Call to Artists: 2025 Florida CraftArt Emerging Artist Program

Program Dates: July 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Application Deadline: April 4, 2025

Florida CraftArt in St. Petersburg, FL, is excited to announce the 2025 Emerging Artist Program, designed to nurture and advance the careers of emerging craft artists. If you're an artist working in ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, sculpture, or wood, this is an exceptional opportunity to grow your career and showcase your work to the community.

Program Overview:
Juried artists will receive a benefits package valued at over $1,000, including:

• $250 honorarium
• Business mentoring with renowned experts Duncan McClellan and Leslie Curran
• A professional photo session with Brian James, including a headshot and photos of your artwork
• Invitation to a Write Your Artist Statement workshop
• 500 printed postcards featuring your work
• One-year Florida CraftArt membership

A curated selection of your work will be displayed for sale in the FCA retail gallery, offering you the opportunity to understand what resonates with retail customers. Following this, your work will be featured in a two-week group exhibition at Florida CraftArt, running from July 18–27, 2025, with an opening event to launch the exhibition and provide additional exposure and sales opportunities.

As part of the program, you will also be invited to a networking event to connect with former FCA Emerging Artists, collectors, and sponsors, gaining valuable insights to help you build a successful craft career.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to elevate your craft career!

Application Requirements

Application Deadline: April 4, 2025
Acceptance Notification: April 11, 2025
Program Dates: July 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Entry Fee: $20

Application Materials

• Images: 8–12 high-resolution photos (300 dpi).
• Image Inventory: Include title (if applicable), medium, dimensions, year created, and retail price.
• Artist Bio: A brief bio covering your artistic background, education, relevant experience, and personal details.
  Helpful resource: How to Write an Effective Artist Bio
• Artist Statement: Explain your techniques and concepts.
  Helpful resource: The Artist Statement: 5 Do’s and Don’ts

Jury Review Criteria

• Design: Work demonstrates a cohesive artistic voice.
• Craftsmanship: Reflects mastery of the medium and technical skill.
• Point of View: Original, creative, and distinctly your vision. Replications of other artists’ work are not eligible.

Note: Two-dimensional works like paintings, drawings, digital prints, photographs, posters, or giclées are not eligible.

Photography Tips

• Quality is Key: Use high-resolution photos in natural light with uncluttered backgrounds.
• Curate Thoughtfully: Select a cohesive body of work that highlights your style, offering variety in design and price points.

Sales Terms

• All gallery artwork must be for sale.
• Artwork is sold on consignment and remains the artist's property until sold.
• Artists receive 55% of the retail price; Florida CraftArt retains 45%.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Work in a fine craft medium (ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, or wood)
• Be at the beginning of their professional art career
• Have not participated in a juried fine art festival or had a solo show (excluding university exhibitions)
• Be a Florida resident (at least 6 months per year)