The Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) has officially announced the winner of the 2025 Florida Prize in Contemporary Art: South Florida-based artist Nathalie Alfonso. The prestigious $20,000 award, now in its 11th year, recognizes groundbreaking contemporary artists living and working in the state of Florida. Presented by VyStar Credit Union and curated by OMA Chief Curator Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon, this year’s exhibition is a compelling survey of visual voices shaping Florida’s cultural landscape.

Honoring Vision and Labor: Nathalie Alfonso

Selected by juror Rod Bigelow, Executive Director of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Alfonso was celebrated for her distinctive, movement-driven approach to contemporary art. Her work embodies the fusion of physical labor and artistic expression—often drawing from her early years in the U.S. when cleaning homes served as both a source of income and inspiration.

Alfonso’s award-winning piece, LineScape—Onset, transforms an 87-by-17-foot wall into a sweeping visual meditation on effort, repetition, and space. Created over three weeks using pastel gestures, the work blends architectural structure with the fluidity of landscape—a poetic nod to both the body and environment.

“It is a privilege to recognize Nathalie Alfonso with the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art,” said OMA CEO Cathryn Mattson. “Her work captivates the eye and challenges the mind, offering bold perspectives that invite deeper reflection.”

Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Alfonso’s academic background includes a Master of Fine Arts from Southern Methodist University and a BFA from Florida International University. Her earlier exhibitions include notable spaces such as The Frank Gallery and NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale.

A Diverse Exhibition of Florida’s Creative Landscape

Running from May 31 through August 21, the 2025 Florida Prize in Contemporary Art exhibition features 10 influential artists: Nathalie Alfonso, Eddie Arroyo, Leo Castañeda, Kelly Joy Ladd, Amanda Linares, Kandy G. Lopez, Jiha Moon, Troy Simmons, Cornelius Tulloch, and Lisu Vega.

Each artist explores contemporary issues ranging from urban transformation and cultural identity to memory and family legacies. The result is a rich, multi-medium exhibition that immerses visitors in the complexities and beauty of Florida’s contemporary art scene.

Rod Bigelow praised the collective impact of this year’s artists:
“The ten artists in this show have elevated the experience beyond my expectations. It’s incredibly thrilling to see that art is well alive in the state of Florida.”

Cast Your Vote: People’s Choice Award

In addition to the Florida Prize, visitors are invited to vote for their favorite artist throughout the summer. Sponsored by AdventHealth, the People’s Choice award includes a $5,000 prize and will be announced during the exhibition’s closing ceremony on August 21.

Whether you’re an art aficionado or a curious traveler, the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art offers a meaningful way to engage with the ideas, labor, and passion behind today’s most impactful Florida-based artists.

Plan Your Visit

The 2025 Florida Prize in Contemporary Art is on view at the Orlando Museum of Art now through August 21. For full details on the exhibition, featured artists, and upcoming programming, visit www.omart.org.

HotelsEscape.com recommends making a visit part of your Orlando summer itinerary—you’ll discover not just art, but the stories that power it.

For more Florida arts and cultural travel highlights, stay tuned to HotelsEscape.com – your guide to unforgettable stays and authentic local experiences.

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