Coastal Arts Center Opens Art Contest for Area Military Veterans

OBA Staff • August 16, 2025

Military veterans from Baldwin and Escambia counties are encouraged to submit entries by October 20th

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Military veterans along the Gulf Coast now have an inspiring opportunity to show their creative side. The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach announced it is now accepting submissions for its Annual Best of the Vets Gulf Coast Art Contest. This event is specifically for veterans living in Baldwin County, Alabama, and Escambia County, Florida. Organizers hope the contest will celebrate the artistic talents of those who have served in the armed forces.

There are no application fees for artists submitting work in the Best of the Vets Gulf Coast Art Contest and all entries are due by October 20, 2025. The exhibition will run from November 10 to November 21, 2025, at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, located at 26389 Canal Road, Orange Beach, Alabama.

Veterans may enter works in a wide range of visual art mediums, including sculpture, clay, mixed media, pencil or graphite, photography, digitally enhanced media, wood, metal, and paintings using acrylic, oil, pastel, or watercolor. There is also a category for language arts, which highlights poetry. Organizers say this broad selection ensures that veterans from many backgrounds and interests will have a chance to participate.

Contest prizes total $2,500, and there will be a Best of Show award worth $500. The event is presented by the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, Friends of the Arts, Flora-Bama, Tacky Jacks, the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival and Bruce & Mary Jane Munsell. The gallery exhibit promises to spotlight the diverse creativity and lived experiences of former service members.

Veterans who wish to enter can apply online at the Coastal Arts Center website. Anyone with questions about the application process or artwork guidelines is encouraged to call the Coastal Arts Center directly at 251-981-2787. The “Best of the Vets” contest organizers look forward to another year of memorable artwork from the Gulf Coast’s local heroes.

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