This section highlights past artist calls, exhibitions, and creative opportunities across Charlotte County and the Florida arts community. These programs reflect how organizations previously engaged artists, volunteers, and educators in the region.
Embracing Our Differences: Outdoor Juried Exhibit
Embracing Our Differences invited artists to submit original work for a large-scale outdoor exhibition focused on the theme “enriching lives through diversity.” Selected pieces appeared on billboard-sized panels displayed across parks in Sarasota and Manatee counties from January to May 2023. The submission deadline fell in early October 2022.
Artists competed in categories including Best-in-Show (Adult and Student) and People’s Choice. The organization awarded $2,000 to each winner and provided matching funds for student participants and their school programs. Through this exhibition, the nonprofit continued its mission to foster awareness and inclusion through public art and education.
Arts4All Florida: Artist in Residence Program
Arts4All Florida called on artists to participate in classroom-based residencies serving students with disabilities. Artists with backgrounds in dance, music, theatre, or visual art could contract with the organization to deliver lessons during the school year. The program emphasized inclusive instruction and encouraged teaching artists to adapt their practices for diverse learning needs.
Lemon Bay Playhouse: Auditions for Upcoming Productions
In August 2022, Lemon Bay Playhouse held open auditions for two plays: You Know I Can’t Hear You When The Water’s Running and Sleeping Indoors. Directors provided audition materials in advance and outlined the cast needs for each production. The dual audition format allowed actors to be considered for either play in one visit, streamlining the casting process.
Charlotte Players: Volunteer Recruitment
Charlotte Players sought volunteers to assist in all areas of theatrical production. The organization outlined opportunities in stage management, set building, costume support, ticketing, and prop handling. A volunteer orientation meeting took place in August, offering details on expectations and scheduling. Through community involvement, Charlotte Players enhanced the impact and professionalism of its performances.
Visual Arts Center: Artist Calls and Public Events
Throughout 2022, the Visual Arts Center promoted artist engagement through calls for entry and public events:
- Color! Juried Exhibit
Artists submitted 2D and 3D work exploring the visual impact of color. The exhibition ran from mid-September to mid-October. - Studio Open House
Instructors welcomed visitors to the center’s jewelry, pottery, and glass studios. Attendees observed live demos and tested techniques in a casual format. - Battle of the Brushes
VAC paired local artists with public figures for a live art challenge and charity auction. The event unfolded in two phases: a September match-up and a November finale. - Florida Watercolor Society Exhibit
A rotating statewide exhibit remained on view at the center from late September through mid-November.
PGICA Arts & Crafts Fair
The Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association organized a holiday-themed arts and crafts fair in November 2022. Event organizers encouraged early vendor registration, as space filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The fair served as both a seasonal shopping destination and a promotional platform for local artisans.
The Arts Bridge Charity: Artist Support Program
The Arts Bridge Charity launched a small-grant program to help artists fund creative projects or respond to emergencies. Applicants could learn about eligibility and guidelines through the organization’s official website. This program aimed to reduce financial barriers and expand access to opportunity within the arts.
Florida Biennial: Statewide Artist Call
The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood issued an open call for the 2022 Florida Biennial. Visual artists living or working in Florida submitted proposals for a juried exhibition held between October 2022 and February 2023. One artist received a $1,000 honorarium and the chance to present a solo show the following year. The call also provided networking and membership benefits for all exhibiting artists.
621 Gallery: Proposal Submissions
621 Gallery, located in Tallahassee, requested exhibition proposals for its 2022–2023 season. Individual artists, collectives, and curators submitted plans for solo or group exhibitions. The venue offered a flexible space configuration, including a main hall and a smaller gallery for experimental projects. The application window closed in mid-May 2022.
Visual Arts Center: “Water, Water Everywhere” Exhibit
The Visual Arts Center invited artists to contribute to a themed exhibition centered on water. Submissions included subjects such as beaches, shells, and boating, presented in both two- and three-dimensional forms. The show remained open from mid-May to mid-June 2022 and accepted entries from members and non-members alike.
