Cats & Dogs: A Portrait of Devotion

Description

Open Call to Artists | June 2026 Art Exhibition
Cats & Dogs: A Portrait of Devotion
Presented by Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) & Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL)
Sponsored by Jenkins Subaru of Ocala
Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA), in partnership with VOCAL (Voices of Change Animal League), invites local and regional artists to participate in Cats & Dogs: A Portrait of Devotion, a special exhibition celebrating the powerful bond between humans and their beloved companion animals.
This exhibit honors the loyalty, joy, comfort, and unconditional love that cats and dogs bring into our lives. Through painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, and other visual art forms, artists are encouraged to explore the deep emotional connection we share with these remarkable animals.
This collaboration reflects the shared missions of MCA and VOCAL: strengthening our community through compassion, creativity, and care. VOCAL works tirelessly to rescue, heal, and rehome vulnerable animals, while MCA champions the arts and the artists who enrich our cultural landscape. Together, this collaboration highlights how art and advocacy can come together to celebrate and support the animals who mean so much to us.
A portion of artwork sales from this exhibit will benefit both MCA and VOCAL, helping support local artists, community programming, and lifesaving efforts for cats and dogs in need.
Through this exhibition, art becomes a powerful way to celebrate the animals who inspire us while supporting both organizations and their impact within the community.

Theme: Artists are invited to submit original artworks inspired by cats, dogs, and the devotion they inspire. Works may include portraiture, narrative scenes, symbolic interpretations, or creative representations that highlight the personalities, relationships, and emotional connections we share with these animals.

Medium Requirements: There is no restriction on media type. All visual art forms are welcome, including but not limited to painting, drawing, photography, mixed media, textiles, sculpture, ceramics, collage, digital art, and assemblage. Work may be 2D or 3D and must be structurally sound and suitable for gallery display.

Who’s Eligible: Open to MCA Artist Members. (New members may join online at mcaocala.org/membership)

Entry Guidelines:
All entries must be submitted digitally through [ArtCall submission link] no later than [May 18, 2026] at midnight. No physical or mailed submissions will be accepted.Artists must complete the online application and include:
Ø Artist’s Contact Information (Name, phone, address, email, social media/website)
Ø A brief statement for each submitted piece describing the work and how it relates to the exhibit theme
Ø High-res images in JPG, PNG, or PDF format showing the full piece, including frame
• Each artist may submit up to two (2) pieces for consideration. All work must be original. No giclée prints or reproductions will be accepted.
• Suggested size per piece is up to 50” in any direction. Oversized 2D work may be limited to one (1) submission.
• All 2D work must be gallery-ready, properly wired, framed, or on gallery-wrapped canvas.
All 3D work must be fully assembled prior to acceptance.
• All accepted work must be for sale. Sales are split 70% to the artist and 30% to MCA, with a portion of proceeds supporting both MCA and VOCAL.
• Selection of work is at the discretion of the Gallery Director and Gallery Committee. MCA reserves the right to reject work that does not meet exhibition requirements or align with the intent of the exhibit.
IMPORTANT: Please review full Submission Guidelines & verify availability for listed dates before applying to this call.

Deadline for Submissions: Monday, May 18 (before midnight)

Status Notification: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (via ArtCall email)

Exhibit Dates & Location:
June 5 – July 3, 2026 at Brick City Center for the Arts (23 SW Broadway St., Ocala)
Drop-Off Date: Monday, June 1st (10am – 4pm) or Saturday, May 30th (by appointment only)

Opening Reception: Friday, June 5th (5 – 7 pm)

Pick-Up Dates: Friday, July 3rd and/or Monday, July 6th (10am – 4pm)

Contact:
gallery@mcaocala.org or 352-369-1500 (during gallery hours)

About the Partners
Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to championing, convening, and creating opportunities for artists and arts organizations throughout Marion County.
VOCAL (Voices of Change Animal League) is a nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to providing lifesaving care, rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption services for cats and dogs in our community.

Having trouble navigating ArtCall? Click here for a quick step-by-step tutorial guided by MCA! Or watch the video tutorial below.