Thursday, May6, St. George Cantina and Margarita Bar will host the last of the demos on the island.  Six of the artists are offering workshops throughout the week.  To sign  up for a workshop go to www. sgipaintout.com.  Friday is the  SGIPO's signature Champagne Reception and Awards Art Show at Live Oak Gallery in Apalachicola.  See new work by the artists,  find out the judges top choices for the week  and cast your vote for the People's Choice Award.  This final, lovely  event will be catered by the popular SGI Food Truck and will feature  heavy hors d'oeurves , champagne, wine and beer.  You must make reservations by May 5 at www.sgipaintout.com.