Bay Arts Alliance proudly announces its 60th Bay Annual Competition and Exhibition, which opens on Friday, May 5. A tradition started by the Panama City Artist Association, the Bay Annual Competition & Exhibition has brought together sixteen counties in Northwest Florida to showcase the region’s finest artists.

“The Bay Annual has survived hurricanes, COVID-19 shutdowns, and multiple organizational changes to get to sixty years,” said Jayson Kretzer, Executive Director of Bay Arts Alliance. “It’s such an honor to help host it at the Center for the Arts in this historic year.”

Over 100 pieces are submitted each year and then juried down to the finalists in the exhibition. Of those pieces, seven will be chosen to receive awards by this year’s judge, Anne Stagg, Assistant Professor at Florida State University.

“Artistic expression is a vital part of society,” said Stagg. “Among other things, art helps us process the world around us, expand our perspectives, reflect on our experiences, and add wonder and excitement to our daily lives. This is perhaps why we saw so many people turn towards creative expression in recent years. The 60th Bay Annual Arts Competition will undoubtedly showcase the inspiration, dedication, talent and resilience of the community. I look forward to spending time with the works and considering the individual perspectives of the artists.”

The Center for the Arts is open Tuesday–Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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