David Fithian
Emerging Artists Program
Are you a rising creator ready to share your work with the world? The 2026 Emerging Artist Program provides four selected artists with free booth space, equipment access, and specialized business mentorship through Artworks DeLand.Submit three high resolution images of your work by August 7, 2026, for a chance to exhibit at the 33rd Annual Fall Festival of the Arts – DeLand.
The Fall Festival of the Arts - DeLand David Fithian Emerging Artist Program is designed specifically to mentor and encourage outstanding artists who have never exhibited or sold their work in an art gallery or juried art festival. Selected artists enjoy these advantages:
Waived festival application and booth space fees.
Free use of 5 x 10 tent with side panels, one 6’ table and 2 chairs.
Access to display panels.
Access to the Artist Oasis and all artist events during the festival.
Participation in mandatory pre-festival mentoring program.
Access to best practices materials/lists.
Access to helpful volunteers before, during, and after the festival.
100% of sales at festival.
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM: ArtWorks DeLand, a cooperative gallery consisting of professional artists, will provide individualized mentorship through a series of skills clinics. This program is mandatory for all participating Emerging Program artists. Skills clinics will include sessions on Framing & Presentation, Customer Service and Sales, Display Set-up (optional booth shot). Optional clinics include Photographing Your Work and Social Media & Advertising.
GUIDELINES: Emerging artists must abide by the same Festival Rules and Regulations governing other artists. See more information HERE.
ELIGIBILITY: Artists ages 18 and above who have never exhibited or sold their work in an art gallery or juried art festival are welcome to apply. The Festival retains the right to review applicants as necessary to assure eligibility and fitness for the program.
APPLICATION: Artists submit via the Google Form HERE. The application must include three high resolution images of their artwork produced in the last 3 years. Application deadline is August 7, 2026.
JURYING AND JUDGING: The jury panel consists of four independent judges, selected for their in-depth knowledge and experience in multiple art media. They will review the digital images of all applicants after the entry deadline and select the top artists for the Festival and the Emerging Artists Program. Emerging artists are not eligible for Judges’ awards.
REQUIREMENTS: Selected artists must be able to:
Attend mandatory Skills Clinics at ArtWorks DeLand
Deliver, install, and break down their display.
Exhibit a body of work adequate to fill the interior visual space of their booth
Attend both days of the festival (November 21 – 22).
NEW THIS YEAR! The Emerging Artist Program is designed specifically for outstanding artists who have never exhibited or sold their work in an art gallery or juried art festival. Selection for the program prioritizes diversity and fresh perspectives, creating intentional space to welcome and develop an inclusive future art community. The goal is to mentor and encourage emerging artists.
The David Fithian Emerging Artists Program is named in loving memory of a profoundly talented poet, painter, filmmaker, photographer, and teacher. For over 20 years, David curated and installed every exhibition at the Museum of Art – DeLand, bringing remarkable shows and undeniable color to our community.
Beyond his immense artistic depth, David was celebrated for his encouraging and kindhearted presence. As an educator and a friend, he possessed a unique warmth and a passion for lifting others up. He believed deeply in sharing his wisdom and nurturing fearless creativity in those around him. This program honors his legacy by providing new creators with the guidance, mentorship, and support that David so freely gave, ensuring his spirit of encouragement continues to inspire the next generation of artists.