Because of COVID-19, the Visual Arts Center is currently operating with limited hours, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Monday through Friday as we begin to transition back to a new normal. We have several options for those of you who want to engage with art, either at the VAC or online at home. 

The Visual Arts Center offers opportunities for artists of all media to enter exhibitions. Many exhibits are judged, some are juried and each exhibit present an opportunity to win cash prizes and ribbons at the awards reception. 

The Annual Call to Artists provides exhibit and display requirements and an annual exhibit calendar with important dates you'll need to know in a printable brochure. Download the 2020 Call to Artists (click here).

Please make sure you are familiar with the Exhibit Hanging and Display Requirements before entering an exhibit. 

Member Shows

If you are a member interested in displaying your work in a member-only show, please contact the Visual Arts Center. Member Exhibits typically feature four artists at one time, and booking is made up to two years in advance. If you would like to learn more about becoming a member, visit our membership page.

We are always in need of volunteers to help receive and hang shows. If you are interested in being part of the hanging committee, please contact us. 

Gift Shop

Visual Arts Center members have an opportunity to apply to sell your art in the Gift Shop. If you would like an opportunity to apply to sell your art in the gift shop, please contact our Gift Shop Manager at (941) 639-8810 or giftshop@visualartcenter.org.

Exhibit Schedule and Prospectus

Nearly all of the following exhibits are open to members and non-members. Details about eligible works, fees, prizes and an entry form can be found in the prospectus for each exhibit - please read the prospectus carefully.

Color | Receiving September 14 & 15, 10:30am - 1:30pm by appointment Express yourself through color: the possibilities are endless. This exhibit will accept all 2D and 3D art. This is a JUDGED exhibit open to entry from members and non-members. The Awards Presentation will be September 24, at 5:00pm.  Download the detailed prospectus and entry form here Register for COLOR Receiving - Reserve Space Now Other Helpful Links: Exhibit Hanging and Display Requirements | The Annual Call to Artists

Black & White | Receiving September 14 & 15, 10:30am - 1:30pm by appointment This exhibit is open to VAC Members only in Goff Gallery. All types 2D and 3D artwork is accepted however no color is allowed, it must be only black and white. There is no fee to enter this exhibit. All artwork must be for sale. Download the detailed prospectus and entry form here Register for Black & White Receiving - Reserve Space Now Other Helpful Links: Exhibit Hanging and Display Requirements | The Annual Call to Artists

Falling for Art | Receiving October 8 & 9, 10:30am - 1:30pm by appointment This is a juried exhibition that accepts only 2D artwork from members and non-members. Artists are encouraged to submit their best 2D works. This is NOT a themed exhibit. The Awards Presentation will be October 15, at 5:00pm.  Download the detailed prospectus and entry form here Other Helpful Links: Exhibit Hanging and Display Requirements | The Annual Call to Artists

Off the Wall | Receiving November 23 & 24, 10:30am - 1:30pm by appointment Any size 2D or 3D artwork may be exhibited. Artwork MAY have been exhibited at the VAC previously. All art must be priced $200 or lower. Artwork will be removed as soon as it sells; it will come ‘Off The Wall’. For art that is not sold, removal is Wednesday December 30 from 9am - 12pm. The Awards Presentation will be December 17, at 5:00pm.  Download the detailed prospectus and entry form here Other Helpful Links: Exhibit Hanging and Display Requirements | The Annual Call to Artists