The Orlando Museum of Art’s annual Florida Awards exhibition marks its 11th year, highlighting the talent and work of 10 Sunshine artists.
Although these creators share a common state, their perspectives are very different and informed by international backgrounds, personal history, creative visions and various media outlets.
All artists have the privilege of showing their work in museums, but only one person will appear as the winner of the $20,000 award, which will be announced at the opening party on May 30th.
Coralie Clayson Gilleson, Chief Curator of Orlando Museum, said: “We need to find art beyond Florida at this exhibition. We are excited to showcase the best our state has to offer. Many of these artists have an impact from travelling in the US or overseas and their ancestors.”
Artists represented in this year’s exhibition include Natalie Alfonso, Eddie Arroyo, Leo Castañeda, Kelly Joy Rudd, Amanda Linares, Candy G. Lopez, Jiha Moon, Troy Simmons, Cornelius Tullock and Lisvega.
While most of these creators are based in South Florida, the exhibition also includes Orlando artists and Tallahassee artists. Claeyson-Gleyzon was dedicated to traveling the state when selecting artists of the year.
“It’s a lot of research, a lot of travel,” she said. “The beauty of the Florida Awards is that they give these artists space to explore. Each one is given over 1,000 square feet, which is important for developing their vision.”
Although the past few years have published a variety of photographs, paintings and other 2D works, the 2025 showcase will show you mostly site-specific installations.
Alfonso will spend three weeks creating large paintings directly on the museum’s 90 x 70-foot wall. Arroyo celebrates an ordinary building at risk of being caught up in the tide of Miami gentlemanship through his paintings, Simmons creates concrete, cloth, acrylic, discovered objects and construction fragments, forming architectural sculptures and mixed media works.
Castañeda’s background as a multimedia artist and video game designer helps create immersive installations and landscapes with interactive aspects. Linares’ installations reflect her ancestors and heritage, as well as blurred lines in time and space.
Based in Orlando, Rudd creates intricate paper art, while Lopez weaves a tapestry of fabrics commemorating everyday people. Vega’s Fiber Art uses ropes to create installations and weaves her personal stories and history. The colorful ceramic sculptures and gesture paintings of the moon are inspired by a variety of global cultures. Tallock blurs the boundaries between photography, art and architecture in reflecting cultural identity and changing landscapes.
“Fabrics and textiles are the common denominators in this year’s artwork. These artists create connections and connections with family, history, memories, and ancestors,” says Claeyson-Gleyzon. “Another theme is placemaking and connections to spaces. Many of this year’s works are site-specific installations.”
As Sunshine State artists and their unique perspectives, the Florida Awards also help patrons connect with contemporary art and recognize talent.
“The beauty of the Florida Awards is that it’s not only evidence of career merits and peak achievements, but that some of these artists are emerging,” says Claeyson-Gleyzon. “I think the way 21st century museums make sense is literally connecting with artists.”
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