National Art Exhibition
This exhibit is free to view during regular gallery hours.
- Monday & Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm
- Tuesday & Wednesday & Thursday 10:00am - 7:00pm
- Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pm
Guided Docent Tours will happen on the following dates:
- February 25 & 26 at 10:00am & 1:00pm
- March 4 & 5 at 10:00am & 1:00pm
- March 11 & 12 at 10:00am & 1:00pm
Click Here to View the National Art Exhibition Online
***Call for POETRY Submissions***
Create a poem inspired by one of the pieces of art
on display in the National Art Exhibit.
Deadline for submission: March 15, 2022
On-line submissions only
Evening of Poetry & Art: March 23, 2022 7-9pmFor more information and instructions for entering, read the PDF here.
NAE Events:
Ribbon Cutting
The public and members of the media are invited to celebrate the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of the NAE Friday, Feb. 18 at 12:00 pm.
Awards Reception
The public and members of the media are invited to raise a glass to the winners at the NAE Awards Reception on February 24 at 6:00 pm. Admission is $10 per person, available at the door or online at visualartcenter.org
Luncheon & Art Talk with NAE Juror Dean Mitchell
Whether you’re an artist or art appreciator, you will want to hear what Dean Mitchell has to say. The story of how he got started to where he is now, is both captivating and inspiring. He will discuss the business of art, from building a reputation to entering competitions as well as what he looks forward to in the future. We will also leave some time for questions and answers. All this will take place in surrounded by the impressive NAE artwork in our Main Gallery, Friday, February 18, 2022 at 11:30am
National Art Exhibition Poetry Night
Join us Wednesday, March 23rd at 7pm, for an evening of art and poetry! This free event will feature readings of selected poems inspired by NAE paintings.
NAE Last Chance Viewing Reception
Everyone is invited to a Thursday evening reception, April 14th from 5 to 6pm. This begins the final weekend of the National Art Exhibition.
Juror Dean Mitchell
Dean Mitchell (American, b. 1957) AWS, NWS
Born in Pittsburg and raised by his grandmother in Quincy, Florida. He currently resides in Tampa, FL. At the age of twenty-three, he became the youngest artist ever accepted into the National Watercolor Society; just five years later he was admitted into the American Watercolor Society. He holds numerous gold medals from these and other prestigious painting associations worldwide. Dean is proficient in watercolors, egg temperas, oils and pastels. During his four-decade long career, Dean has become well known for his figurative works, landscapes, and still lifes. He has won over 600 awards during his career as a professional artist. His work is featured in museums, corporate and private collections throughout the Country. The New York Times art critic Michael Kimmelman praised him as a “modern-day Vermeer.”
 |
Juror’s Statement“I believe art has the ability to transform us. It can engage our conscience landscape to help us become better individuals and members of society.” |
The Biennial National Art Exhibition is one of the nation’s most prestigious juried exhibitions of two-dimensional media hosted by the Visual Arts Center.
The nearly 1,000-member Visual Arts Center brings art and culture to its community through multi-media classes, state-of-the-art jewelry and pottery studios, workshops, lectures, and art festivals. The Visual Arts Center also boasts an outstanding art and supply store, gift gallery shop and art library and displays exhibits in three galleries year-round.
Make a Donation to support the National Art Exhibition (click here)
CALL TO ARTISTS: To Submit artwork to the Nation Art Exhibition (click here)