Artist Information

2025 Accepted Artists Information

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2025 Show Judge: Holly Koons

Holly Koons is the founding director of the Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia. In addition to providing strategic oversight of programming and operations, Koons is actively engaged in curating many of the exhibitions on view at the Torggler. She ensures that the Torggler supports the core mission of the university while serving the public through exceptional exhibitions and educational programs.

Koons is the former executive director of the Museum of Contemporary Art–Arlington (VA) where, over a four-year span, she directed the organization’s administration, development, and creative strategy. Previously, she amassed twenty years of experience in non-profit visual arts curation and management, serving as executive director and curator of the Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art (Reston, VA) and as the director of collections and exhibitions at the Telfair Museums in Savannah, Georgia. During her 15 years at the Telfair, she was responsible for the care, display, and interpretation of the museum’s permanent collection as well as an ambitious schedule of twelve to sixteen changing exhibitions annually. She holds a BA from the University of Georgia in English and art history, and a MA in art history from the University of Notre Dame.

2025 Poster Artist: Anne Zimmerman Briand

Anne Zimmerman Briand

Anne Zimmerman Briand is a contemporary oil painter capturing the vibrant landscapes of Florida through expressive brushwork, layered textures, and luminous color palettes. Inspired by the ever-changing light and atmosphere of the Gulf Coast, she paints en plein air, working spontaneously to capture fleeting moments in nature before refining larger, contemplative pieces in the studio.

Anne began painting as a child under the guidance of her aunt, a professional acrylic artist, and later earned a BFA in graphic design from the Savannah College of Art and Design. During a study abroad program in France and Italy, she immersed herself in the oil painting techniques of the master impressionists, an experience that continues to shape her approach to light, color, and composition.

Fresh out of college, Anne jumpstarted her career at a fast-paced marketing agency, designing event sets and promotions for high-profile brands including Martha Stewart, Pantene, and Gillette—an experience that took her across the country, from Boston to New York to Los Angeles, broadening both her worldview and creative perspective.

Now, she brings those insights into her life and second career as an artist, based in Tierra Verde, Florida, where she finds endless inspiration in the coastal landscapes right outside her door.

Anne’s work is held in private collections throughout the U.S. She frequently collaborates with homeowners and interior designers to create art that brings a sense of peace and calm to a space. Through her work, she strives to connect people with their favorite places, moments, and emotions.

2025 Festival Map

TBD

Artist Entry Fees

Artist Jury Fee $35
Exhibitor Space Fee $425

Artist applications are available online beginning October 1st each year. Applications must be submitted online to Zapp Application by midnight December 1st. Artists will be notified on ZAPP.

Awards – $60,000 in Prizes

  • Best of Mainsail Gold Award (1) $10,000

  • Mainsail Silver Award (1) $5,000

  • Mainsail Bronze Awards (2) $2,500

  • Awards of Excellence (10) $1,500

  • Awards of Distinction (15) $1,000

  • Awards of Merit (20) $500

  • Purchase Awards (10) $200 each

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