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The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, and Silver Springs State Park have partnered to announce the “Florida SpringsFest Photography Contest,” in celebration of Florida’s beautiful natural springs.

From Jan. 8-Feb. 5, 2024, photos taken of Silver Springs State Park using any camera or mobile device can be submitted to this contest. The contest is open to all ages and each participant may submit one photo per category. The three categories are: Color; Flora and Fauna; and People.

Submissions will be juried by Appleton Museum of Art and Silver Springs State Park staff. Two overall prizes will be awarded by age group: youth (17 and under) and adult (18 and older). Additional prizes will be awarded in each category.

Entries will be displayed at Silver Springs State Park from March 8-April 30, 2024. Regular park admission fees apply to see the photo display.

“We’re pleased to partner with our friend and neighbor, Silver Springs State Park,” said Appleton Director Jason Steuber. “The photography contest is a wonderful opportunity to engage the community and highlight the beautiful wonder of the springs and park, which we are so fortunate to have in Marion County. This contest coincides with several special exhibitions opening in early 2024 at the Appleton that feature artwork focused on Florida’s springs and waterways. We look forward to celebrating this unique and revered feature of the Sunshine State’s ecosystem.”

Contest Details and Rules:

• Entries must be original and taken by the person submitting the entry. Parents/guardians may submit photos on behalf of children under 18.
• Photos must have been taken at Silver Springs State Park (no specific timeframe).
• From Jan. 8-Feb. 5, 2024, email photos to AppletonEducation@cf.edu. Include the category in the subject line and your full name in the body of the email. For youth, please include age.
• Entries must be submitted by email; those submitted by mail or through Facebook or other social media will not be accepted.
• Entries will be juried and winning photos will be selected based on creativity, quality and overall impact.
• Winners will be notified before announcements are made on social media.
• The first 500 entries and the winning photos will be printed; others will be displayed virtually. Details will be announced before the exhibition opens.
• For ease of printing, photos will be cropped to 4 x 4 in. or 4 x 6 in. There are no guarantees for special printing of panoramas.
• Photos must be tasteful and a positive representation of Silver Springs State Park. Any photos or emails that do not adhere to all of the guidelines may be disqualified at the discretion of staff.
• Prizes will be shipped or available for pickup at the museum. Winners must provide a U.S. shipping address to request the prize by mail; international shipping is not available.
• Questions? Email AppletonEducation@cf.edu.

To learn more about upcoming exhibitions and other special programs, visit .

The Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit