Horn Island Camp Out

A 4 Day | 3 Night camping trip to Walter Anderson’s beloved safe haven, Horn Island, hosted by the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. Spend a weekend walking in Anderson’s footsteps exploring the sand dunes, sleeping under the stars, and painting the flora and fauna of the island depicted in Anderson’s vibrant watercolors. Join us and bring your own camping, fishing, and art-making supplies. Participants receive a complimentary museum pass to use at their leisure.

In addition to enjoying the island wilderness, WAMA is excited to include additional programming in the form of an onsite installation led by New Orleans based sculptor, Babette Beaullieu. Willing fellow campers are invited to participate by gathering debris found on the island, contributing ideas, and in the constructing of the installation. The project will be filmed and later viewed in the Museum’s future Creative Complex Gallery.

Our guide this year is Heather Carter Martin, artist, and owner of Ethotera Studio in Downtown Ocean Springs. Heather is a longtime islander, past museum educator, and expert on Walter Anderson. Additional guides may include John Anderson (son of Walter Anderson), WAMA staff, and partners.

Water, travel, and some meals are included. Individuals who register can expect additional contact following registration and prior to the trip with a list of recommended supplies, expectations, and additional guidance. 

Questions in the meantime? Contact Assistant Director Amanda Wymer at amanda@walterandersonmuseum.org

Cost: $350 per person

“I made a drawing of a bittern nest while the flies stung, later a watercolor under my boat while the rain poured.... Such is the life of an artist who prefers nature to art. He really should cultivate his love of art more but feels that it will take care of itself as long as it has things to feed upon.” – Walter Inglis Anderson

NOTE: Keep in mind that this will be primitive camping. This means no running water and electricity. Bugs, animals, small cacti litter the ground, limited shade, and whatever else mother nature decides to throw our way. Walter Anderson found comfort and fulfillment from his trips, because he frequented the island multiple times a year and for weeks at a time. If you are not a seasoned camper or do not have any recent experience, please be mindful of the experience holistically before you commit.

Tentative itinerary:

Friday, April 28 2023

• Meet at Biloxi Small Craft Harbor 6AM (https://goo.gl/maps/jvz8eHR179nFmpnx7)
• Leave the harbor 7AM
• Arrive at Horn Island approximately 9AM
• All participants help unload boat and set up base camp
• Quick meeting with all participants
• Eat an early lunch (Catered sandwiches and chips)
• Set up personal camps

Saturday and Sunday

• Breakfast served at base camp 7-8AM
• Coffee served at base camp 7-9AM
• Island fun, exploration, and arting - We are on Island time so relax and enjoy!

Monday, May 1

• Break down individual camps and base camp
• Boat arrives around 1PM

We will be setting up a base camp on the east end and north side of the island. Emergency supplies such as first aid and water will be stored here. Some may choose to camp on the south side of the island, in the dunes, a hike from base camp (a little less than a mile, one way). You may want to camp closer to base camp on the north side, where you can still find seclusion.

We are taking a large boat and will use a dinghy to get from the anchored boat to the shore.  It will be a team effort to unload all gear and supplies before setting up personal camps. You will be responsible for carrying your own gear. Pack well and pack light!  Each person is only allowed to bring personal gear, no excessive equipment or baggage is allowed.

NOTE: WAMA will provide a picnic lunch on Friday, breakfast items for Saturday and Sunday, water, coffee ( bring what you like to add to your coffee), a snack bag, and a late lunch  on Monday afternoon. 

This ultimately means you will only need to bring items for dinner for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, lunch for Saturday and Sunday, breakfast for Monday, and snacks. If you have diet restrictions, please plan accordingly and notify us in advance so we can accommodate your trip.

All details are subject to change. Inclement weather may postpone or cancel the trip where a prorated refund will be provided.  If you decide to cancel your trip, you will receive a 50% refund.