Because this is a fundraising event for Big Bend Cares, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of all donated art go to Big Bend Cares. Most artists donate their artwork because it makes them feel good to give back to the community and it brings added exposure to their work.
Artopia is Tallahassee’s largest charity art auction!
This must-attend fundraising event benefits the Big Bend Cares’ Client Services Department.
Join us on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Goodwood Museum & Gardens to bid on amazing artwork by some of the best local and regional artists. Artopia boasts over 500 pieces of art in the silent auction and 10-15 best-in-show pieces in the rousing Live Auction! The best part is you don’t need to be an art critic to enjoy this lively event. As a matter of fact, there’s just about something for everyone—beautiful art at a reasonable price—in just about every form you can think of.
Artopia is made possible because of the generous donations from artists and community members like YOU. All proceeds from the event stay in the Big Bend and provide food, transportation, housing, and health care to those in need – at no cost to them!
Want to Donate Art?
Submit art by Wednesday, June 10th for inclusion in art jurying! Big Bend Cares accepts artwork year-round, please click the “Submit Artwork” button if you would like to donate for Artopia 2026. Donation of artwork is the only way Artopia can be such a success, so we thank the artists and donors for their generosity in thinking of us each year, and for supporting our mission with the proceeds. Artwork can be any medium, from jewelry and paintings, to fiber art and metal.
Donated art can also provide a tax benefit, so if you donate and report the retail value of the art on the submission form, you will receive a Receipt of Charitable Donation after the event.
Art can be dropped off at our office, located at 2201 S Monroe St., anytime 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. If the piece is too large or you do not drive, we can arrange for transportation.
See the fun and fierce competition of the Artopia 2025 auction, captured by our talented photographers Winnie Miles and Bob O’Lary! Be sure to check out our Facebook album for all the photos from that evening.
Check out the pieces that were selected for the Live Auction, including our Artopia 2025 Best In Show winners, “Line Intention 2025” by Julian Kerr (1st Place), Untitled by Seana Leah (2nd Place), and “Estuary Tranquility” by Michael Cook (3rd Place).
2025 Original Artwork Submissions
Want to Buy Tickets?
Online ticket sales for Artopia 2026 will be open soon, check back for updates!
General Admission to Artopia does not guarantee seating. If you want a reserved table for you and your guests, they are available as a part of our Sponsorships Packages linked in the “Want to Sponsor the Event?” section.
Want to Sponsor the Event?
By becoming a partner of Artopia, you can make a significant contribution to the fight against HIV/AIDS and play a central role in the success of one of the most anticipated and respected art events in Tallahassee. To see our current Sponsorship options, click the “Sponsor Packet” button below, and if you would like to become a sponsor you can download the fillable PDF and send to Serene Smallwood at ssmallwood@bigbendcares.org.
Want to Volunteer?
Artopia 2026 Volunteer Signup will be open closer to the event, check back around late April for updates! If you would like to stay in the loop about future volunteer Opportunities, please visit our Volunteer page for details on how you can get plugged in with service.
If you have any questions about volunteering, contact Serene Smallwood at ssmallwood@bigbendcares.org or at (850) 656-2437 ext. 224.
2025 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors
Diamond Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
In-Kind Sponsors
Frequently Asked Questions
Big Bend Cares accepts all forms of artwork and media. Past Artopia events have featured oil and acrylic paintings, watercolors, pottery, photography, sculpture, glasswork, pen and ink, jewelry, woodwork, and mixed media – just to name a few!
We recommend sticking to a maximum of three (3) pieces per donor. If you have a significant number of pieces you would like to direct to us, please contact us directly to discuss, by emailing development@bigbendcares.org.
Yes! Artopia is a juried event, with cash prizes!
At Artopia, when you find your favorite art piece, you will write its number on a ballot provided to you in the event program, and place in the People’s Choice Award ballot box. The winner will be announced at the event and will win a custom trophy!
By providing the usual retail selling price (fair market value) of each piece, the buyer may claim the amount paid in excess of the fair market value as a tax deduction. If no value is assigned prior to bidding, the buyer will not know how much of their donation counts as a tax-deductible contribution.
Please see your tax advisor or visit irs.gov for details.
People tend to bid higher in the Live Auction when they know more about the artist and their work, and hear the story. We recommend having an artist biography prepared in the case that your piece(s) are selected for the Live Auction, as this is where the importance of knowing the artist will shine. Due to the high number of pieces included in the auction, we do not publish all artist biographies in our printed materials and auction platform, but you are welcome to include a business card when dropping off the artwork.
Collected art will remain in locked offices at Big Bend Cares.
Check back for updates about Artopia 2026 tickets, as sales are not yet live.