38th Annual Jubilee Festival of Arts Artwork Unveiled

The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce Virginia Nelson as the featured artist for the 38th Annual Jubilee Festival of Arts, taking place October 17 & 18, 2026, at W.O. Lott Park in Olde Towne Daphne. This year’s festival promises to be a celebration of creativity, community, and Southern charm, with Nelson’s vibrant artwork taking center stage.

Featured Artist: Virginia Nelson

Virginia Nelson’s journey as an artist began in Birmingham, Alabama, where she was introduced to painting by her mother. After earning a BFA in Graphic Design from Auburn University, she returned to her true passion—painting—and made it her full-time pursuit in 2020.

Nelson’s work is deeply inspired by the Southern landscape, particularly the Gulf Coast, where she spent much of her childhood. The region’s wildlife, waterways, and ever-changing colors serve as the foundation for her paintings. Using acrylics and palette knives, she creates layered textures and custom-mixed colors to evoke depth, movement, and emotion. Whether abstract or rooted in realism, her goal is to spark joy and invite viewers to connect with the natural world.

“My work celebrates the beauty and character of the coast—from wading birds and marine life to abstract interpretations of marshes and coastal ecosystems,” Nelson shares. “I hope each piece evokes a sense of place and invites viewers to form their own connection with the subject.”

The 38th Annual Jubilee Festival of Arts, sponsored by Souther Cancer Center, will take place in W.O. Lott Park, Olde Towne Daphne, on October 17th & 18th, 2026