News Summary
Nathalie Alfonso has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Florida Prize in Contemporary Art, recognizing her innovative contributions to the state’s artistic landscape. The award, which includes a $20,000 cash prize, will be celebrated in an exhibition at the Orlando Museum of Art featuring ten artists exploring themes like ancestry and urban transformation. Visitors can vote for their favorite artist, with a $5,000 People’s Choice award to be announced at the exhibition’s conclusion. Alfonso’s highlighted work, ‘LineScape—Onset,’ impresses with its size and depth.
Orlando, Florida
Nathalie Alfonso has been named the recipient of the 2025 Florida Prize in Contemporary Art, an award that comes with a cash prize of $20,000. This prestigious honor recognizes her innovative contributions to the artistic landscape of Florida and will be showcased in an exhibition that celebrates contemporary art.
The exhibition, running through August 21st at the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA), features ten talented artists, including Alfonso. Alongside her are Eddie Arroyo, Leo Castañeda, Kelly Joy Ladd, Amanda Linares, Kandy G. Lopez, Jiha Moon, Troy Simmons, Cornelius Tulloch, and Lisu Vega. The works presented by these artists delve into profound themes such as ancestry, memory, and urban transformation.
The Florida Prize exhibition is presented by VyStar Credit Union and curated by OMA Chief Curator Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon. Visitors to the exhibition not only enjoy a wide array of contemporary artworks but also participate actively by voting for their favorite artist. At the conclusion of the exhibition, a “People’s Choice” award of $5,000 will be announced, based on the votes cast by the audience.
Alfonso’s winning piece, “LineScape—Onset,” is a striking installation that spans 90 feet by 17 feet, created with pastels on a high gallery wall. The complexity and scale of her work have garnered attention and praise from both the public and professionals in the art community. The award was determined by a panel of jurors led by Rod Bigelow, the Executive Director of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
OMA CEO Cathryn Mattson has highlighted Alfonso’s captivating work and her significant contributions to the contemporary art scene. Originally from Bogota, Colombia, Alfonso now resides and creates in South Florida. Her artistic practice is notably characterized by gestural drawing, which incorporates physical labor and movement into her art, reflecting her unique perspective and cultural background. She has completed a Master’s in Fine Arts from Southern Methodist University and a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from Florida International University.
In addition to honoring Alfonso, the exhibition seeks to foster community engagement and cultivate discussions regarding the cultural impacts of art within Florida. The OMA, which has a history of championing educational programs and showcasing noteworthy art, recently received a substantial donation of $540,000 from the Council of 101. This funding underlines the organization’s commitment to supporting the arts and artists in the region.
During her acceptance speech, Alfonso expressed gratitude to her family and fellow artists involved in the festival, acknowledging their support and influence on her artistic journey. Her recognition as the Florida Prize winner not only elevates her profile as an artist but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of creatives within the community.
The 2025 Florida Prize in Contemporary Art stands as a testament to the vibrant arts scene in Florida, showcasing a diverse range of perspectives and innovative visions while encouraging collaboration among artists and the audience alike. Visitors are invited to engage with the exhibition thoughtfully and to participate in selecting their favorite artist, contributing to a dynamic cultural dialogue in the state.
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Additional Resources
- West Orlando News: Florida Prize in Contemporary Art
- Wikipedia: Contemporary Art
- Bungalower: Orlando Museum of Art Receives $540k Gift
- Google Search: Orlando Museum of Art
- Artnet: Orlando Museum of Art Drops Lawsuit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida
- WESH: Orlando Museum of Art’s Access for All
- Google News: Florida Prize in Contemporary Art
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ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
