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2025 marks a momentous year for the Council on Culture & Arts (COCA), as we proudly celebrate our 40th anniversary of serving as the heart of the region’s vibrant arts and cultural community. Since our founding in 1985, COCA has been dedicated to promoting and preserving the rich cultural landscape of our community, nurturing creativity, and supporting artists and cultural organizations through grants, advocacy, and programs that benefit the public.

 As part of this significant anniversary, we are thrilled to reveal a special 40th-anniversary edition logo, designed by local artist Lindsey Masterson aka Pen & Tool. Lindsey’s unique approach, blending contemporary design with elements inspired by the diverse arts community, embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration that COCA champions. The logo will serve as a symbol of both our legacy and future commitment to arts and culture in the years ahead.

Stay tuned for upcoming events, exhibitions, and initiatives as we celebrate this incredible milestone with our community. Thank you for your continued support over the last four decades. Here’s to the next 40 years of creativity, collaboration, and cultural growth!

40th anniversary playlist of local musicians

  1. Gordy Cox – Instagram | YouTube | Email
  2. Hot Tamale  – Website | Facebook | Email
  3. David T. McKenzie – YouTube | Email
  4. Brandon Severns – Website | Facebook | Email
  5. Sleepy John B – Facebook
  6. Catherine Miller – Website | Instagram | Facebook
  7. Artist T.R.I.G.G.A – Website | Instagram | Email
  8. Kimmy K – Website | Email 
  9. Washer Dryer – Email
  10. JustinBobby – Website | Soundcloud | Email
  11. Gamble Cosmos – Website | Instagram | Email
  12. Larry McCraw – Facebook
  13. Langtry
  14. The Icks
  15. Sarah Morrison
  16. Miracle Roy
  17. The Wabbits
  18. Murmurs

COCA 40th Anniversary Year Exhibitions

City Hall Gallery

WinterFest | Dec 1, 2024 – Feb 10, 2025

Ascension & Regression | Feb 12 – April 7, 2025

Creative Tallahassee | April 9 – June 2, 2025

Quilter’s Guild | June 4 – Aug 4, 2025

Breathe in Color | Aug 6 – Oct 1, 2025

Brush Strokes | Oct 3 – Dec 1, 2025

WinterFest 2025 | Dec 3, 2025 – Feb 2026

Artport Gallery

Sarah Painter Hayes | Feb 22 – March 17, 2025

Natalia Andreeva | March 19 – May 12, 2025

May 14 – July 7, 2025 | Janice McCaskill

Amy Cober | July 9 – Sept 1

Movers & Makers 2025 | Sept 3 – Nov 3, 2025

PhotoFest | Nov 5, 2025 – Jan 2026

COCA Exhibitions Through the Years

COCA’s K-12 WinterFestival Art Exhibition has been an annual event since 2001. Art teachers from all over the Leon County School District and their students participate in this special exhibition every year. Artworks range in media from paintings and drawings, and photography to sculpture and mixed media pieces created by local young artists from ages 5 to 18. We are proud to support our young artists of the future as well as their arts educators who play a vital role in their creative lives. 

COCA’s PhotoFest Annual Juried Photography Exhibition has occurred yearly since 2003, always exhibited in the Artport Gallery located at the Tallahassee International Airport. Photographers from Tallahassee, Leon County, and within a 100-mile radius of the Capital City have been exhibiting their photography in the Artport Gallery for over 20 years. 

40th Anniversary Programs & Events

Join the Council on Culture & Arts and this year’s Photofest awardees and juror for an evening of discussion, art, and conversation. Present at the panel will be Kathryn Stiver (1st Place Winner), Philip Sura (3rd Place Winner), Michael Riffle (Honorable Mention Award), Jean Smith (Honorable Mention Award), and Kenneth Reshard (Juror). This is a COCA Members-Only Event. Purchase a membership here and register for the event here.

On Wednesday, January 15th, 2025, at 6pm, join COCA and our panelists as we have a discussion on art and community at Paul Tamanian’s new gallery in Midtown. Parking is available at the gallery with overflow into Redwire’s parking lot next door and light refreshments and drinks will be provided. COCA wants to kick off our 40th anniversary year with a big “Thank You” to our Members!

Directors Through The Years

40th Anniversary Newspaper gallery