Alachua County Seeks Artist Quilts, Fiber Art for Inaugural Exhibition

Alachua County invites local quilters and fiber artists to submit original artwork for its inaugural Quilts & Fiber Arts Exhibition, part of the Arts in the County Administration Building Program, which showcases local artists in public spaces.

The exhibition will run Jan. 1 through April 30, 2026, at the Alachua County Administration Building (12 SE 1st St., Gainesville). Selected works will be displayed in designated areas, including exhibition cabinets and the Jack Durrance Auditorium.

Submissions may include traditional and contemporary quilts, embroidery, weaving, needlework, textile art and mixed-media fiber works. Artwork may explore any subject but must be appropriate for public display in a government facility.

The submission period opened Nov. 1, and applications are due Dec. 1. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and residents of Alachua County. Artists must provide contact information, artwork titles, medium, dimensions and digital images of their submissions. A brief description of each piece is optional.

Artists must also complete an art-loan agreement:

Submit an application.
Fill out an art-loan agreement.

Artwork must be exhibition-ready when delivered. Pieces intended for exhibition cabinets may not exceed 12 inches by 12 inches. Works selected for wall display must be professionally presented, ready to hang and equipped with secure hanging hardware.

Selected artists will be responsible for delivering and retrieving their work during designated drop-off and pickup periods. Shipping and mailed deliveries will not be accepted. Artists are encouraged to maintain appropriate insurance coverage for their artwork.

An opening reception will be held to celebrate the selected artists and their work. The date and time will be announced after the selection process, with details provided to participating artists.

"This inaugural exhibition is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable creativity of Alachua County's quilting and fiber arts community while connecting residents and visitors with the stories, techniques and artistic vision behind these works," said Christian Duran, vice-chair of the Alachua County Arts Council.

The Arts in the County Administration Building Program was established by the Alachua County Commission to showcase local creative talent in county government spaces. The Alachua County Arts Council reviews submissions and oversees the selection process.

For more information, contact Alachua County Arts Council Board Liaison Tami Herchel at 352-451-5918 or [email protected].​

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