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 28, 2025 at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center 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!
2025 Original Artwork Submissions
Want to Donate Art?
Big Bend Cares accepts artwork year-round, please click the “Submit Artwork” button if you would like to donate for Artopia 2025. Donation of artwork is the only way Artopia can be such a success, so to thank the artists and donors, we provide a free General Admission ticket ($25 value) to Artopia for each piece donated, up to three! 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, 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 large or you do not drive, we can arrange for transportation.
General Admission Artopia tickets are $25 this year, and you can purchase them by clicking the “Buy Tickets” button. Artists/Donors receive a free General Admission ticket per piece donated, up to three, if you are interested in donating. General Admission includes participation in the silent and Live Auction portions of Artopia, as well as a standing buffet with non-alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at one of several cash bars.
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.
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 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.
Check back closer to June for the Artopia 2025 Volunteer Signup. If you have any questions about volunteering, contact Serene Smallwood at ssmallwood@bigbencares.org or at (850) 656-2437 ext. 224.
See the fun and fierce competition of the Artopia 2024 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 2024 Best In Show winners, “Afternoon in Paris” by Deon Lewis (1st Place), “Visage” by Mark Georgiades (2nd Place), and “Endurance” by Leslie Anderson (3rd Place).
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!
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 2025 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.