Meet our 2026 UpTown Art Expo Judges
Mark Parrish
Mark Parrish
A painter heavily influenced by Dutch painting and the alternative and punk cultures of the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s, Mark Parrish brings a dynamic fusion of classical technique and countercultural energy to his work.
Mark Parrish earned his undergraduate degree from the Atlanta College of Art, followed by a Master of Fine Arts from Parsons School of Design in New York City.
Beginning in the 1990s, Mark Parrish exhibited extensively in Atlanta, New York, and Philadelphia, and has since continued to show work in Brooklyn, Miami, Tampa, Los Angeles, Stockholm, San Francisco, Boston, and Ontario, Canada.
In addition to their studio practice, Mark has worked for nearly 30 years in art galleries and museums in both Atlanta and New York City. Most notably, they served as Chief Preparator at the Vero Beach Museum of Art.
Mark currently works as Associate Curator at the Museum of Art DeLand and will present an upcoming exhibition in Boston in 2026.
Jay Spalding
Jay Spalding
Jay Spalding is a native Floridian hose art emphasizes the natural beauty of the state. Drawings, paintings, woodblocks are in his repertoire, but his medium of choice is clay. Spalding’s award-winning wheel thrown sculptures, both innovative and creative, have been shown internationally and nationally.
As a Distinguished Professor of Studio Arts, Spalding’s love of the creative processes and integrity of aesthetic academics is passed on to his students. Thirty-five years at Seminoles State College, then years at UCF, Spalding immerses his students in the practice of aesthetic literacy and the joy of meaning of making.
Hi BFA is from Ringling School of Art and Design and his MA is from the University of Central Florida. Spalding’s work is shown regularly in a variety of local galleries as well. (Alice William Jenkins Gallery, Fifth Ave. Gallery, Gallery of First, The Homer and Dolly Hand Art Center, Harris House, Made By Gallery, OVAL Galleries, Orlando City Arts Factory, Orlando City Hall, The Potter House, FAVO.) In addition, he has given workshops and lectures, featured in the Orlando Sentinel , and has judged several other Art Festivals.