Sponsored by the LILAC Foundation
On Display at The Brick: October 2 – 31, 2026
Description of Exhibit: For 25 years, Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) has championed the arts and the artists who make Marion County a vibrant place to live, work, and create. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we invite MCA Artist Members to participate in The Power of the Arts—a special juried exhibition honoring the creativity, culture, and community that have inspired us for generations.
The arts are everywhere. They tell our stories, preserve our history, spark imagination, bring neighbors together, and enrich our daily lives. Whether experienced through visual art, music, dance, theatre, literature, film, architecture, public art, craftsmanship, or cultural traditions, the arts have the power to inspire, connect, educate, heal, and transform communities.
For this special anniversary exhibition, artists are invited to submit artworks inspired by the arts themselves. Celebrate a favorite artistic discipline, a memorable performance, a beloved book, an inspiring artist or mentor, a local arts organization, creative landmark, public artwork, festival, classroom, or cultural tradition. Your inspiration may come from a personal experience or from the many people and places that have helped shape Marion County's thriving creative community. We especially encourage works that celebrate the impact of the arts in Marion County and the people, places, traditions, and experiences ... view more »
Sponsored by the LILAC Foundation
On Display at The Brick: October 2 – 31, 2026
Description of Exhibit: For 25 years, Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) has championed the arts and the artists who make Marion County a vibrant place to live, work, and create. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we invite MCA Artist Members to participate in The Power of the Arts—a special juried exhibition honoring the creativity, culture, and community that have inspired us for generations.
The arts are everywhere. They tell our stories, preserve our history, spark imagination, bring neighbors together, and enrich our daily lives. Whether experienced through visual art, music, dance, theatre, literature, film, architecture, public art, craftsmanship, or cultural traditions, the arts have the power to inspire, connect, educate, heal, and transform communities.
For this special anniversary exhibition, artists are invited to submit artworks inspired by the arts themselves. Celebrate a favorite artistic discipline, a memorable performance, a beloved book, an inspiring artist or mentor, a local arts organization, creative landmark, public artwork, festival, classroom, or cultural tradition. Your inspiration may come from a personal experience or from the many people and places that have helped shape Marion County’s thriving creative community. We especially encourage works that celebrate the impact of the arts in Marion County and the people, places, traditions, and experiences that continue to shape our creative community.
Whether your inspiration is realistic or abstract, traditional or contemporary, we encourage thoughtful interpretations that celebrate the power of the arts and the many ways creativity continues to inspire, connect, and strengthen our community.
Join us as we commemorate 25 years of creativity, collaboration, and culture—and help tell the story of why the arts matter.
Medium Requirements: We invite and encourage artists of all levels, working in all mediums to apply.
Who’s Eligible: MCA Artist Members (an active MCA membership is required to participate) Not yet a member? Join online at mcaocala.org/membership. Annual memberships begin at just $35 per year
Entry Guidelines:
Entries must be submitted digitally through https://artsmatter.artcall.org/ no later than 11:59 PM on Monday, September 21, 2026. No physical or mailed submissions will be accepted. Artists must register and complete the online application form, including a brief statement for each piece on how it relates to the exhibition theme, and high-resolution images for each entry (JPG, PNG, or PDF).
Additional Guidelines:
- Artists may submit up to two (2) original works for consideration.
- Suggested maximum size is 40 inches in any direction.
- All artworks must be original – no prints, reproductions or art previously exhibited at The Brick will be accepted.
- Artwork must be professionally presented and ready for gallery display.
- Additional installation and submission requirements can be found in the Submission Guidelines.
- All accepted artwork must be available for purchase. Sales will be split 70% to the artist / 30% to MCA, with proceeds supporting MCA’s mission to Champion, Convene, and Create opportunities for the arts throughout Marion County.
- Entry Fee: $25 for up to two (2) entries | $15 for one (1) entry
Awards: The exhibition juror(s) will present the following awards:
- Best of Show — $250
- First Place — $150
- Second Place — $100
- Third Place — $50
- Two Honorable Mention Awards
Additional recognition ribbons include:
- MCA 25th Anniversary Award — Honoring the artwork that best celebrates the impact of the arts within our community.
- The LILAC Foundation Purchase Award
- MCA Executive Staff Recognition Awards
- Fan Favorite Ribbons (available to the public for $20 each)
- Community Choice Award (awarded to the piece with most ribbons at the end of the exhibition period)
- Additional special recognitions, as determined by the juror(s) and sponsors
Awards will be presented during the Opening Reception. Juror decisions are final
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