By Kathy Collins
The Tampa Bay Lightning have issued A Call To Artists for their 5th Annual Open Call To Artists to exhibit their work at Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa. This is a juried show with substantial prize money available. All artists who live and work in the greater Tampa Bay area are invited to submit art work for consideration.
All submissions are due by Thursday, September 1. Artists will be notified on or before Friday, September 16 of acceptance into the exhibition.
The guidelines for entries to be submitted are clear. All artists must live or work in the greater Tampa Bay area. This year a special category for artists under the age of 18 was created so these artists are also encouraged to apply. Each artist may submit up to three fully completed works of art. Artwork must be original. All mediums are welcome with exclusion of free-standing sculptures. All artwork must be hanging and not larger than six feet by six feet, including the frame. Wall hanging sculptures are limited to seven feet tall with varying widths accepted.
The top three winners will receive $1,000 each. There will be between four and 10 honorable mentions, and they will receive $250 each. In addition, the top three artists who are under 18 years old will each receive $250.
The judges for this year’s exhibit will include representatives from the Tampa Museum of Art, Museum of Fine Arts, the Ringling Museum of Art and the Dali Museum.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are looking for art that visually celebrates Tampa Bay and its people so that the building, Amalie Arena, can exude the vibrancy and energy of the community. You are free to be creative and create anything that inspires you from your local surroundings. If you are able to weave in the love of hockey, then that is even better.
Roxanne Tobaison of Brandon has entered the show and has been selected two years in a row. Tobaison said, “There were hundreds of entries and 42 selections last year. This made it even more special to be included. The organization is very community connected and appreciates art. It is nice to feel a part of something that reaches so many different parts of our local history.”
For more information, contact 301-6831. You can also visit Lightning.nhl.com for more information.
