Ocala is still accepting applications from local artists with up to six years of experience for an annual art competition with a theme of “skill, craft, or the art of making.”
The city of Ocala and Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO) are inviting high school artists and artists with up to six years of experience to submit entries for the 2025 Student and Emerging Artist Competition: Techne.
The theme, Techne, refers to the Greek word “τέχνη,” which translates to “skill, craft, or the art of making.” The exhibit will highlight the general practice of creating art.
Artists must live within Marion County and artwork must be an original drawing, painting, photograph, of other media format. Artwork will be judged in three different divisions: High school, 1 to 3 years active experience, 4 to 6 years active experience.
Any 2-dimensional artwork must be framed with installed D-rings on the back for hanging, and sculptures must be no larger than 16″ w x 16″ d x 48″ h. Artwork must weigh no more than 75 pounds.
The deadline to submit entries is Monday, November 10, at 11:59 p.m.
The best of show will be awarded a $1,000 monetary award from FAFO, as well as a Picasso’s Pallette class.
The winner in the high school division will take home a College of Central Florida Scholarship and a Painting with a Twist class.
The winner for 1 to 3 years division will be a Painting with a Twist class and a $150 gift certificate to Chelsea Arts, and the winner for the 4 to 6 years division will win a Painting with a Twist class and a framing from Cartigliano Arts.
All entries must have been completed within the last two years. A juror will select winners in each division, as well as Best of Show, and awards will be presented at a reception that will take place at City Hall.
Each artist may submit one entry for exhibition and judging. Artists must include the exhibit agreement form, an artist statement, and a photograph of paperwork. All entries must be submitted online, via email to [email protected], or mailed to City of Ocala Cultural Arts, 201 SE 3rd Street, second floor, Ocala, FL 34471. Please note that mailed items will not be returned.
For more information, or to view the complete call to artists, contact the Ocala Cultural Arts Office at 352-629-8447 or visit the City of Ocala Cultural Arts 2025 Student and Emerging Artist Competition.