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GALA & AWARDS CEREMONY NOV. 7

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

What it's all about...

For over 30 years, it's been ADC's mission to support living artists by selling their artwork to private collectors, corporations, healthcare facilities, and the hospitality industry. The Art Comes Alive (ACA) exhibition and awards gala, now entering its 17th year, has earned its reputation as the "Academy Awards for Artists."

Held inside our stunning 13,000 sq. ft. gallery in Cincinnati's vibrant Over-the-Rhine district, this annual exhibition brings together 250 living artists. Showcasing all mediums and styles from paintings, mixed media, glass, photography, ceramics, and installations. Many artists see ACA as a career-making opportunity.

This one-of-a-kind event connects artists with industry professionals who can elevate their careers.
More exposure, more opportunities, and more ways to get your work seen!


CLICK HERE TO SEE HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST YEAR.

ACA, 17 Years and Counting...

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OVER $450,000 IN AWARDS FOR 2026!

Purchase Awards

For Corporate...

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& Residential Collectors!

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ACA 2026 is more than a competition – it’s a powerful opportunity to place your work in front of the people who are actively looking for exceptional art from emerging, mid career and notable artists.

Before and during ACA, ADC actively engages corporate art buyers, private collectors, interior designers and art enthusiast seeking artwork. Many are looking to discover artists whose work they can collect, commission, and continue to follow. For participating artists, ACA 2026 offers something invaluable: visibility beyond the competition itself.

One introduction can lead to a sales. One collector can become a livelong supporter. One corporate connection can lead to an entire project.

Explore our 2026 Purchase Awards Below!

Budget $50,000: One of the most prominent law firms... READ MORE >>

One of the most prominent law firms in Cincinnati is selecting artwork for three floors of their newly renovated space. They’re looking for abstracts and nature inspired works in in all mediums to include paintings, mixed media and photography.

Budget $5,000: ADC's best corporate client... READ MORE >>

ADC’s best corporate client (a large insurance company) of over 30 years is looking for a painting to place on the cover of their annual report. They are open to all themes and mediums.

Budget $10,000: The same insurance company... READ MORE >>

The same insurance company just remodeled their executive floor and looking for nature inspired paintings for their lobby.

Budget $20,000: A large IT, aerospace supplier... READ MORE >>

A large IT, aerospace supplier needs four pieces in their new corporate facility. They want dynamic abstracts and open to all mediums.

Budget $15,000: One of the largest corporations in Cincinnati... READ MORE >>

One of the larges corporations in Cincinnati has recently renovated the wing of their Marketing Department. They are looking for six new paintings and love rural landscapes, impressionism, and realism.

Budget $4,000: A private collector... READ MORE >>

A private collector is looking for a sculpture for the center of their grand living room to go on a round table. Glass, clay or mixed media works are their preference.

Budget $15,000: A long term private collector... READ MORE >>

A long term private collector is looking for two pieces for her new condo with river views. She loves figurative, colorful, and dimensional works.

Budget $20,000: One of ADC's newest clients... READ MORE >>

One of ADC’s newest clients wants to create a “gallery wall” on their long corridor. They are looking for 4-8 news pieces in a variety of sizes, shapes and subject matter.

Budget $25,000: An executive and his wife... READ MORE >>

An executive and his wife want to “spruce up” their piano room and main foyer with two large paintings. They love abstracts, landscapes and figurative works.

Budget $30,000: A designer and his client... READ MORE >>

A designer and his client are looking for works for a beautiful home on the east side. They need a piece above their expansive 12” high fireplace in the family room and two pieces in the main corridor. Commissions are welcome if they find the right artist.

Budget $15,000: A surgeon and his wife... READ MORE >>

A surgeon and his wife have a new home in Naples Florida and looking for a variety of pieces to include sculpture, paintings and mixed media.

Budget $20,000: A movie producer... READ MORE >>

A movie producer recently purchased a home and looking for a mix of pieces to go with her eclectic and whimsical interior.

Budget $10,000: A client with a new home... READ MORE >>

A client with a new home in Mt. Adams is looking for a painting for their dining room and kitchen. They love abstracts and lots of color.

Budget $30,000: ADC's newest client... READ MORE >>

ADC’s newest client recently remodeled their home in an exclusive neighborhood and looking for abstracts in a variety of sizes and mediums. They love blue!

Budget $15,000: An anesthesiologist and her husband... READ MORE >>

An anesthesiologist and her husband recently moved their young family into a beautiful new home. They are looking for art in their family room, large kitchen/dining room.

Meet the jurors!

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Litsa Spanos

President, ADC Fine Art

Gallery Contracts (10)
TOTAL VALUE $125,000

About Litsa

Litsa is an accomplished, award-winning gallery owner and art consultant specializing in corporate, healthcare industries as well as working with private collectors and interior designers. She transformed a retired popcorn factory into a 13,000 sq ft gallery and framing facility, and ADC now ranks among the top 2% of women-owned businesses nationwide.

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Candice Gorman

Partner & Fine Art Appraiser, Art Leaders Gallery

Gallery Contracts (3)
TOTAL VALUE $37,500

About Candice

Candice has help multiple leadership roles in the fine art industry including opening an art gallery in The Forum Shops at Ceasar's Palace in Las Vegas, which was named "Best New Art Gallery in Las Vegas" by Vegas Magazine. She is an Auctioneer and a member of the Michigan Auctioneer Association in addition to providing exceptional collecting experiences at Art Leaders Gallery through events and one-on-one personalized services.

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Annie Kautz

Gallery Director, ADC Fine Art

Solo Show (2)
Group Show (6)
 TOTAL VALUE $26,000

About Annie

ADC's Gallery Director, Annie specializes in gallery management, curation, and artist relations. She curates and organizes ADC's Solo Shows, Group Shows, Art Comes Alive, and Radiance exhibitions, while also working closely with artists. Annie also oversees ADC's participation in national art fairs including Red Dot Miami, Intersect Palm Springs, The Salt Lake Art Show, and more.  

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Valerie Phillips

Owner, Gallery V Fine Arts

Gallery Contracts (2)
TOTAL VALUE $25,000

About Valerie

Valerie brings more than 35 years of experience in the art and design industry. Before opening Gallery V Fine Arts in Overland Park, Kansas, she spent 15 years managing three independent art galleries in the Kansas City area. With a background in graphic design and creative direction, Valerie brings a diverse perspective to gallery management, artist representation, and curating a collection of original fine art from local to international artists.

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Chance Smith

Assistant Gallery Director, ADC Fine Art

ADC Fine Art Magazine Features (6) print & digital
TOTAL VALUE $18,800

About Chance

Chance has spent their life filled with a love of all art styles and mediums and developing a sharp eye for design. While studying literature and education at the University of Cincinnati, Chance has become an invaluable resource at the gallery in managing the inventory system, assisting with art handeling & shipping, artist communications and working to fill in wherever help is needed.

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Amy Scalia

Marketing Director, ADC Fine Art

SmartSell Memberships (10) at varying levels
TOTAL VALUE $18,700

About Amy

As ADC's Marketing Director, Amy manages social media, content creation services, the SmartSell membership platform, as well as events and sponsorships. With a passion for storytelling and brand development, she implements initiatives that elevate artists, increase the gallery's visibility, and reach more collectors through digital and experiential marketing efforts.

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David Gorman

Partner & Curator, bG Gallery

Gallery Contract (1)
TOTAL VALUE $12,500

About David

With over 15 years of experience, David has built a global career as an art dealer, curator, and gallery owner. David became a partner at the bG Gallery after many years working as an Art Auctioneer and, later Director of the world's largest commercial art gallery. He continues to support and elevate both emerging and established artists across a variety of disciplines at bG Gallery in Santa Monica's Bergamot Station.

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Nelli Gribyan

Owner, Idaho Art Gallery

Gallery Contract (1)
TOTAL VALUE $12,500

About Nelli

Nelli is an entrepreneur, curator, and owner of Idaho Art Gallery, with locations in Boise and Meridian. With a background in business, marketing, and entrepreneurship, she brings a unique perspective to the gallery world, combining strong business expertise with a genuine passion for artists and their work. She focuses on discovering and championing artists, curating thoughtful exhibitions, developing collectors, and creating meaningful connections between art and community.

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Amber O'Neal

Gallery Director, Gallery500

Gallery Contract (1)
TOTAL VALUE $12,500

About Amber

Amber is the Gallery Director of Gallery500, where she curates a collection of local, national, and international fine art. With a background in art history, museum studies, and gallery management, she brings extensive experience working with galleries and museums throughout Florida. Amber is also President of the Florida Women’s Arts Association, supporting female artists and strengthening the arts community throughout Central Florida.

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Cynthia Lou

Curator, Twisted Track Gallery

Gallery Contract (1)
TOTAL VALUE $12,500

About Cynthia

In 2014, Cynthia founded Sparrow Gallery in Sacramento, growing it into a prominent regional gallery before shifting her focus in 2023 to curatorial work and artist representation. Throught her career, Cynthia has curated exhibitions across a wide range of genres and mediums. She currently serves as Cheif Curator and Gallery Manager at Twisted Track Gallery, where she continues to connect artists with audiences and create thoughtful exhibitions.

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Eric Smith

CEO, Redwood Art Group

$1k Credit Towards an Art Fair of Your Choice (5)
TOTAL VALUE $5,000

About Eric

Since founding Redwood in 2009, Eric has built it into one of the most influential producers of fine art fairs in the world, hosting Spectrum Chicago, Artexpo New York, Spectrum Miami, Red Dot Miami, and Art Santa Fe. These shows bring thousands of artists, galleries, and collectors together, creating vital opportunities for exposure and sales. His mission is to support artists and galleries through exhibitions, education, and marketing. 

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Todd Haile

Art Director, Studio El

Art Publishing Contract (1)

About Todd

Studio El connects artists with opportunities to have their work featured in healthcare, workplace, hospitality, multifamily, and residential environments. As Art Director, Todd plays a key role in shaping the studio’s artistic direction and curating artwork for its design-focused collections. For artists, connecting with Todd offers an opportunity to have their work considered for projects and introduced to a broader network of industry professionals sourcing art for commercial and residential spaces.

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Jodi Wheeler

Owner, Blue Crow Gallery

Custom 1-on-1 Consultation (1)
TOTAL VALUE $200

About Jodi

Jodi has worked as an art dealer and gallery manager in Australia and Canada, and co-opened Second Door Studio & Retail Gallery in Toronto's Distillery District in 2015 giving her extensive insight into the art industry. In 2026, she founded Blue Crow Gallery where she continues to build meaningful relationships with artists and collectors while creating opportunities for artists through exhibitions, education, and community engagement.

Artist Grants

Eric Boyer Artist Grant - $500

ADC had the privilege of representing Eric's work for more than fifteen years.

Through our longstanding relationship, his artistic legacy will live on in the many works that now grace the homes and offices of our clients. Each piece serves as a lasting reminder of Eric's talent, creativity, and the meaningful impact his art has on so many. We will miss him dearly.

The Eric Boyer Artist Grant honors his spirit of curiosity, innovation, and creative expression.

Carol Pfetzing Artist Grant - $500

Although Carol was new to our gallery, we felt incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to represent and share her beautiful work. It was especially meaningful to see one of her pieces quickly find a home with a private collector.

We are deeply saddened by her passing and will always remember her warm smile, beautiful heart, and the joy she brought to those around her. Carol may have been with us for a short time, but she left a lasting impression on all of us.

The Carol Pfetzing Artist Grant honors her lifelong dedication to creativity and artistic expression.

Important Dates:

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ALL MEDIUMS ACCEPTED

Paintings (all genres), Drawings, Mixed Media, Glass, Photography,
Textile, Sculpture, Digital Art, Ceramic, Installations, Conceptual Art

Application Fee: $25 per piece 
(apply with 4+ pieces, get your last entry free!)

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

OPENING GALA & AWARDS CEREMONY NOV. 7

Still have questions? CLICK HERE for our list of frequently asked questions!