Then and Now: A Legacy Exhibition

As Artists of Palm Beach County marks its 20th anniversary, we invite artists to look back at where their creative journeys began - and celebrate where those journeys have taken them.

Then & Now is an exhibition about artistic growth, discovery, and transformation. Participating artists will present two related works: an earlier piece representing “Then” and a more recent piece representing “Now.” The “Then” piece will be printed on 8 x 10 paper and will be hung near the new work.

About the Exhibition
As Artists of Palm Beach County marks its 20th anniversary, we invite artists to look back at where their creative journeys began - and celebrate where those journeys have taken them.

Then & Now is an exhibition about artistic growth, discovery, and transformation. Participating artists will present two related works: an earlier piece representing “Then” and a more recent piece representing “Now.” The “Then” piece will be printed on 8 x 10 paper and will be hung near the new work. This is for display only.  Not for sale.

The two works may reveal changes in style, subject matter, technique, medium, perspective, or personal expression. They might demonstrate a dramatic transformation or a subtle evolution. The connection between the works is entirely up to the artist.

The works do not need to depict the same subject or use the same medium. Together, however, they should tell a story about the artist’s creative development.

Artists at every stage of their careers are encouraged to apply. You do not need to have been creating art - or have been an APBC member - for 20 years. “Then” simply represents an earlier point in your own artistic journey.

Artists may submit one (1)  piece of new art (NOW) along with the Image of the older piece (Then). The maximum dimension for the new piece is 36” on the longest side, including the frame.  The "Then" piece should be a JPG that is high resolution and can be printed. All work must be for sale. No explicit sexual work or work created with artificial intelligence is accepted.

Important Dates

• Call opens: October 1, 2026
• Submission deadline: November 15, 2026
• Acceptance notifications: November 30, 2026
• Artwork delivery: December 3, 32026, 3-6 PM
• Opening reception: December 5, 2026, 5-7 PM
• Exhibition dates: December 5-30, 2026
• Artwork pickup: December 30, 2026, after 6 PM

Location: HATCH1121, 1121 Lucerne Ave, Lake Worth, FL

CASH AWARDS:

$150 for First Place • $100 for Second Place • $50 for Third Place

Submission Requirements

Each artist may submit up one (1)

• One earlier work representing “Then” (you can add this on CaFE as a second piece of artwork. No price is needed) 2D, 3D. AND ALL MEDIUMS ACCEPTED.
• One recent work representing “Now”
• A brief statement of no more than 150 words explaining the relationship between the two works and how the artist’s work has evolved. The two works may reveal changes in style, subject matter, technique, medium, perspective, or personal expression. They might demonstrate a dramatic transformation or a subtle evolution. The connection between the works is entirely up to the artist.

The works do not need to depict the same subject or use the same medium. Together, however, they should tell a story about the artist’s creative development.

• The approximate year in which each work was created
• A separate image and complete information for each artwork

The two works will be considered together as one submission. Both pieces must be available for the duration of the exhibition.

Artwork Guidelines

• Original artwork in all media is welcome, including painting, drawing, photography, mixed media, fiber, sculpture, ceramics, and other three-dimensional work.
• The “Now” must be professionally presented and ready for installation.

·       A reproduction or photograph of the earlier work will be printed for display near the current artwork.

·       Two-dimensional artwork must be securely wired for hanging. Sawtooth hangers will not be accepted.

• Three-dimensional work – if a pedestal is required, please let us know.
• Artwork must remain on display for the entire exhibition.
• All work must be original and created by the submitting artist.

Selection Process

Submissions will be reviewed by the APBC Exhibition Committee based on artistic quality, presentation, and the strength of the relationship between the “Then” and “Now” works.

Because the two artworks are intended to tell one story, the committee will accept or decline the pair as a complete submission.

Artist Statements

Accepted artists’ statements will be displayed with their paired works, allowing visitors to discover the experiences, decisions, and creative breakthroughs behind each artist’s evolution.

Together, these stories will create a collective portrait of artistic growth while celebrating the conclusion of Artists of Palm Beach County’s 20th anniversary year.

Then & Now honors where we began, recognizes who we are today, and celebrates the continuing journey of creativity.

SUBMISSION FEES: $30 for APBC Members; $40 for non-members.

APBC Membership is $50/year, VIP Membership is $100/year, and Lifetime Membership is a one-time fee of $1,000.  If you wish to join APBC or renew your lapsed membership, please visit www.artistsofpalmbeachcounty.org and click on “Membership” to update your information before entering this exhibit.

SALES: APBC Members will receive 75% of gross sales. Non-members receive 65% of gross sales.

Please price your work accordingly.  You cannot change the price you submit.

Make sure you review the eligibility criteria, rules and terms.

Then and Now: A Legacy Exhibition is open to APBC members and non-members working in all visual art media.

Artists must submit two works—one earlier work and one recent work—that together demonstrate the evolution of their artistic journey. The works may differ in subject, style, medium, or technique.

ENTRY FEE

$30 for APBC Members
$40 for Non-Members

APBC Membership is $50/year, VIP Membership is $100/year, and Lifetime Membership is a one-time fee of $1,000.

To join APBC or renew a lapsed membership, visit Artists of Palm Beach County and click “Membership” before entering the exhibition.

All submitted artwork must be original work created by the applying artist and, if accepted, professionally presented and ready for exhibition.