Studios of Cocoa Beach will host its annual juried art exhibition starting April 5 at the Cocoa Beach Cultural Center. The event, titled *Color and Craft: Florida’s Creative Vision*, will run through May 12 and features 120 works selected from more than 300 submissions by artists across the state. The exhibition includes paintings, sculptures, mixed media, and digital art, with a focus on local creators from Brevard County and neighboring areas.
The juried process was overseen by a panel of three regional art professionals, including Brevard Community College art instructor Maria Lopez. Lopez said the selection emphasized originality and technical skill. 'We received a record number of entries this year,' she said. 'It’s clear the creative community here is growing.'
The exhibition will occupy all three galleries at the Cocoa Beach Cultural Center, 101 S. Atlantic Ave. Admission is free, though donations will support the center’s youth art programs. A reception is scheduled for April 13 from 5-7 p.m., with featured artists including 2023 Florida Artist of the Year David Mercer, who will display a series of coastal landscapes.
The event follows a similar exhibition last fall at the same venue, which drew 1,200 visitors. Organizers say this year’s show will include more interactive elements, such as a digital art kiosk where visitors can explore augmented reality versions of selected works. The final day for viewing is May 12, with all pieces available for purchase through the center’s website.