Strange Weather

This exhibition celebrates the surreal, inviting artists to explore worlds where reality bends, logic dissolves, and the unexpected becomes possible. Strange Weather serves as a metaphor for moments of transformation, uncertainty, and the uncanny rather than literal atmospheric conditions. Artists are encouraged to create work that embraces dreamlike imagery, psychological landscapes, improbable juxtapositions, and the strange beauty of the impossible.

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.

Meet the Juror, Danny Canton

Danny Canton is a veteran of over 50 years in the Film Industry where he has served as a Director, Producer and most notably as a Director of Photography. He has worked on a variety of projects including Feature Films, Television Programs, Behind the Scenes/Making of Studio Films, Industrial Films, Commercials and Documentaries.

Danny graduated from The School of Visual Arts with a BFA in Cinematography and years later returned to Visual Arts to teach Film Production and Cinematography and eventually moved to Florida to build the online Film Program for Full Sail University. Danny continues to teach film here in Sarasota for the Sarasota Film Society in Lakewood Ranch Cinemas and he is working on a number of projects here in Sarasota including Directing a Documentary on Jorge Blanco, a local Metal Sculpture Artist, whose work can be seen across the street from the Art Center.

• 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, October 8 - Saturday, November 14, 2026
• Online Submissions Deadline: Sun. Sep 6, 2026
• Notification of Acceptance: Artists will be notified by email of their submission status no later than Wednesday, Sep. 16 by 5pm.
• In Person Receiving Days for Accepted Work: Tuesday, Sep. 29 - Wednesday, Sep. 30, 10am-5pm.
• Shipping Accepted Work: Mailed Artwork must arrive between Monday, Sep. 28 - Wednesday, Sep. 30. Any work that is delivered after this date will not be included in the exhibition.
• Award Winners Notified: no later than Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 5pm.
• Opening Reception: Thursday, Oct. 8, 5-7pm.
• Artwork Pickup In Person: Monday, Nov. 16 & Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026, 10am-5pm

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.

Eligibility Info

Open to artists working in any medium