The Wessel Project for the Arts is seeking proposals from artsy students to create visual works of art to be showcased in the Department of Humanities and Communication on the Daytona Beach campus. Finished artwork must be available for display for at least one year. Recipients receive many benefits, including:
- guaranteed participation in the 8th Annual Maverick Art Festival in Spring 2026, where they may display their project. They may bring additional artwork to display and sell as well
- a $100 stipend plus up to $200 reimbursement for approved supplies
- membership in a cohort of Wessel recipients, fostering the exchange of art and ideas
- the option to connect with a faculty mentor matched to the student's artistic focus
The proposed works of art should be based on the theme of the fabric of now. Artists are invited to explore how past and future are bound into the now—how the digital and the natural, the personal and the collective, the cats and the dogs, come together in this moment in time. This theme may be interpreted broadly.
We live in a world of more than 8 billion people — marked by hunger and abundance, inequality and connection, waste and wonder. The Fabric of Now invites artists to explore how these realities shape our lives and weave the present moment.
Works may be, but are not limited to paintings, drawings, printmaking, textile art, photography, mixed media, digital art, bio art, installation art, and environmental art. Be brave. Propose something weird.
Artwork must be no larger than 50”x50” and suitable for display on a wall.
Deadline to submit proposals: 5:00 pm on Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Submission Guidelines
Eligibility: Open to all Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students
Budget & Payment:
Approved budgets reimbursed up to $200 for the cost of materials, in addition to $100 as compensation for time and effort. The $100 stipend shall be paid after the Artist's signing of this Agreement. Reimbursement for approved expenses will be made after the submission of the final Artwork along with the necessary receipts.
To submit your work for consideration (or for more information about the project), email Lynn Koller at lynn.koller@erau.edu with the following:
- Your name, email, phone
- Type of art proposal (e.g., painting, photography, drawing, multimedia, etc.)
- Images representing examples of your past work. Do not send attachments exceeding 10MB. For large files, use Dropbox or other file-sharing services
- 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 how you will spend up to $200 for the cost of materials
- 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 2, 2026
- Any other information you’d like to share
Evaluation Criteria
Selection of approved projects will be based on:
- Alignment with the theme of "the fabric of now”
- Originality and creativity of the concept, demonstrating a unique approach or perspective
- Feasibility of the project, based on the artist’s demonstrated skills and experience
- Clear and realistic project plan, including a well-defined budget and timeline for completion.
The Fine Print
Once selected, applicants may be asked to refine their preliminary concept and present a final artwork proposal for approval. Applicants are required to deliver artwork to the Humanities and Communication Department (COAS Building, 2nd floor, Daytona campus). If students desire their artwork back after one year, they are responsible for picking it up at the same location.
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 lynn.koller@erau.edu with the subject line “Hi. I’m An Artist.”
Download the official, Wessel Project for the Arts, PDF flyer.
