Call to Artists | An Art Council of Southwest Florida and Paradise Coast Celebration of Art, Culture & Connection
Exhibition Dates: January 5 - 31, 2027
Art Council of Southwest Florida | COCO Art Gallery Naples
Coastland Center • 1758 Tamiami Trail N., Naples, FL 34102
Online applications: October 23–December 14, 2026
Deadline: December 14, 2026
Jury selection notice: Monday, December 21, 2026
Receiving: Monday, January 4, 2027 • 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Exhibition: January 5–31, 2027
Reception and awards: Wednesday, January 13, 2027 • 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Awards announced at 6:00 p.m.
Artwork pickup: Monday, February 1, 2027 • 10:00 a.m.–noon
UNITY - There is no single story of the Americas. There are millions of stories. Creating an exhibition experience that feels like a cultural journey through the hemisphere.
The Americas represent an extraordinary tapestry of people, traditions, histories, contemporary identities, animals and landscapes.
The Art Council of Southwest Florida invites artists to participate in ¡ARTE VIVA! - The Americas, a special exhibition celebrating the extraordinary diversity, heritage, landscapes, cultures and contemporary stories of the Western Hemisphere. From the Arctic to the Caribbean, from North America through Central America and South America,
COME SEE THE AMERICAS THROUGH THE EYES OF ARTISTS. - THE ARTIST'S JOURNEY
What does The Americas mean to you? Your artwork may explore your Community and Connection, Hispanic American heritage, Latin contemporary national & cultural identity, migration & heritage bringing Family & Tradition. You may celebrate traditions through History and memory, Highlight Indigenous or Caribbean Cultures, the Landscape, the animals, the Environment and your personal connection to the Americas.
2D + 3D ARTWORK WELCOME
Eligibility and Entry Fees
The exhibition is open to the public with artists age 18 and older residing in Southwest Florida. Membership in an ACSWF member organization is not required. Artists may submit a maximum of 4 entries at $50.00 first entry, subsequent entries $30.00. Entry fees are non-refundable and payable to the Art Council of Southwest Florida (ACSWF).
Registration and Receiving
Submit the entry form and credit card payment online at www.cocoartgallery.com at the time of entry. Applications close on December 14, 2026. Applications will be juried, and jury selection will be communicated on December 21, 2026. Submission and payment do not guarantee acceptance. Registration forms and payments will not be accepted at receiving. Accepted artwork must be personally delivered to the Naples gallery on January 4, 2027, between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Bring your signed waiver and completed W-9 form to receiving.
Awards and Reception
Four prizes will be awarded across all submitted media: 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place, and Best of the Americas. Awards are not separated into 2D and 3D categories. Join us for the reception on January 13 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Small bites and beverages will be available. Awards will be announced at 6:00 p.m.
Artwork Requirements
All artwork must be original work created entirely by the submitting artist. No reproductions will be accepted. All artwork must reflect the exhibition theme.
All artwork must be fully dry, professionally presented, and ready to hang or display on receiving day. Wet or tacky artwork will not be accepted.
Permitted Media
Two-dimensional and three-dimensional works may be entered, including photography, batik, paintings and drawings in any medium, clay, ceramic, collage, fiber art, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, paper, jewelry, sculpture, serigraphs, stone, weavings, and wood.
Two Dimensional Artwork
Each 2D entry must not exceed 1,299 square inches, including its frame.
Paintings on canvas less than 1½ inches deep must be framed. Paintings on 1½-inch-deep stretched canvas may be framed or have neatly painted sides with no staples showing.
A diptych is considered one entry and must be hung together, with an overall size no greater than 36 × 36 inches. It will be judged as one piece. Mark both the entry form and the artwork “Diptych” and indicate the hanging order.
All 2D artwork must be wired, with the ends of the wire covered with tape. When pulled taut for hanging, the wire must be 3 inches below the top of the artwork. D-rings must be securely attached. Screw eyes are not allowed. Mats, frames, glass, and plexiglass must be clean and free of damage or scratches. Attach the identifying labels provided in the Entry/Waiver form to the back of the artwork.
Three Dimensional Artwork
Attach the identifying labels provided in the Entry/Waiver form to the back of the artwork. Artists entering jewelry must supply appropriate display stands. Jewelry will be displayed in locked glass cases during the show.
Each 3D entry must not exceed 24 inches in any dimension and must weigh no more than 80 pounds.
Exclusions
The Art Council of Southwest Florida reserves the right to exclude any work with subject matter or presentation deemed inappropriate.
Sales
All artwork must be for sale. Sales will be handled by COCO Art Gallery Naples. The artist receives 60% of the sale price, and COCO Art Gallery/ACSWF retains a 40% commission. Artists should price their work accordingly. Applicable sales tax will be added to the listed price. Buyers may take purchased artwork home immediately. Artists may not replace sold pieces. Unsold artwork must remain in the gallery until pickup on February 1, 2027.
Artwork Pickup
All artwork must be removed promptly on February 1, 2027, between 10:00 a.m. and noon. A $5-per-day fee will be charged for artwork left at the gallery. If someone else collects your artwork, they must bring a note signed by you authorizing the pickup.
Waiver and Insurance
A signed waiver and completed W-9 must be provided at receiving. The waiver holds the gallery harmless for damage during the show. Artists who wish to insure their artwork are responsible for arranging and paying for that coverage.
Forms and Questions
The prospectus, W-9 form, and waiver will be available at www.cocoartgallery.com. For questions, contact COCO Art Gallery Naples at 239-436-3530.
¡ARTE VIVA! is an Art Council of Southwest Florida initiative connecting:
ART • CULTURE • EDUCATION • COMMUNITY • TOURISM
Please read the Prospectus carefully prior to completing your entry. Entry fees are non-refundable.