The Emerald Coast National (ECN) is a popular juried exhibition held annually at Mattie Kelly Arts Center Galleries, Northwest Florida State College. ECN, originally a regional exhibition, now includes artists from across the country. The show brings creative, inspired, and skilled artwork from working artists to NWFSC, offering rich learning and engagement for artists, students, and educators. The annual ECN programming includes opportunities for talks, demonstrations, and community engagement throughout the show’s duration.

ALL STYLES OF ART AND ALL MEDIUMS are welcome, including sound, kinetic, sculpture, photography, video, design, functional art, fiber, textile, and performance. This year, we have introduced the themes of texture and touch, which suggest connection, involvement, function, use, comfort, and more. We typically see about 250 applications from artists across the US working in contemporary, experimental, and classical mediums, styles, and techniques.

Awards: Best in Show wins a cash award of 1000.00 and a solo show curated by MKAC typically exhibited during the next season's ECN show. This year's ECN will be guest juried by Mr. Nicholas Croghan.

About: Nicholas Croghan (MFA, MA) is an artist and curator who has been the Director of the Pensacola Museum of Art since 2019. He is also a faculty member in the UWF Department of Art and Design, where he teaches museum studies and studio art classes.

Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 18 years old. All art styles are accepted, but the work must be the artist's own. See prospectus for more information.

Entry Fees: The entry fee is a nonrefundable $30 for up to three pieces (the limit is three works per artist).