The Elliott Museum invites artists to help bring Florida’s pioneer past to life through an upcoming exhibition inspired by Patrick D. Smith’s beloved novel, A Land Remembered.

We are seeking original artwork inspired by the people, places, wildlife, landscapes, memorable scenes, and enduring themes of the story. From cattle drives and frontier families to pristine rivers, pine forests, hammocks, and the challenges of life in old Florida, artists are invited to interpret the spirit of the novel through their own creative vision.

All artistic styles and media are welcome, including painting, drawing, watercolor, mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, photography, and other original fine art forms.

Bring the Story to Life

    Selected works will be featured throughout the A Land Remembered exhibition at the Elliott Museum, where contemporary artwork will complement historical content and storytelling.

    Your artwork can help visitors see, feel, and experience the Florida described in the novel—creating a visual journey through the state’s pioneer heritage.

     

    Artists are encouraged to explore:

    • Florida pioneer families and frontier life
    • Cattle drives and cow hunters
    • Early homesteads and settlements
    • Native Florida wildlife
    • Rivers, prairies, hammocks, and pine forests
    • Family life on the frontier
    • The challenges and triumphs of old Florida
    • Memorable scenes and characters inspired by the novel

    AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE PART OF THE STORY

    Selected artists will have the opportunity to have their work displayed as part of a major museum exhibition inspired by one of Florida’s most enduring literary works.

    Artists will receive:

    Museum Exhibition Exposure
    Have your artwork featured within the A Land Remembered exhibition at the Elliott Museum.

    Artist Recognition
    Be recognized as a contributing artist helping visually interpret the story and heritage of pioneer Florida.

    Opening Reception Invitation
    Join fellow artists and special guests at the exhibition opening and artist reception.

    Connection with Art & History Audiences
    Share your work with museum visitors, art patrons, collectors, and those passionate about Florida history.

    Important dates

      How to Submit

      Ready to be part of A Land Remembered at the Elliott Museum? The submission process is simple. Please review the exhibition requirements and complete each step by the deadlines below.

      IMPORTANT: ORIGINAL ARTWORK ONLY

      Each artist may submit ONE (1) original artwork for consideration. The work may be an existing piece or a newly created work, but it must be the artist’s original work and the artist must have the legal right to exhibit and, if applicable, sell it.

      Generative AI artwork is not eligible. Artwork created wholly or substantially through generative artificial intelligence, or artwork whose visual content was generated or substantially altered using generative AI, may not be submitted. Traditional digital tools used to create or edit an artist’s own original work are permitted.

      IMPORTANT DATES AT A GLANCE:

      NOVEMBER 1, 2026

      SUBMISSION DEADLINE
      Complete the Artist Submission Form, upload your artwork image, and electronically agree to the Call to Artists terms.

      NOVEMBER 5, 2026

      ARTISTS NOTIFIED
      Artists will receive an email and phone text/call indicating whether their artwork was selected.

      NOVEMBER 20, 2026

      ARTWORK DELIVERY DEADLINE
      Selected artwork must be delivered to the Elliott Museum or arrive by this date.

      DECEMBER 1, 2026

      OPENING RECEPTION & ARTIST CELEBRATION

      DECEMBER 2, 2026

      EXHIBITION OPENS

      MAY 30, 2027

      EXHIBITION CLOSES

      JUNE 10, 2027

      ARTWORK PICKUP

      SUBMISSION DEADLINE: November 1, 2026

      November 1 - Submission deadline

      Complete the online Artist Submission Form and provide all requested information about your artwork.

      You will be asked to provide:

      • Artist name
      • Artwork title
      • Year created
      • Medium/materials
      • Artwork dimensions
      • Retail price or indicate Not for Sale (NFS)
      • Insurance value, if requested
      • Digital image of the artwork
      • Artist statement, biography, or other requested information

      As part of the submission, artists must read and agree to the Call to Artists Rules and Artist Agreement and electronically sign the required documentation.

      SUBMISSION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 1, 2026

      One artist. One artwork. One opportunity to be part of the story.

      UPLOAD YOUR ARTWORK IMAGE

      Your digital image is what the selection panel will use to review your submission, so please make sure your photograph clearly represents the artwork you are submitting.

      The artwork delivered to the Elliott Museum must be the same artwork submitted and accepted by the jury. The delivered piece must materially correspond to the submitted image, dimensions, medium, and description. Substitutions are not permitted without prior written approval from the Museum.

      BEFORE YOU SUBMIT, CHECK YOUR IMAGE:

      ✓ Is it the actual artwork being submitted?
      ✓ Is the image clear and properly photographed?
      ✓ Does the artwork information match your submission?
      ✓ Have you included the correct dimensions and medium?

      November 5 - Artists notified via email and Phone

      THE SELECTION PANEL REVIEWS THE ARTWORK

      After the November 1 submission deadline, a selection panel appointed by the Elliott Museum will review the submitted artwork.

      The panel may consider:

      • Artistic quality
      • How well the work fits the exhibition theme
      • Available exhibition space
      • Artwork dimensions
      • Installation requirements
      • Safety
      • How the work contributes to the overall exhibition

      Please note: Submission does not guarantee acceptance into the exhibition, and jury decisions are final. Accepted artwork is also subject to physical inspection when it is delivered to the Museum.

      ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION

      NOVEMBER 5, 2026

      Artists will be notified by email and phone whether their artwork has been selected for inclusion in the exhibition.

      IF YOUR ARTWORK IS SELECTED:

      Congratulations! Your acceptance email will provide the next steps for getting your artwork to the Elliott Museum.

      Selected artists must have their artwork delivered to the Museum by November 20, 2026.

      ELLIOTT MUSEUM
      825 NE Ocean Boulevard
      Stuart, FL 34996

      November 20 - Delivery deadline for selected artwork

      DELIVER YOUR ARTWORK

      DELIVERY DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 20, 2026

      Selected artwork must arrive at the Elliott Museum by the published delivery deadline.

      Elliott Museum

      825 NE Ocean Boulevard
      Stuart, FL 34996

      Artists are responsible for the costs of transporting artwork to and from the Museum unless another arrangement has been agreed to in writing. Shipping is permitted, and artists are responsible for incoming and outgoing shipping costs.

      PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR ARTWORK IS EXHIBITION-READY

      Accepted artwork must arrive:

      • Clean
      • Dry
      • Structurally stable
      • Complete
      • Ready for exhibition

      2-D artwork: Must be professionally presented and have secure hanging hardware appropriate for its size and weight. Sawtooth hangers will not be accepted.

      3-D artwork: Must be stable and suitable for public display.

      Any unusual mounting, electrical, structural, weight, or installation requirements should be disclosed during submission.

      December 1 - Exhibition opening & artist reception

      JOIN US FOR THE OPENING

      DECEMBER 1, 2026

      Opening Reception & Artist Celebration

      Selected artists are invited to join us at the Elliott Museum as we celebrate the opening of A Land Remembered.

      Artist attendance is encouraged but is not required for participation.

      December 2, 2026 – May 30, 2027 - Exhibition on view

      THE EXHIBITION OPENS

      DECEMBER 2, 2026 – MAY 30, 2027

      Your artwork will become part of the A Land Remembered exhibition at the Elliott Museum, helping visitors experience the story of pioneer Florida through both historical interpretation and contemporary artwork.

      By accepting a place in the exhibition, artists commit to keeping their accepted artwork available for the entire exhibition period.

       

       

      June 10, 2027 - Pick up artwork

      ARTWORK PICKUP

      JUNE 10, 2027

      Artists may pick up their artwork following the close of the exhibition.

      Artwork will be released only to the artist, an authorized representative, an approved carrier, or another party authorized by the Museum. A signature will be required when artwork is released.

      Please plan ahead to make arrangements for pickup or return shipping.

      Awards and Prizes

      The juried exhibition will recognize artistic excellence with the following awards and cash prizes:

      • FIRST PLACE  –  $300 cash prize
      • SECOND PLACE  –  $200 cash prize
      • THIRD PLACE  –  $100 cash prize
      • Special Sponsor Recognitions

      Showcase and Sell Your Artwork

      • Artwork displayed at the Elliott Museum in a professional exhibition for up to four months
      • Sale of artwork encouraged
      • 65% of sales go to the artist
      • 35% proceeds go to the Historical Society of Martin County
      • HSMC processes transactions and payouts within 30 days after exhibition close

      Note: All artwork regardless of sale must remain at The Elliott Museum throughout the exhibit period, ensuring visitors have the full experience of the collection.

      Create History With Us

      Any questions?

      Email Jes Robinson,
      Creative & Collections Director

      jrobinson@elliottmuseumfl.org