The City of Ocala presents the 2024 Student and Emerging Artist Competition, “Community.” Experience the work of student and emerging artists relating to the theme of community. All artworks will be available for purchase unless otherwise noted.

“Community” will be on display Tuesday, April 9 through Monday, October 14 at City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala, FL 34471. Opening reception and award ceremony will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. City Hall is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. 

CALL TO ARTISTS

The City of Ocala invites artists, with less than one year to six years of experience, to submit entries for "Community" 2024 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 with the date to be determined. 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).

Applications have closed for this year.

For helpful information about writing artist statements and preparing artwork for hanging and display, view the documents below:
How to Write an Artist Statement
Art Installation Guide

Featured below are the winners from 2024

View our past winners here. 

Thank you to our sponsors: