The Florida Prize has become one of Orlando Museum of Art’s most prestigious awards and one of the museum’s signature exhibitions. Among the works in this year’s exhibition will be The Wolf by Jason Hackenwerth, In The Dry Flowers by Rose Marie Cromwell, Sown in Corruption by Ema Ri and In Your Eyes by Jessy Nite.
With 12 artists—which includes two collaborative duos—instead of its usual 10, the 12th installment of Florida Prize in Contemporary Art is set to be bigger than ever this year.
The Florida Prize has become one of Orlando Museum of Art’s most prestigious awards and one of the museum’s signature exhibitions. Each year the OMA curatorial team surveys artists working throughout the state before inviting participants.
Artists selected range from emerging to mid-career, often with distinguished records of exhibitions and awards that reflect recognition at national and international levels. One artist receives a $20,000 award made possible by local philanthropists Gail and the late Michael Winn.
The exhibition, which will be on view from May 10 to August 23, will kick off with a Preview Party on Friday, May 29, from 6 to 9 p.m., during which the prize-winner will be announced. (A People’s Choice winner will be revealed at the conclusion of the four-month run.)
In addition, OMA has a variety of related programming scheduled, including workshops, performances and artist talks, and will offer free admission on three Thursdays—June 18, July 16 and August 20—as part of the initiative “Access for All” supported by the Art Bridges Foundation.
Although a remarkable diversity of mediums and approaches will be on display, OMA Chief Curator Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon says that she and co-curator Katherine Page noticed connective threads when organizing the exhibition—particularly around language, systems of communication and layered forms of meaning.
Says Claeysen-Gleyzon: “Several artists explore how ideas travel across cultures, histories, spirituality and personal narratives—often translating those experiences through material experimentation and immersive installations.”
Florida Prize artists for 2026 include: Maria Theresa Barbist (mixed media, painting, performance); Rose Marie Cromwell (photography, video); Jason Hackenwerth (painting, installation); and the duo of Katie Hargrave and Meredith Laura Lynn (conceptual, performance, installation).
Also: Francisco Masó (conceptual installation); Jessy Nite (fiber- and text-based installation); Charo Oquet (multidisciplinary); Ema Ri (painting); Mette Tommerup (painting, installation) and the duo of “We Are Nice ’n Easy,” which consists of Allison Matherly and Jeffrey Noble (installation, painting).
“I believe [the Florida Prize] gives the public a deeper understanding of how artists think and create, as well as a greater awareness of the support systems that enable them to flourish,” adds Claeysen-Gleyzon. “When audiences gain that insight, it opens the door to truly impactful and spellbinding artistic experiences.”
Orlando Museum of Art is located at 2416 North Mills Avenue, Orlando, in Loch Haven Cultural Park. For more information, call 407.896.4231 or visit omart.org.
