Icons
Ends on
Icons
Icons is a visual exploration of figures, symbols, and moments that shape culture, influence society, and transcend time. From historical legends to contemporary trailblazers, this exhibition examines what it means to be iconic—whether through fame, influence, or artistic interpretation.
Artists are invited to submit works that engage with the idea of "icons" in any form—portraits of cultural figures, symbolic imagery, or conceptual reflections on power, legacy, and myth-making. Whether celebrating, critiquing, or reimagining icons, this exhibition seeks bold and thought-provoking perspectives.
Meet the Juror, John Pirman
John Pirman graduated in 1979 from Kent State University with a BFA in graphic design & illustration, and studied in Brissago, Switzerland with Paul Rand. His work is influenced by Swiss design, pop culture, posters of the WPA era, and mid-century modern design.
In the fall of 1979, John moved to New York City and began a career as a freelance illustrator. He created editorial art for Fortune, Hemispheres, Vogue, Wallpaper, Glamour, New York Magazine, The New York Times, Forbes, Time, The Wall Street Journal,Travel and Leisure, Advertising Age, and Cosmopolitan Magazine.
- Submissions are welcome in all media including painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, mixed media, digital arts, sculpture and video.
- AI generated art is not allowed.
- All artworks must be submitted ONLINE for jurying. Awards will be chosen by the juror in person when all works are installed at Art Center Sarasota.
IMPORTANT DATES
- Exhibition Dates: Thursday, August 20 - Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Online Submissions Dealine: Sun. July 19, 2026
- Notification of Acceptance: Artists will be notified by email of their submission status no later than Wednesday, July 29 by 5pm.
- In Person Receiving Days for Accepted Work: Tuesday, August 11 - Wednesday, August 12, 10am-5pm.
- Shipping Accepted Work: Mailed Artwork must arrive between Monday, August 10 - Wednesday, August 12. Any work that is delivered after this date will not be included in the exhibition.
- Award Winners Notified: no later than Wednesday, August 19 at 5pm.
- Opening Reception: Thursday, August 20, 5-7pm.
- Artwork Pickup In Person: Monday, September 29 & Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 10am-5pm
About the Exhibition
This juried exhibition is open to all artists and all media. Selected works will be exhibited at Art Center Sarasota (ACS). The juror will review all required information except the artist’s name and artwork price. Selections are made on artistic merit and relevance to the exhibition theme. To support best gallery practices, ACS requires the following rules and guidelines to help present your work at its best.
Submission Fees
All juried exhibitions require a NON-REFUNDABLE entry fee per submission:
One Piece
- $30 Members / $40 Non-members
- $10 Student Members / $20 Student Non-members
Two Pieces
- $40 Members / $55 Non-members
- $20 Student Members / $30 Student Non-members
Three Pieces
- $45 Members / $65 Non-members
- $25 Student Members / $35 Student Non-members
Awards
Awards are selected by the juror in person after the exhibition is installed.
- 1st Place: $500
- 2nd Place: $300
- 3rd Place: $200
- Merit Awards (2) and Honorable Mentions (4)
Size Limits
- 2D work: maximum 72" x 65" after framing
- 3D work: maximum 60" x 36" x 36" (H x W x D)
Uploading Images to Submittable
- Upload high-quality images: 1MB–5MB each
- 2D: crop tightly to the artwork
- 3D: photograph against a solid background/backdrop
- Indicate whether work is framed or unframed
- Video formats accepted: MP4, MOV, AVI, MPG
Originality & Prints
- Work must be original, completed within the last three years, and not previously shown at ACS.
- Copies/reproductions (embellished or not) are not eligible.
- Editioned prints are allowed (e.g., photography, lithograph, woodcut, engraving, etching, screen print, digital works) if they are labeled as prints and numbered.
- Artists are responsible for avoiding copyright infringement.
- Submitted work must be complete (not in process).
- Accepted work must be fully dry upon delivery; wet work will not be included.
Two-Dimensional Work Requirements
- Stretcher bars are preferred hanging method for canvas works.
- No sawtooth hangers.
- Indicate the surface/material (paper, canvas, metal, board, etc.), including photographs.
- Use multi-strand picture wire only.
- Wire must not sit above the top of the frame.
- Do not use monofilament.
- Framed work with glass/plexi must be clean and scratch-free. Mats (if used) must be clean and professionally cut. Frames must be in good condition (no chips, scratches, or loose corners).
- If your work needs special installation, describe it in “Special Instructions.” If accepted, include any required tools/materials.
Three-Dimensional Work Requirements
- ACS provides pedestals; however, artists must provide a pedestal for oversized work or work with special display needs.
- Non-ACS pedestals must have a broad base.
- Jewelry must be submitted with an appropriate display stand or form.
- If your work needs special installation, describe it in “Special Instructions.” If accepted, include any required tools/materials.
Diptychs & Triptychs
Diptychs/triptychs count as one submission and must be:
- Submitted, charged, labeled and priced as a single piece
- If framed: frames must be uniform, and dimensions must include framing
Receiving & Shipping Accepted Work
- Shipped entries must include a prepaid return shipping label.
- Artists are responsible for shipping to and from ACS.
ACS Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10am–5pm
Shipping Address:
Art Center Sarasota
Attn: Exhibitions
707 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34236
Sales
- All work must be for sale. No POR (Price on Request) or NFS (Not for Sale) unless specifically stated in the exhibition prospectus.
- Artist commission:
- Members: 60% of selling price
- Non-members: 50% of selling price
- Artists are responsible for reporting and filing taxes in accordance with state and federal regulations.
- All sales must be completed on site or through the ACS website (when applicable).
- No third-party dealer sales
- No direct artist-to-buyer sales during the exhibition
Sales Privacy Policy
ACS will ask purchasers whether they would like their contact information shared with the artist. If the purchaser agrees, ACS will share it; if not, no personal information will be exchanged.
Miscellaneous Policies
- If an accepted work is found to be non-compliant, the artist must retrieve it immediately.
- Artwork placement is determined by the Exhibition Director; locations cannot be changed after installation.
- Work not picked up by the final pickup day will incur a $5/day holding fee.
- Work not retrieved after 30 days becomes property of Art Center Sarasota.
Content Guidelines
ACS supports the free exchange of ideas and aims to remain welcoming to all. ACS reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to refuse to display artwork that:
- contains hate speech
- includes racist, violent, cruel imagery or symbols
- encourages racism, violence, or cruelty
- contains pornographic images
- vilifies or demeans individuals or groups
Withdrawal
Accepted work may not be substituted or withdrawn during the exhibition. Artwork may not be picked up before the end of the show due to press and advertising obligations.
Statement of Responsibility
ACS will insure exhibited work for the duration of the exhibition period. Damage claims (full or partial) will be based on the Insurance Value, and ACS’s liability is limited to that amount and only to the extent of ACS insurance coverage. The artist waives any right of subrogation.
Disclaimer / Photo Release
Exhibiting artists consent to ACS using their name and artwork image(s) for promotional and advertising purposes. Artists waive claims against ACS (including privacy or copyright claims) related to this use.
Questions
For submission questions and support contact:
Christina Baril
941-365-2032