OCALA, Fla. (Dec. 15, 2023) – The City of Ocala invites artists, with up to six years of experience, to submit entries for ‘Community,’ a Student and Emerging Artist Competition, which will take place Tuesday, April 9 through Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, at City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave.

Artists will compete in three divisions according to their respective years of experience including: high school students, one to three years of active experience, and four to six years of active experience. All entries must have been completed within the last two years. A juror will award winners in each division, as well as Best of Show. Awards will be presented at a reception Tuesday, April 23 taking place at City Hall.

Prizes for this competition include scholarships to the College of Central Florida (high school division), a feature in The Ocala Gazette (Best of Show), a professional art framing at Cartigliano Arts (Best of Show), a free class at Picasso’s Palette (Best of Show), annual memberships to the Appleton Museum of Art and Marion Cultural Alliance (all winners), and a registration fee waiver for the 2024-25 season of First Friday Art Walk (all winners).

Entry Procedures:

Each artist may submit one piece for the exhibition and jurying. All entries must include the entry form, an artist statement, and photographs of the artwork (in a .jpg format with a resolution of at least 1900 pixels in the widest dimension). Artists can email photos,   mail printed photos, or submit a CD or USB with digital images. Entries must be submitted no later than Sunday, March 17 at 11:59 p.m.

Entries can be submitted online at www.ocalafl.gov/StudentAndEmergingArtistExhibit, via email to artinfo@ocalafl.gov or mailed to City of Ocala Cultural Arts, 201 SE Third Street, second floor, Ocala, FL 34471. Mailed items will not be returned.

Calendar of Events:

• Sunday, March 17, 11:59 p.m. – Deadline for entry submissions
• Monday, April 8, 3 to 5:30 p.m. – Artwork drop off at City Hall
• Tuesday, April 9 – Show opens
• Tuesday, April 23, - 5:30 to 7 p.m. – Opening reception & Awards ceremony
• Monday, October 14 – Show closes
• Monday, October 14, 3 to 5:30 p.m. – Artwork pickup

This event is sponsored by the City of Ocala, Appleton Museum of Art, Cartigliano Arts, College of Central Florida, Marion Cultural Alliance, The Ocala Gazette, and Picasso’s Palette.

For more information, or to view the complete call to artists, please contact Ocala Cultural Arts Office at 352-629-8447 or visit www.ocalafl.gov/culturalarts.