Calling All Artists: New America 250 Exhibition at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA), in partnership with Bay Arts Alliance and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), is calling artists to submit artwork for a special exhibition celebrating America's 250th Birthday and Florida's unique role in our nation's history, culture, and future.

Inspired by the Florida Department of Transportation's America 250 Florida campaign, this exhibition will showcase original artwork reflecting the spirit of the Free State of Florida and commemorating the Semiquincentennial of the United States. 

Selected works will be displayed at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, providing exceptional exposure for participating artists.

*Please review the criteria below and submit your application ONLINE via email to caaevents@culturalartsalliance.com  prior to 11:59 p.m. CST on June 17, 2026.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION-

The 250th anniversary of the United States marks a historic opportunity to celebrate the nation's founding while recognizing Florida's profound influence on America's past, present, and future. Through this exhibition, local artists are invited to explore themes of freedom, heritage, innovation, community, natural beauty, and the unique identity of Florida.

The exhibition will be presented at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), welcoming both local residents and visitors traveling through our region during the summer season.

Artists are encouraged to submit existing artwork that aligns with the exhibition theme. New work is welcome but not required due to the accelerated project timeline.

EXHIBIT LOCATION-

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) 6300 West Bay Parkway, Panama City, FL 32409

HOW IT WORKS-

A selection panel will review all submissions and choose (10) to (15) artists to display selected works throughout the exhibition period.

Artists may submit up to three (3) original artworks for consideration.

Featured artists will be responsible for delivering and retrieving their artwork on designated dates. Artwork must be ready for exhibition upon delivery.

TIMELINE-

Call to Artists: Wednesday, June 10 - June 17, 2026. Submission Deadline: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 prior to 11:59 p.m. CST Artist Notification: Friday, June 19, 2026 Artwork Drop-Off Window: Monday, June 22 - Wednesday, June 24, 2026 to Bayou Arts Center (Walton County) or Bay Arts Alliance (Bay County)

Installation: Monday, June 29, 2026

Exhibition Opens: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 Exhibition Closes: Friday, August 28, 2026 Artwork Pick-Up: Monday, August 31, 2026 at CAA Bayou Arts Center (Walton County) and Bay Arts Alliance (Bay County) -

ARTWORK DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP LOCATIONS-

Walton County - Bayou Arts Center:  105 Hogtown Bayou Ln, SRB, FL 32459 | (850) 622-5970

Bay County - Bay Arts Alliance:  19 E. 4th Street, Panama City, FL 32401 | (850) 640-3670

THEME-

Artists are invited to submit work inspired by the themes of America's 250th Birthday, the State of Florida, and Florida's unique role in our nation's history, culture, and future.

Potential themes include:

• America's 250th Birthday

• Florida history and heritage

• Civic and military service

• Community and cultural identity

• Florida's natural beauty and resources

• Innovation and the future

*Artwork must be family-friendly, nonpolitical, nonreligious, and appropriate for display in a public, all-ages airport environment.

ARTIST CRITERIA-

Accepted artists must meet the following criteria:

• Artists must be a resident of Bay or Walton County.

• Artists must agree to a 70% artist / 30% CAA split of the final sale price.

• Please note, if shipping is requested, incurred costs will be paid by the purchaser. Artists must coordinate any shipping requirements and expenses. 

• Artists may submit up to three (3) original artworks.

• All exhibited work must be original work created by the applying artist.

• Artwork must be professionally presented and ready for display. All artworks must be on a hanging wire system, no hooks or just D rings accepted. If the artwork is missing the wire system your artwork will not be hung and will be returned to you.

• Artists must deliver artwork on the designated drop-off date.

• Artists must retrieve artwork on the designated pick-up date.

• The Cultural Arts Alliance and Bay Arts Alliance reserve the right to reject any artwork that does not meet exhibition guidelines or display requirements.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS-

Artists must submit:

ARTIST INFO

• Artist name 

• Artist mailing address

• Artist email

• Artist Cell phone

• Artist website and social media 

ARTWORK INFO (for each submitted piece)

• Artwork title(s) • Medium • Dimensions • Retail price (if applicable) • Brief artist statement (50 words or less) • High-resolution image(s) of submitted artwork

HOW TO APPLY-

Submit your application ONLINE via email to caaevents@culturalartsalliance.com prior to 11:59 p.m. CST on June 17, 2026.

*By submitting this application, you agree to the above guidelines and exhibition policies established by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA), Bay Arts Alliance, and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP.)