Artist Information

2026 Accepted Artists Information

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2026 Show Judge: Courtney McNeil

Courtney A. McNeil is an award-winning curator, art historian, and museum leader with more than two decades of experience in museums and galleries. She currently serves as museum director and chief curator at Artis—Naples, where she leads the artistic vision for The Baker Museum, developing a dynamic curatorial program that reflects the organization’s multidisciplinary mission. Before joining Artis—Naples, McNeil spent 15 years at Telfair Museums in Savannah, Georgia, where she rose to chief curator and deputy director for curatorial affairs.

2026 Poster Artist: Clayton Swartz

Mainsail’s 2026 Featured Artist is Clayton Swartz, a metal sculptor based in Pinellas Park, Florida, known for vibrant, biomorphic works that blend abstract form with themes drawn from sea life, faith, and family. Using techniques such as MIG and TIG welding, plasma cutting, and custom finishes, his layered sculptures invite close visual exploration. Originally from Miami, Schwartz studied art at the University of South Florida and returned to full-time art after years in the music industry. He now creates large-scale public and commissioned works and has operated Swartz Art Gallery since 2015 while remaining active in the local arts community.

See the poster here.

2026 Festival Map

TBD

Artist Entry Fees

Artist Jury Fee $35
Exhibitor Space Fee $425

Artist applications are available online beginning October 1st each year. Applications must be submitted online to Zapp Application by midnight December 1st. Artists will be notified on ZAPP.

MORE INFORMATION

Awards – $62,500 in Prizes

  • Best of Mainsail Gold Award (1) $10,000

  • Mainsail Silver Award (1) $5,000

  • Mainsail Bronze Awards (2) $2,500

  • Awards of Excellence (10) $1,500

  • Awards of Distinction (15) $1,000

  • Awards of Merit (20) $500

  • Purchase Awards (10) $250 each

Past Winners

The 2026 Sponsors