GALLERY HOURS: TUE - SUN, 12PM TO 4PM | FREE ADMISSION
22 MARINE ST., ST. AUGUSTINE, FL 32084 | (904) 824-2310
A Celebration of Art & History: the Ximenez-Fatio Nights of Lights Exhibition
November 21, 2026 – January 9, 2027
Family Heritage & Traditions
For this year’s Nights of Lights “Art and History” Exhibition, the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum — in partnership with the St. Augustine Art Association — invites artists to celebrate their own family heritage and traditions.
Much of St. Augustine’s charm rests in the many cultures that have called this town home. This year’s Art & History Nights of Lights Mantel Exhibition celebrates the rich heritage and family traditions of its citizens, allowing viewers to reflect on the rituals, stories, and cultural influences that shape our shared experiences.
The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum is one of the best-preserved and most authentic Second Spanish Period residential buildings in St. Augustine, Florida. As a Historic House Museum, its period-appropriate collections and programs are presented within a building that is historically significant; exploring how the specific location and people were affected by larger historical events.
The St. Augustine Art Association emerged in local history in 1924 by a group of artists, writers, and photographers who saw the need for promotion of the arts in St. Augustine. The meeting that marked the founding of the Association was held at the Ximenez-Fatio House on January 18, 1924, and the House would serve not only as a meeting place, but also as artist studios for a number of years.
Submission Deadline:
September 27, 2026
Jury Review & Selection:
Early October 2026
Artist Notifications:
By October 9, 2026 via email
Installation:
Week of November 16, 2026
Exhibit Opens:
November 21, 2026
Exhibit Closes:
January 9, 2027
Fireplace Mantel Display
Celebrate art and history through this display on the fireplace mantels in Ximenez-Fatio House located at 20 Aviles Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084.
Artists may design and submit one (1) creative mantel display that can be used universally across the mantel spaces in the theme of Family Heritage and Traditions.
This installation should feature:
- One focal point work of original art (painting, sculpture, textile, etc.)
- Supporting elements that visually connect to the theme. Handcrafted elements (not just store-bought) preferred.
- Mediums can be traditional or abstract - creativity encouraged!
ALL submissions will be juried and 14 artists or artist teams (up to 3 collaborators) will be selected to install their designs. Each design is allowed to be tailored to their assigned mantel.
Final submissions will be due on Sunday, September 27, 2026
PLEASE READ THE PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR DESIGN.
Artwork & Exhibit Guidelines
Design by Judy Vance 2023 Exhibit, Holiday Theme
Mantel Details
Use the dimensions provided for each design. Feel free to print out the mantel photos for a more accurate design. Please utilize as much of the wide space as possible in your designs.
While mantles and fireplaces vary a little in size, the dimensions are close enough that submitted designs should be usable for each space.
Design by Leigh Slayden 2024 Exhibit, 100 Years of Music Theme
Theme & Artwork
Family Heritage & Traditions – Mantels should be thoughtfully designed to honor a unique narrative—whether rooted in seasonal or holiday celebrations, ancestral customs, or everyday family moments passed down through generations. From heirloom-inspired decor to contemporary interpretations of tradition, each mantel design should incorporate original art or handcrafted (not just store-bought) elements that emphasize authenticity, creativity, and personal expression.
Elements to include:
- Original 2D artwork reflective of chosen narrative: Paintings, Drawings, Collage, Mixed Media, Photography, Printmaking, etc.
- Original 3D artwork reflective of chosen narrative: Ceramics & Pottery, Sculpture, Fiber, etc.
- Original handmade crafts: ex. baskets, beadwork, jewelry, masks, puppets, embroidery, hats, carving, etc.
Design by Dani & Amish Ratcliff 2024 Exhibit, 100 Years of Music Theme
Installation Materials
Your installation may include:
- Original artwork, 2D& 3D, and/or handmade crafts
- Framed pieces, small 3D elements, cultural arts and crafts
- Faux greenery, artificial garlands, battery-operated LED candles
- Fresh greenery is allowed but must be maintained by the artist
- Tabletop easels may be used on mantels
No electricity is available. Battery-powered lights only.
Design by Paula Pascucci 2023 Exhibit, Holiday Theme
Installation Rules
- Individual and collaborations of up to 3 artists are permitted for this exhibition.
- All museum artifacts will be removed from the chimney wall, mantel, and fireplace in each room by XF Museum Staff before installation.
- Mantels may be used to display artwork, pottery, sculpture, objects, etc. Floor space within fireplaces may also be used for display. Table easels are permissible to use on the mantels.
- Only the existing nails/hooks may be used for artwork or decorations. No new nails, glue, or adhesives may be added. Please note: not all mantels have existing nails, and not all of those nails are centered.
- Nothing may be taped, tacked, or affixed to museum surfaces.
- No paint, color pencils, crayons or any other marks can be made on any museum surface.
- No live candles or fire sources of any kind can be used (Fire Marshall rules).
- Artwork and materials may not extend past the fireplace opening.
- Artwork must be stable and durable for the full exhibition run.
How do I enter?
To submit your application:
- Complete the online form below.
- Upload high-quality image(s) of your proposed design (jpg, png, jpeg, pdf; max file size is 5MB). Click here to view mantel photos and dimensions for a more accurate design. If you do not have photos of the finished design, images of drawings or renderings and elements may be submitted.
- You should receive a submission confirmation email within a few minutes. Check your spam folder if you do not see it in your inbox.
- Final submissions will be due on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Submissions will be juried and 14 artists will be selected to install their designs. Artists will be notified by email on October 9, 2026, of jury decisions.
NEED HELP? If you’re having trouble with the online form: MAKE SURE YOUR INTERNET BROWSER AND DEVICE ARE UP TO DATE; make sure the url has HTTPS; make sure all fields are properly filled out with correct information; make sure that your file name does not have any punctuation or special characters (periods and dashes are the only acceptable characters besides letters and numbers for file names). CLICK HERE FOR HELP.
Entry Form
Programs & Exhibits of the St. Augustine Art Association are funded in part by grants from the the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, the St. Johns County Cultural Council, and the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida.
