Call to Artists: “Through the Looking Glass” – MCA’s 4th Annual ‘Best of the Best’ Juried Art Exhibit & Competition 

Deadline: September 25, 2022 by midnight (via ArtCall)

 

Description of Exhibit: Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) invites emerging and seasoned artists to participate in our fourth annual fine art exhibit and competition featuring the ‘best of the best’ of Ocala.

This year’s prompt is “Through the Looking Glass”, in celebration of our 15^th annual Applaud the Arts; A Whimsical Wonderland! MCA’s annual celebration of local arts organizations and community art leaders with MCA cultural grants and arts awards.

Who’s Eligible: MCA Artist Members (Must be a member to enter. Anyone can join Online at mcaocala.org/membership, annual membership is $30 per year)

Mediums: We invite and encourage artists of all levels, ages 16+ working in any media to submit.

Entry Fee: $25 for up to two (2) entries | $15 for one (1) entry

Entry Guidelines:

• Each artist may submit two (2) pieces for consideration. All work must be original; no giclee or reproductions. All entries are to be submitted digitally to https://mca4best.artcall.org/ no later than midnight on Sunday, September 25, 2022. No physical or mailed in submissions will be accepted. Artists must follow the online application process and include:
  • Artist’s Contact Info (Name, phone, address, email, and social media handles/website)
  • A brief statement about your art for each submitted piece
  • High-res images for each entry in JPG, PNG or PDF format showing the full piece

List of Awards: The judge(s) will award one Honorable Mention, Third, Second, First and Best of Show. Judge’s decisions will be final. Awards will be presented at the Artists’ Reception. Other awards include: The DLM recognition award, purchase awards from MCA Board Members & local sponsors, MCA staff recognition awards, community choice awards, and more!

Deadline for Submissions: September 25, 2022 (midnight)

Artists’ Reception: Friday, October 7, 2022 (6 – 8 pm) | VIP Artists & Sponsors Only: 5 – 6pm

Exhibit Dates & Location: October 7 – 29, 2022 at The Brick (23 SW Broadway St.)

Drop Off Date: Monday, October 3, 2022 (10am – 4pm)

Pick Up Date: Saturday, October 29 (11am – 4pm) & Tuesday, November 1 (10am – 4pm)

Sponsored by: The David & Lisa Midgett Foundation

Contact: MCA Gallery Director; Ashley Justiniano | Email: [email protected]

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT ENTRIES

Call to Artists: MCA’s Block Party!

 

Description of Event: Marion Cultural Alliance invites you to join them at their Block PARTy on Broadway fundraiser. The event will take place at the Brick City Center for the Arts. The exhibit kicks off on Friday, November 4th through Saturday, November 26th, and will showcase art created and donated by celebrities, national, regional & local artists, designers, creators, students, youth, and more. Funds raised benefit MCA, its programs, and initiatives.

The opening reception will take place on Friday, November 4, 2022 from 5 to 7 p.m., with open gallery hours from 7 to 9 p.m. coinciding with the City of Ocala’s First Friday Art Walk. Tickets are $50 (MCA Members) $55 (non-Members) and includes VIP access to the gallery and awards ceremony, a ticket for the drawing, hors d’oeuvres, one drink ticket, live art demonstrations, an art drawing, a cash bar with signature cocktails, and a DJ. The purchase of a ticket entitles each guest to participate in a drawing. Tickets will be drawn at random, and participants will be able to select their artwork in the order their tickets are called. All artworks are to remain on display through the end of the exhibition.

Entry Guidelines:

• Artist participation is FREE. Each artist may claim up to three (3) 12×12” blocks/canvases to be completed by the artist in their medium of preference. Open to local, regional, and national artists of all levels and ages. Youth, students, and other creative participants are encouraged! Must confirm participation by registering HERE.
• MCA will provide the blank canvases to each registered participant. Participating artists must sign a release form and return the completed piece by the established deadline.
• All pieces will be donated and sold to benefit MCA and will be on display throughout the month of November 2022. This will be a juried/judged exhibit. Up to $600 in cash prizes will be awarded for participants in the categories of Best in Show, First, Second and Third place. All work must be ORIGINAL; no giclees, reproductions or mass-produced kits/stencils.
• All entries are to be completed and submitted physically (or mailed in) by October 29, 2022. Artists must follow the application process and include:
  • Artist’s ID Card on the BACK of each piece
  • Signed Artist Entry Form
• Acceptance into the exhibit is solely at the discretion of MCA. We reserve the right to reject work for the gallery that does not meet the above requirements or does not follow our standards.
• Please refer to our FAQ’s, Timeline, and our Gallery Standards for more information.

List of Awards: The judge(s) will award Third ($50), Second ($100), First ($150) and Best of Show ($250). A “Community Choice” prize will be awarded at the end of the exhibit ($50). Judge’s decisions will be final. Awards will be presented during the Opening Reception.

TIMELINE – Please ensure you can make these dates in order to participate:

• Deadline to Respond to Call: September 22 during the Paint & Pour Party
• Canvas Pick Up Dates: September 6 – 22 (during gallery hours)
• Paint & Pour pARTy: Thursday, September 22, 2022 (5-7pm) at The Brick, hosted by Art Army Ocala
• Deadline / Drop Off Date(s): October 27 – 29, 2022 (during gallery hours)
• Artists’ Reception: Friday, November 4, 2022 (5 – 7 pm) | Awards announced at 5:30pm
• Exhibit Dates: November 4 – 26, 2022, during MCA gallery hours.

Location: The Brick City Center for the Arts (23 SW Broadway St. Ocala, FL. 34471)

Gallery Hours: T – F: 10am-5pm | S: 11am – 4pm | Closed Sunday & Monday

Contact: MCA Gallery Director; Ashley Justiniano | Email: [email protected]

 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Download Official Call for MCA’s Block Party

Call - Block Party 2022