Description

Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) invites you to join us for our fifth annual Block PARTy on Broadway fundraiser at the Brick City Center for the Arts — a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and the powerful impact of the arts. This year’s theme, Small Works. Big Impact., highlights how 12x12” artworks can spark inspiration, fuel opportunity, and strengthen our cultural community. The exhibit will be on view from Friday, May 1 through Thursday, May 21, 2026, featuring original artwork created and generously donated by national, regional, and local artists, designers, local celebrities, students, and emerging creatives. Each art block may be small in scale — but together, they create a bold and dynamic showcase of artistic expression. More importantly, each piece represents an investment in MCA’s mission. Funds raised directly support cultural grants, exhibitions, arts education initiatives, artist opportunities, and year-round cultural programming that enrich Marion County. Entry Guidelines • Artist participation is FREE. Each artist may claim up to three (3) 12x12” canvas to be completed in their medium of preference. Open to local, regional, and national artists of all levels and ages. Students and other creative participants are encouraged to participate. • MCA will provide the blank 12x12” canvases, and these will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at The Brick during gallery hours from February 14 through April 18. • Participating artists must sign a release form and return the completed piece by the established deadline, along with the Artist Participation form (see last page). • All pieces will be donated and sold to benefit MCA and will be on display May 1–21, 2026. • This is a juried exhibit. All participating artists will be competing to win up to $500 in cash prizes awarded in the following categories: Best of Show — $250 First Place — $150 Second Place — $100 Third Place — $50 • Awards & prizes will be presented during the Opening & Awards Reception on Friday, May 1, 2026. • All work must be ORIGINAL. No giclées, reproductions, mass-produced kits, or stencil-based reproductions will be accepted. • All claimed canvases must be completed and physically delivered (or mailed in) by Monday, April 27, 2026 between 10am – 4pm. • Artists must follow the application process and include a completed & signed Artist Entry Form attached to the BACK of each piece (or ID card with contact information) • By participating in this exhibit, each artist understands they will be DONATING their artwork(s) to Marion Cultural Alliance to raise funds for the gallery, its programs, and initiatives. NOTE: Acceptance into the exhibit is solely at the discretion of MCA. We reserve the right to reject work that does not meet the above requirements, submission process and/or gallery standards. Please refer to our FAQ’s, Timeline, and Gallery Standards for additional details. Timeline - Please ensure you are available for the following dates: • Canvas Pick-Up Dates: February 14 – April 18, 2026 (during gallery hours) — while supplies last! • Deadline to Drop Off Completed Art: Monday, April 27, 2026 (10 a.m.– 4 p.m.) (If completed earlier, work may be delivered during regular gallery hours) • Opening & Awards Reception: Friday, May 1, 2026 (5–7 p.m.) — Free and open to the public • Block PARTy VIP Event: Thursday, May 21, 2026 (5–7 p.m.) — VIP ticket holders only • Exhibit Dates: May 1 – 21, 2026 during MCA gallery hours Location: The Brick City Center for the Arts (23 SW Broadway St. Ocala, FL 34471) Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Saturday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Closed Sunday & Monday (please contact to confirm availability) Contact - Marion Cultural Alliance | gallery@mcaocala.com | 352-369-1500 For full details of the event and call visit, https://mcaocala.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Call-Block-Party-2026.pdf