2025 Student and Emerging Artist Competition, “Techne”

About the Open Call

The City of Ocala in partnership with Fine Arts For Ocala (FAFO) present the 2025 Student and Emerging Artist Competition, “Techne.” Techne refers to the Greek word τέχνη, which translates to skill, craft, or the art of making and the aim for this exhibition is to highlight a diverse range of media. Experience the work of student and emerging artists in this open theme exhibition. All artworks will be available for purchase unless otherwise noted. “Techne” will be on view from Wednesday, December 3, 2025, through Monday, March 9, 2026, 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 13, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at City Hall. The City of Ocala invites artists, with less than one year to six years of experience, to submit entries for "Techne" 2025 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 13, 2026. Prizes include scholarships, cash awards, gift certificates, museum memberships, professional framing, media features, and more.

What is Offered

Prizes include scholarships, cash awards, gift certificates, museum memberships, professional framing, media features, and more. Specific awards include a $1,000 monetary award by Fine Arts For Ocala (FAFO) for Best of Show, a feature in The Ocala Gazette, a free class at Picasso’s Palette, College of Central Florida Scholarships for High School students, Appleton & MCA memberships, a $150 gift certificate for Chelsea Arts Center, professional art framing at Cartigliano Arts, a free class at Painting with a Twist, and registration fee waiver for the 2025–26 First Friday Art Walk season.

Requirements

Artists must have less than one year to six years of experience. Artists 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: High School Students, 1 to 3 Years of Active Experience, and 4 to 6 Years of Active Experience.

How to Apply

Applications are now open for the 2025 Student and Emerging Artist Competition. Submit entries via the online application form (https://form.jotform.com/252725415495058) or by downloading and completing the PDF artist application (https://www.ocalafl.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/29107/638949237116430000). The deadline to apply is November 10, 2025. Helpful information about writing artist statements (https://www.ocalafl.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/22672/638314873934130000) and preparing artwork for hanging and display (https://www.ocalafl.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/22670/638133467547300000) is also available.