Call to Artists – Artists' Choice Show
Submit your original artwork for a juried public show in Okaloosa County
About the show
Each year, selected works by local artists are displayed in the Okaloosa County Administration Building in Shalimar. Artwork is juried, family-friendly, and remains on view for one full year across three public floors. Artists are eligible for cash awards and receive community-wide exposure, as well as being offered the choice to have their works available for purchase.
2025 Key dates
-
Entry Deadline: August 15, 2025
(no late entries will be accepted) -
Artwork Drop-off: September 3, 2025
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (no entries past 1:00 PM)
At: Okaloosa County Administration Building Lobby
1250 Eglin Parkway, Shalimar FL 32579 -
Artwork from 2024 MUST be picked up: September 3, 2025
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM -
Opening Reception: September 5, 2025 - 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
AWARDS ANNOUNCED AT 4:00 PM
Artwork guidelines
This year’s show is open to original 2D artwork that meets the following requirements:
Accepted Work
• Only 2D artwork is allowed
• Digital art is accepted if printed and ready to hang
• No sculpture, bas-relief, or freestanding work
Content Requirements
• Work must be original and family-friendly
• AI-generated art, nudity, profanity, or plagiarized content is not permitted
• Artists submitting work with politically sensitive or potentially controversial themes should do so with care and thoughtful presentation, keeping in mind the show’s community setting and family-friendly audience.
Presentation Standards
• Must be framed or gallery-wrapped and wired for hanging
• Sawtooth hangers are not allowed
• Work must be clean and exhibition-ready
Size & Weight Limits
• Maximum size: 36″ wide x 60″ tall (framed)
• Maximum depth: 6 inches
• Maximum weight: 25 lbs
Display Duration
• All accepted work will remain on display for one year
• If a piece sells, it must be replaced with one of a similar size
Entry Fee
The entry fee is $35 and covers up to three works of art.
Payment must be made by check or money order, payable to Okaloosa Public Arts.
Payment Instructions:
Make checks payable to: Okaloosa Public Arts.
Must be postmarked no later than August 15, 2025.
Mail to:
OPA
P.O. Box 669
Shalimar, FL 32579
Important:
Your entry will not be accepted without payment. Receipt of check will be acknowledged. Submissions without payment received by the drop-off date will be disqualified.
Awards & Reception
Artist's Choice includes cash awards that are announced during the opening reception.
Cash Prizes:
• Best in Show – $1,000
• First Place – $800
• Second Place – $500
• Third Place – $300
• Honorable Mentions – $100
Reception & Awards:
Date: September 5, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Location:
Okaloosa County Administration Building
First Floor Lobby
Awards will be announced at 4:00 PM
Note: Artists receiving awards of $600 or more must provide a Social Security Number for IRS Form 1099 prior to payment.
Insurance & Sales
Okaloosa Public Arts will insure each accepted piece of artwork for up to $500 or the artist’s stated value, whichever is lower.
OPA does not take commissions on sales.
Artists are responsible for coordinating any buyer communications, payment, and pickup or delivery of sold work.
Artists must also handle the drop-off and pick-up of their own artwork. If a sold piece is removed, it must be replaced with a similar-sized work for the duration of the exhibit.
Submission Form
2025 Okaloosa Public Arts Artist's Choice Exhibition
Submissions are now closed.
Thank you to all the artists who submitted their work!
Okaloosa Public Arts invites you to participate in the 2025 Artist’s Choice Exhibition, which will be presented on the three floors of the Okaloosa County Administrative Building on Eglin Parkway in Shalimar, FL.
Please note that upon successful submission of your online form you will receive TWO emails. One email will include the next steps in the registration process and the second email will contain a completed copy of your form.