The City of Ocala and Fine Arts For Ocala (FAFO) invite new artists, with up to six years of experience, to submit entries for 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. Artists can submit one artwork. Work will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Jurors will award winners in each division and Best of Show. The jury's decision will be final. Awards will be given at the discretion of the jury and presented at the awards reception at Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave, Ocala Fl, 34471. The exhibition runs from December 3, 2026-March 9, 2027. The reception date will be January 12, 2027.

Specifications and Regulations:

• Artists MUST be within Marion County.
• Submitted artwork MUST be an original drawing, painting, photograph, printmaking, mixed media, fiber, digital, and/or sculpture completed within the last two years. All artwork must be properly prepared for display and ready to install when dropped off.
• 2-dimensional artwork must be framed with installed D-rings on the back for hanging.
• Sculptures must be no larger than 16''w x 16''d x 48''h.
• Artwork MUST weigh no more than 75 pounds.
• Unacceptable Artwork: crafts, jewelry, low quality prints, copy of published work, copyrighted material, artwork requiring electricity, mass produced/manufactured items. ALL art MUST be original design without any copyright infringement or branded content. Art MUST be family friendly, non-violent, and non-political. City of Ocala reserves the right to refuse any art of questionable subject matter for any reason.
• Sale of artwork is encouraged but not mandatory. Artwork will be listed for price indicated on entry form. Artwork cannot be removed until the end of the exhibition. Any artwork left after the close of exhibition will become property of City of Ocala. City of Ocala reserves the right to reproduce accepted work in newsletters, social media, websites, and other promotional materials. City of Ocala insures all artwork throughout duration of exhibition. All entries must include an Art Identification Card on the back when dropped off.
• For help with artist statements and artwork preparation, visit www.ocalafl.gov/seaexhibit.

Entry Procedure:
Each artist may submit ONE piece for exhibition and judging. Artists MUST include:

• Exhibit Agreement Form
• Artist Statement
• Photograph of artwork (.jpeg/.jpg/.png format) Photos can be mailed to artinfo@ocalafl.gov or artists can mail printed photos, a CD, or USB thumb drive. *

*ALL entries MUST be submitted online, emailed to: artinfo@ocalafl.gov, or mailed to: City of Ocala Cultural Arts, 201 SE 3^rd Street, 2^nd Floor, Ocala, Fl 34471. Mailed items will NOT be returned.
Questions? Call (352) 629-8447 or email artinfo@ocalafl.gov

PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY. Cut out and attach this card to the upper left corner on back of artwork.

(PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY) In accordance with the conditions set forth herein, the art piece described below is loaned to the City of Ocala for public exhibition:

Artwork EXHIBITION: 2026 Student and Emerging Artist Exhibition
Foundation Loan Period: December 1, 2026, to March 9, 2027
Location: Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave, Ocala, Fl, 34471

Compensation. Except for showing the art piece and the assurance and indemnity offered herein as consideration for this Agreement, there shall be no paid compensation from City to the Exhibitor for the Exhibition agreed to in this Agreement.

Sale During Exhibit. Exhibitor (Artist) may sell the artwork during the Exhibition Dates. However, the work must remain on site for the duration of the Exhibition unless permission has been granted by an authorized City representative. Exhibitor is responsible for handling sales and agrees to pay 30% to the City.

Applications due:
Nov. 13

Exhibition Dates
Dec. 3 - March 9, 2027

Declaration of Value. The City and the artist have agreed on the stated value of the artwork as provided in this agreement. If either the City or the artist believes that the value of the artwork has increased or decreased at any time during the term of the agreement, the party requesting the value adjustment shall, at that party's sole expense, obtain an independent appraisal from an accredited appraiser who is accredited by any of the following three organizations: American Society of Appraisers (ASA); Appraisers Association of America (AAA); or Appraisal Foundation (AF). Lacking said appraisal, the value of the artwork shall remain as stated in the agreement for the duration of the agreement.

Assurance and Indemnity. The City of Ocala shall indemnify Exhibitor for the risk of damage to, or loss incurred to the specified art piece during the period of the Exhibition. The City shall pay for losses against the estimated value of the artwork, not to exceed a maximum claim of $15,000, when a valid and documented claim is submitted to the City by the Exhibitor. Exhibitor shall be responsible for any loss in excess of the estimated value, and is responsible for obtaining any insurance in excess of that amount the Exhibitor may desire to obtain during the Exhibition.

Photographing Artwork. The City of Ocala reserves the right to photograph any artwork and/or the artist for documentation, education, and publicity purposes without additional compensation.

Contact Ocala Cultural Arts at 352-629-8447, artinfo@ocalafl.gov, or ocalafl.gov/seaexhibit