Jan 28th - 30th, 2025

LAYOVER: Charleston was more than just our inaugural event—it was a gathering of artists, creatives, and industry leaders coming together to learn, grow, and connect. Over three days, attendees immersed themselves in insightful panels and hands-on workshops, honing their craft, exploring new techniques, and asking the questions that push their creativity forward.

We watched new friendships take root, creativity flow freely, and bold leaps taken—whether it was trying new mediums, stepping outside of comfort zones, or sharing openly with one another. Artists learned, uplifted, and celebrated each other in ways that will linger far beyond this event. LAYOVER: Charleston will always hold a special place in our hearts—not just because it was the first, but because of you—the people who made it unforgettable.

The Panels

Panel 1:

The Art of Risk-Taking and Crafting a Powerful Brand Voice

Hosted by Chloe Campbell, Stephanie Gaffney, and Heather Wolfe, they covered everything from painting at their first weddings, how they grew their businesses, balancing motherhood with work, how they view themselves as artists, and how to embrace the unknown along the way.

Panel 2:

The Million Dollar Leap: Elevating your Painting Business to New Heights

Hosted by Haley Kelly, Nelson Billington, and Laurie Lindsey Join us as we dive into the nuances of positioning your business in the luxury space, guided by the unique perspectives of leading event planner Haley Kelly, operations expert Laurie Lindsey, and hospitality expert Nelson Billington. You’ll learn the art of creating exceptional hospitality for your clients and partners, positioning your brand for high-end success

The Workshops

Workshop By Stephanie Gaffney

Composition and Proportion

This plein air workshop at the historic William Aiken House guided the artists through the essentials of creating a cohesive composition, improving their color-mixing techniques, and making informed decisions to elevate your live paintings. Stephanie paints her weddings and plein air in oil, so many of the artists tried oil painting for the first time.

Workshop By Chloe Campbell

Live Model Fashion Illustrations

The artists loosened up and found their confidence in their line work and brushstrokes as they experimented with new mediums like crayons, oil pastels, markers, etc. This workshop featured an avant-garde fashion model, encouraging the artists to explore bold creativity and fearless expression in a fast-paced, energetic setting.

Workshop By Heather Wolfe

Speed, Portraits and Productivity

This workshop provided the artists with everything they needed to perfect their palette in the ever-evolving wedding environment, so they can spend their time putting their brush to canvas. They discovered how to streamline their process with premixed paints, create their own blends, and dive into portrait studies that will help them paint with confidence and speed.