Announcing The David Fithian Emerging Artists Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 2, 2026

Fall Festival of the Arts DeLand
Announces The David Fithian Emerging Artists Program

DELAND, Fla. — If you are an accomplished artist but have never sold your work in an art gallery or at a juried art festival, the coordinators of the 33rd Annual Fall Festival of the Arts - DeLand would like to hear from you.  

The David Fithian Emerging Artists Program honors the late artist and educator's lifelong dedication to mentoring young creatives. Fithian formerly served as curator of the Museum of Art DeLand and was a foundational figure in the local arts community and a fixture at the annual Fall Festival for many years.

As part of its new David Fithian Emerging Artists Program, the festival board, in cooperation with the Museum of Art - DeLand and ArtWorks DeLand, is seeking outstanding new artists. The program is in honor of the late David Fithian, a longtime artist, educator and former curator of the Museum of Art - DeLand. A foundational figure in the local arts community, Fithian dedicated his career to mentoring young creatives and teaching fine art classes in the region.

The goal of the program is to mentor and encourage emerging artists. Selection for the program prioritizes fresh perspectives, creating intentional space to welcome and develop an inclusive future art community.  

Artists who are selected will have their festival application and booth space fees waived. They will also receive free use of a 5’ x 10’ tent with side panels, one six-foot table, two chairs, and access to display panels. Each emerging artist will keep 100 percent of their sales at the festival.  

Participants must attend mandatory skills clinics at ArtWorks DeLand, a cooperative gallery consisting of professional artists that will provide individualized mentorship. These clinics include sessions on framing and presentation, customer service and sales, and display set up. Following the mentorship, artists will attend and exhibit their work on both days of the Fall Festival, Nov. 21 and 22, in the historic preservation district of downtown.  

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 application must include three high resolution images of artwork produced in the last three years.  

"Entering the professional art world can be daunting, especially when faced with the costs of a first festival," said Catalina Hoffman, the 2026-27 festival president. "This program is all about removing those financial and logistical barriers. We are so excited to discover fresh, diverse voices and provide them with the mentorship and opportunity they need to confidently launch their careers."

Artists interested in participating should visit the festival website at fallfestivaloftheartsdeland.com/emergingartistsprogram to apply. The application deadline is Aug. 7.

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For more information, press only:

Lance Johnson
ffoainfo@gmail.com