TAMPA, Fla. (June 17, 2026) — Tampa mixed-media artist and marketing executive Eric Polins has advanced to the Quarter-Finals of The People’s Artist competition presented by Johnny Depp and has publicly pledged to donate 100% of the competition’s $25,000 grand prize to The Art of Elysium if he wins.
What makes Polins’ campaign unusual is that he is competing not for personal financial gain, but to transform a potential victory into a charitable gift supporting an organization that brings art, creativity, and healing to hospitalized children, veterans, and individuals facing life challenges.
Recently advancing into the Quarter-Finals, Polins now finds himself among the top one percent of artists participating in the national competition.
“Art has given me opportunities, friendships, purpose, and perspective throughout my life,” said Polins. “If somehow this journey ends with a $25,000 check, I want every dollar to go right back to an organization using art to help others heal.”
The People’s Artist competition has attracted thousands of artists from across the country. Quarter-Finalists compete for a feature in Artforum magazine, an exclusive exhibition opportunity through The Art of Elysium, and the $25,000 grand prize.
“Winning would be wonderful, but the real goal is creating something larger than myself,” Polins added. “Every free vote and every donated vote brings us one step closer to turning art into direct support for people who need it.”
A longtime Tampa creative professional, Polins serves as Managing Partner and Chief Creative Officer of HCP Associates, a Tampa-based research, strategy, and marketing firm celebrating its 40th anniversary. Outside of his professional career, he creates large-scale mixed-media works that combine original illustration, vintage imagery, hand-cut collage, acrylic paint, metallic inks, and resin.
Supporters can cast one free vote daily at: https://peoplesartist.org/2026/eric-polins
Those wishing to further support the cause may also cast additional votes through charitable donations made via the competition platform. According to competition rules, voter donation contributions are deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes in accordance with applicable law, with proceeds benefiting The Art of Elysium.
About Eric Polins
Eric Polins is a Tampa-based mixed-media artist, filmmaker, and creative strategist whose work explores memory, music, culture, and personal storytelling through layered mixed-media compositions. His artwork combines hand-drawn illustration, collage, acrylics, and resin to create contemporary visual narratives.
Eric R. Polins
HCP Associates
Managing Partner & Chief Creative Officer
Date Posted: June 18, 2026
