The Wessel Project for the Arts invites Embry-Riddle students to propose a visual artwork for display in the Department of Humanities and Communication on the Daytona Beach campus. Selected artists will receive a 36×36-inch primed, stretched canvas as a base. The finished work must incorporate that canvas, be suitable for wall display, and remain on display for at least two years. Benefits include:
- guaranteed participation in the 9th Annual Maverick Art Festival on Thursday, April 1, 2027, with a super swag bag, where artists may display their project and may bring additional artwork to display and sell
- a $100 stipend plus up to $100 reimbursement for approved materials
- a 36 × 36-inch primed, stretched canvas
- membership in a cohort of Wessel recipients, fostering the exchange of ideas
- the option to connect with a faculty or outside mentor matched to the student's artistic focus
The proposed works of art should be based on the theme of below the surface and above the horizon. Artists are invited to explore hidden depths and open possibilities. This theme may be interpreted broadly.
The finished work must incorporate the provided canvas and be suitable for display on a wall, along with a written artist’s statement. Proposals may use painting, drawing, printmaking, textile art, photography, mixed media, digital art, bio art, or another approach. Be brave. Do it. Propose something weird.
Deadline to submit proposals: Friday, October 30, 2026
Submission Guidelines
Eligibility: Open to all Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students
Budget & Payment:
Each selected artist will receive a $100 stipend and may be reimbursed up to $100 for approved materials, in addition to the provided canvas, after the finished artwork is submitted and approved and the artist provides receipts for expenses.
To submit your proposal, please use the online submission form using the QR code below. Email [email protected] if you have questions. The form will ask for:
- Your name, email, phone
- Type of art proposal (e.g., painting, photography, drawing, multimedia, etc.)
- Images representing examples of your past work.
- Your project name (you can change it later)
- A brief description of your project—include details about the concept, inspiration, and how it connects to the theme
- Budget details that generally describe supplies and cost, if applicable
- A schedule of when you will begin and complete the project. Note that all artwork must be completed, submitted, and approved by or before Monday, March 8, 2027
- Any other information you’d like to share
Evaluation Criteria
Selection of approved projects will be based on:
- Alignment with the theme of “below the surface and above the horizon”
- Originality and creativity of the concept
- Feasibility of the project, based on the artist’s demonstrated skills and experience
- Feasibility, including the proposed use of the canvas, the artist’s relevant skills or experience, and the work’s suitability for two-year display
- A realistic project plan, including materials costs and a timeline that meets the March 8, 2027 deadline
The Fine Print
Selected artists may be asked to refine their concept and submit a final artwork proposal for approval. Finished artwork must be delivered to the Humanities and Communication Department (COAS Building, second floor, Daytona Beach campus) with a written artist statement. The artwork must remain available for display for at least two years. After that period, the artist may arrange to collect it from the same location. Artwork not collected within three years of delivery may be considered property of ERAU.
ERAU reserves the right to photograph any entry submitted for educational, informational, or publicity purposes, and to include it in Scholarly Commons, the library’s online repository. The artist retains full ownership of submitted artwork and allows ERAU full rights to use images of work in promotion of the Wessel Project for the Arts.
About the Wessel Project for the Arts
The Wessel Project for the Arts provides funding, mentoring, and networking opportunities for student artists engaged in the creation of visual art, music, and performance arts. Have an idea for an artistic endeavor and need help in the form of money, mentorship, or peer support? Email Dr. Koller at [email protected] with the subject line “Hi. I’m An Artist.”
