2025 Florida CraftArt Emerging Artist Program

Florida CraftArt in St. Petersburg, FL announces the 2025 Emerging Artist Program, designed to nurture and advance the careers of emerging craft artists working in clay, fibers, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media (including collage), printmaking, sculpture, or wood.

Juried artists will receive a benefits package valued at over $1,000, including a $250 honorarium, business mentoring with Duncan McClellan, Leslie Curran, and Jennifer Rosseter, a professional photo session with Brian James (headshot and artwork photos), invitation to a Write Your Artist Statement workshop, 500 printed postcards featuring the artist's work, and one-year Florida CraftArt membership. Selected work will be displayed for sale in the FCA retail gallery, followed by a two-week group exhibition running July 18–27, 2025, with an opening event. Artists will also be invited to a networking event to connect with former FCA Emerging Artists, collectors, and sponsors.

Applicants must work in a fine craft medium, be at the beginning of their professional art career in the specific media they are applying with, have not had a solo exhibition in that specific media (excluding university exhibitions), and be a Florida resident (at least 6 months per year). Application deadline is April 18, 2025. Entry fee is $20. Applicants must submit 8–12 high-resolution photos (300 dpi), image inventory with title, medium, dimensions, year created, and retail price, artist bio, and artist statement. Artwork is sold on consignment with artists receiving 55% of the retail price and Florida CraftArt retaining 45%. Acceptance notification is May 1, 2025. Program dates are July 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026.