The St. Augustine Art Association (STAAA) is inviting artists and community members to participate in a new exhibit celebrating the 250th anniversary of America’s founding through creativity, reflection, and conversation.
The exhibit, titled When in the Course of Human Events, will open Friday, June 5, at the STAAA gallery, located at 22 Marine Street in downtown St. Augustine. The exhibition will remain on display through Sunday, August 2, both in-person and online.
Inspired by the Declaration of Independence, the exhibit encourages artists to explore the evolving meaning of America’s founding ideals, including Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Organizers hope the exhibit will inspire thoughtful discussion while giving artists an opportunity to share personal perspectives on American history, culture, and identity.
“The Declaration of Independence introduced three ideals- Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness – that have shaped our lived experience since the very founding of the country,” said Jennifer Flynt, executive director of the St. Augustine Art Association. “We’re excited to see how artists explore these philosophies and choose to capture their voice. We want this exhibit to spark thought, encourage reflection, and create constructive conversation.”
The exhibit arrives as communities across the country prepare to commemorate America’s semiquincentennial in 2026. In St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, organizers believe the exhibit offers a meaningful way for residents and visitors to engage with history through art.
STAAA is currently accepting submissions from artists through Monday, June 1. The exhibit welcomes a wide range of artistic mediums, including paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, woodwork, jewelry, digital art, fiber arts, poetry, and mixed media. Judges will review submissions for acceptance and awards.
Award opportunities include the Jean Wagner Troemel Best in Show Award, which includes a $500 prize, the Alice Alger Most Creative Award with a $250 prize, and several Avery St. Jean Art Place Awards.
Artists whose work is accepted must submit pieces for installation and judging by Wednesday, June 3.
The public can attend the exhibit’s opening reception during St. Augustine’s popular First Friday Art Walk on Friday, June 5, at 7 p.m. Organizers encourage residents and visitors to attend the free event, meet participating artists, and experience the exhibit firsthand.
The exhibit will remain open to visitors through August 2. Admission to the St. Augustine Art Association gallery is always free. Gallery hours run Tuesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Community members who want to participate can support the event in several ways. Artists can submit original work inspired by the Declaration of Independence, while local residents and tourists can attend the opening reception, visit the gallery during the summer, and share the exhibit online to help expand its reach.
The exhibit also highlights the important role arts organizations continue to play in preserving St. Augustine’s cultural identity. Founded in 1924, the St. Augustine Art Association remains one of the nation’s oldest arts organizations and continues to support local artists through exhibitions, workshops, educational programs, and community outreach.
Located in the heart of downtown St. Augustine, the association maintains a permanent collection featuring works from the city’s historic “Lost Colony” artists while also creating opportunities for contemporary artists to showcase their work.
When in the Course of Human Events is sponsored in part by grants from the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council and the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida.
Artists and community members can find the complete exhibit prospectus, submission guidelines, and additional event information at www.staaa.org. Residents can also follow updates on Facebook at @StAugArtAssoc and Instagram @staugartassoc.
