2026 Student and Emerging Artist Competition "Foundation" open call

The City of Ocala in partnership with Fine Arts For Ocala (FAFO) presents the 2026 Student and Emerging Artist Competition, “Foundation.” “Foundation” explores the essential building blocks of art and creativity, from color, line, shape, texture, value and form to the skills, influences, experiences and environments that shape artists’ creative journeys and artistic voices. Experience the work of student and emerging artists in this exhibition. All artworks will be available for purchase unless otherwise noted. “Foundation” will be on view from Thursday, December 3, 2026, through Tuesday, March 9, 2027, at Ocala City Hall (110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala, FL 34471), open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. An opening reception and awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2027, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. For more information, visit www.ocalafl.gov/seaexhibit. CALL TO ARTISTS The City of Ocala invites Marion County artists, with less than one year to six years of experience, to submit entries for “Foundation” 2026 Student and Emerging Artist Competition. Artist can only submit one artwork for the competition. Submitted artwork must have been completed within the last two years. Artists will compete in three divisions according to their respective years of experience including, High School Students, 1 to 3 Years of Active Experience, and 4 to 6 Years of Active Experience. A juror will award winners in each division, as well as Best of Show. Awards will be presented at a reception at City Hall on Tuesday, January 12, 2027. Prizes for this competition include scholarships to the College of Central Florida (High School Division), $1,000 monetary award by Fine Arts For Ocala (Best of Show) a feature in The Ocala Gazette (Best of Show),a $150 gift certificate for Chelsea Arts Center (1st place 1-3 years’ experience) a professional art framing at Cartigliano Arts & Rogers Framing (1st place 3-6 years’ experience), a free class at Painting with a Twist (all 1st places), annual memberships to the Appleton Museum of Art and Marion Cultural Alliance (all winners), and a registration fee waiver for the 2026-27 season of First Friday Art Walk (all winners).