One of Piccolo Spoleto’s signature visual arts events, the Outdoor Art Exhibition brings more than 60 local and regional artists to Marion Square each year. Booths lining the park showcase everything from traditional paintings to contemporary mixed-media works, giving visitors a chance to browse, meet artists and purchase original artwork. Now in its 46th year, the exhibition has become one of South Carolina’s largest free outdoor art galleries.
Here’s a vibrant photo essay by Syracuse University graduate student Cristina Reid, capturing the artists, artwork and energy that make the exhibition a longtime festival favorite:
Stephen Cefalo works on a piece that has taken him nearly a year to complete. 
“When We Go Shhh” by Jaelle Autridge, an eighth grader at the Charleston County School of the Arts. The painting captures a quiet moment of comfort, protection and peace through bold color and gentle emotion. 
A dog visiting the exhibition with its owner briefly helps attract attention to one of the booths. (Visitors had stopped by to pet it.) 
Local student winners from grades 7-12 of the 2026 Scholastic Art Awards. The artwork displayed received the top two tiers of awards, silver and gold keys. 
“Infinite Dichotomy” by Brooklyn Uleirschmidt, an 11th grader at the Charleston County School of the Arts. The drawing uses bold contrast through light and dark imagery. 
A visitor browses and talks with artists. 
Chaunce Bustamante combines graffiti-inspired painting and LED lights into immersive mixed-media art. 
Surrounded by creativity and community, the outdoor art exhibition highlights the beauty of local talent in an open and welcoming space. 
Marion Square showcases beautiful work this Piccolo Spoleto during the Outdoor Art Exhibition. 
Local artist Tate Nation showcases his vibrant acrylic paintings while speaking with a visitor. 
An aerial circus arts performer from Out on a Limb practices on a suspended hoop, entertaining the visitors who have come to attend the exhibition. 
Original artwork by Daniel Jacobs, accompanied by various books and objects that have influenced his work. 
Visitors stop by as the exhibition picks up more interest well into the afternoon.
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