Overview of Tampa Bay Watch Art Exhibitions
Tampa Bay Watch is excited to host art exhibitions that complement our mission to protect and restore the bay’s estuarine ecosystem, while offering a distinct artistic perspective that inspires visitors and leaves a lasting impression.
Throughout the year, we aim to showcase a diverse range of local artists and artistic mediums through rotating, shoppable exhibitions. All artworks featured in our exhibitions will be available for purchase, with a portion of each sale directly supporting Tampa Bay Watch’s mission.
We encourage interested artists to explore our past exhibitions below and visit the Discovery Center in person to experience the exhibits and gallery space before submitting artwork for consideration.
Open Calls to Artists
Peace on the Pier
October - December 2026
September 21st marks the International Day of Peace, established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly as a celebration and recognition of the foundational importance of peace to their mission. Peace embodies not only the absence of violence, but also safety, sustainability, acceptance, opportunity, and community.
Hosted by the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center and inspired by the role places like our home on the St. Pete Pier play as gathering spaces, Peace on the Pier invites artists to explore the many ways we experience and create peace through our relationship with the natural world. We welcome interpretations that reflect our connections with wildlife and ecosystems, the moments of calm and inspiration we find from the landscapes around us, and the natural and urban outdoor spaces where people come together to reconnect, reflect, and find balance.
Artists are encouraged to consider the actions, relationships, and choices that help create and protect peace for us, our communities, and the estuary.
Open Call
We are excited to invite local artists to submit up to three (3) artworks to be considered for the upcoming Peace on the Pier group exhibition. This exhibition will be on display at the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center from late October 2026 through December 2026.
We accept artwork in mediums including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, mixed media, and sculpture. If accepted, artwork must be ready to hang or install upon delivery to the Discovery Center.
Artists must submit the application form linked below by September 21st, 2026, at 5:00pm to be considered for this open call.
Submissions
Artists may submit no more than three (3) artworks total for this open call. The application form will include your name, contact information, artwork title, artwork medium, a personal statement (not exceeding 100 words), and descriptions for each artwork submitted (not exceeding 100 words). Artwork descriptions should ideally both introduce the piece and contextualize it within the exhibition theme.
Images of submitted works should be sent via email as directed in the application form.
Sales
All artworks in this exhibition will be available for sale, with 25% of the proceeds benefitting Tampa Bay Watch to support our mission of restoring Tampa Bay’s estuarine ecosystem every day. All purchased artworks will remain on display for the duration of the exhibition, to be picked up by the purchaser after the end of the exhibition.
This exhibition is supported by a grant from the Smith & Associates Real Estate Foundation administered by the Community Foundation Tampa Bay. We are grateful for the funding to help us make a more significant positive impact in our community.
Oyster Ornament Mini Show
November - December 2026
We are inviting artists and community members to join us in creating handmade ornaments on an oyster canvas! The holidays are a perfect time to share your creativity and art with others as they look for unique, memorable ornaments to decorate with and remember the year by. The Oyster Ornament Mini Show will be displayed during the winter holiday season in the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center’s gift shop.
Open Call and Submissions
To participate in our Oyster Ornament Mini Show, please submit the application form to indicate your interest and provide your contact information. Then, you may stop by the Discovery Center to receive up to three (3) pre-drilled oysters beginning on November 1st, 2026. Oysters will be available for pick-up until November 25th or while supplies last.
All completed oyster ornaments must be returned to the Discovery Center no later than November 30th, 2026. We will then add a ribbon and small tag with the artist’s name, and your ornament will be ready for display.
There are no eligibility requirements to participate in this open call. Designs should be family friendly and created with long lasting materials (no ink that can be wiped off, perishable materials, etc.).
Sales
All artworks in this mini exhibition will be available for sale, with 100% of the proceeds benefitting Tampa Bay Watch to support our mission of restoring Tampa Bay’s estuarine ecosystem every day. All purchased ornaments will be given to the purchaser at the time of sale, and any remaining ornaments may be picked up by artists after December 31st, 2026.
Each ornament will be automatically entered into our Oyster Ornament design contest, with the winners of each category receiving a certificate for two tickets to join us on a Wildlife Boat Tour! The contest categories are Most St. Pete, Most Creative, and Staff Favorite. Winners will be chosen by members of our Tampa Bay Watch team and announced on December 20th, 2026.
Solo Exhibitions
Ongoing
We welcome solo art exhibition proposals on a rolling basis, which are reviewed by our team as we plan future exhibitions. Artists interested in exhibiting their work at the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center are encouraged to complete the form below for consideration.
You should be prepared to include the following materials:
Written statements
A personal statement, an explanation of how your work aligns with the mission of Tampa Bay Watch, and a solo exhibition proposal (if applicable)
Artwork images
Up to 10 high-quality images of your artwork
Each image may be up to 100 MB in size
Artwork details
Title, year completed, medium, dimensions, description, and retail price for each artwork
Artworks are displayed throughout the Discovery Center alongside exhibits highlighting Tampa Bay’s unique ecosystems, wildlife, and restoration projects. Admission to the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center is required to view the art exhibitions.
Our Gallery Space
Past Exhibitions:
Love Letters to Tampa Bay
Kai Tomalin, Winter 2025