Icons

Icons is a visual exploration of figures, symbols, and moments that shape culture, influence society, and transcend time. From historical legends to contemporary trailblazers, this exhibition examines what it means to be iconic—whether through fame, influence, or artistic interpretation.

Artists are invited to submit works that engage with the idea of "icons" in any form—portraits of cultural figures, symbolic imagery, or conceptual reflections on power, legacy, and myth-making. Whether celebrating, critiquing, or reimagining icons, this exhibition seeks bold and thought-provoking perspectives.

Meet the Juror, John Pirman

John Pirman graduated in 1979 from Kent State University with a BFA in graphic design & illustration, and studied in Brissago, Switzerland with Paul Rand. His work is influenced by Swiss design, pop culture, posters of the WPA era, and mid-century modern design.

In the fall of 1979, John moved to New York City and began a career as a freelance illustrator. He created editorial art for Fortune, Hemispheres, Vogue, Wallpaper, Glamour, New York Magazine, The New York Times, Forbes, Time, The Wall Street Journal,Travel and Leisure, Advertising Age, and Cosmopolitan Magazine. 

• Submissions are welcome in all media including painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, mixed media, digital arts, sculpture and video. 
• AI generated art is not allowed.  
• All artworks must be submitted ONLINE for jurying.  Awards will be chosen by the juror in person when all works are installed at Art Center Sarasota. 

 IMPORTANT DATES 

• Exhibition Dates: Thursday, August 20 - Saturday, September 26, 2026
• Online Submissions Dealine: Sun. July 19, 2026
• Notification of Acceptance: Artists will be notified by email of their submission status no later than Wednesday, July 29 by 5pm.
• In Person Receiving Days for Accepted Work:  Tuesday, August 11 - Wednesday, August 12, 10am-5pm.
• Shipping Accepted Work: Mailed Artwork must arrive between Monday, August 10 - Wednesday, August 12.  Any work that is delivered after this date will not be included in the exhibition.
• Award Winners Notified: no later than Wednesday, August 19 at 5pm.  
• Opening Reception: Thursday, August 20, 5-7pm.
• Artwork Pickup In Person: Monday, September 29 & Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 10am-5pm

About the Exhibition

This juried exhibition is open to all artists and all media. Selected works will be exhibited at Art Center Sarasota (ACS). The juror will review all required information except the artist’s name and artwork price. Selections are made on artistic merit and relevance to the exhibition theme. To support best gallery practices, ACS requires the following rules and guidelines to help present your work at its best.