Coconut Grove Arts Festival

Why Become a Friend of the Festival?

You know the Coconut Grove Arts Festival as three incredible days of art each February. What you might not know? We're a year-round force for Miami's creative community—funding scholarships, mentoring emerging talent, bringing professional artists into classrooms, and so much more.

Visiting Artist Program

In 2024, we relaunched our nationally recognized Visiting Artist Program, connecting festival artists directly with local students. This isn't just an art demonstration—it's career inspiration in action.

Mixed media artist Ben Frey, our 2023 poster artist, recently shared a moment that captures why this matters: A young woman approached him at a festival to say that nine years earlier, after watching him work his mixed media magic in her classroom, she'd been so moved she became a mixed media artist herself. She's now finishing her BA.

These connections change lives. Last year, one visiting artist was so impressed by her students' enthusiasm—and their lack of supplies—that she left them her entire traveling kit.

Scholarships

We've earmarked up to $75,000 in scholarships for graduating Miami-Dade County high school students and FIU undergraduates. With arts funding shrinking across Florida, supporting the next generation of artists has never been more critical—and we need the community's help. Every contribution, large or small, keeps young artists on their path.

Emerging Artist Program

In 2023, we completely reimagined our two-year Emerging Artist Program. For many artists, outdoor festivals like CGAF represent a viable career path—but breaking in can be daunting. Our program gives 12-14 artists (primarily local, though we're now drawing national applications) everything they need to launch.

First year: hands-on mentorship during the festival—from loading vehicles and setting up tents to connecting with collectors. Throughout the year, we help refine portfolios and offer financial planning with FIU finance professors. Second year: a complimentary booth to sell their work. Watching them succeed never gets old.

Community Support

Beyond the classroom, we're committed to making art accessible to everyone in our community. Through partnerships with local nonprofits, we deliver both resources and creative opportunities to those who need them most. These collaborations help us reach underserved populations and reinforce our belief that art isn't a luxury—it's essential to building stronger, more connected communities.

Inner Artist/Young Collector's Tent

We've transformed our festival's Inner Artist area into a vibrant family art workspace, complete with easels for painting, hands-on projects, and live entertainment. Our favorite addition? The Young Collector's Tent.

"As much as we need to encourage young artists, we also need to encourage young patrons," says CGAF Executive Director Camille Marchese. Artists donate small works that children can purchase for $5—with one rule: the child must choose the piece themselves. It's how we cultivate collectors and art lovers from the very beginning.

Your Support Makes It Possible

These programs thrive because of community support. Become a Friend of the Festival and help us keep Miami's arts community flourishing year-round.

About the Festival:

Founded in 1963 by Charlie Cinnamon as a publicity stunt for the Coconut Grove Playhouse, it quickly became a treasured yearly event. We will celebrate the 62nd festival this President’s Day Weekend, February 14-16, 2026.

Last year more than 1,000 fine artists from across the nation applied for one of the coveted 285 spaces. Our jury, composed of art professionals, reviewed and scored each applicant. The top 285 were invited to participate  with media ranging from clay, glass, and wood, to painting, photography and digital arts.