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 22, 2024 at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center to bid on amazing artwork by some of the best local and regional artists. Artopia boasts over 400 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 prescriptions, food, COVID-19 vaccines, and other medical care to those in need – at no cost to them!
Check out some of our photos from Artopia 2023 to see the liveliness and action of the evening, courtesy of Bob O’Lary. You can see the full photo album live on our Facebook.
Want to Donate Art?
Big Bend Cares accepts artwork year-round. To ensure eligibility for cash prizes and inclusion in the Artopia catalog, your artwork and information must be submitted to Big Bend Cares by art jurying on Wednesday, June 12. You can donate up to three pieces of artwork, and you will receive a free General Admission ticket to Artopia for each, up to three. To submit your artwork, please click the “Online Art Submission” button and complete the form. You can also download and print the PDF form if you prefer, or complete the form in person at our office. Deliver or mail artwork to Big Bend Cares at 2201 S. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301.
General Admission Artopia tickets are $25 this year, and you can purchase them by clicking the “Buy Tickets” button. Artists/Donors receive a free ticket per piece donated, up to three, if you are interested in donating.
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 Volunteer?
Artopia needs many hands to run successfully, so if you would like to give back to your community with your time, consider volunteering as an individual or group for the event! And we offer double hours! We have shifts from transporting art at 8am to helping with cleanup after.
The Artopia 2024 Volunteer Signup will be available closer to the event in June. If you have any questions about volunteering, contact Serene Smallwood at ssmallwood@bigbencares.org or at (850) 656-2437 ext. 224.
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.
2024 Original Artwork Submissions
2024 Sponsors
Presenting 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!
Up to three (3) pieces per artist/donor are permitted. Each donor will receive one (1) General Admission ticket to Artopia, up to three (3), for each piece submitted.
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 bid higher when they know something about you and your work. Your art will be better appreciated if you provide a simple description of what you made, why you made it, and what it represents. Keeping your artist biographical information to three or four major accomplishments allows the bidder to remember highlights of your career while viewing your artwork online.
Collected art will remain in locked offices at Big Bend Cares.
Artopia 2024 tickets cost $25 this year, and the form for purchase is now live under the Ticket Information section. We recommend getting your ticket ahead of time to expedite check-in, but walk-up purchase will also be available.