Competitions Archives - Side Arts

Visions In Clay Art Competion (Stockton, CA) – Call For Artists

Visions In Clay Art Competion (Stockton, CA) – Call For Artists

[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] The LH Horton Jr Gallery, located on the campus of San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, California, announces a call for artists for Visions In Clay. This art competition was founded by the San Joaquin Potters Guild in 2002, and has been presented by the Horton Art Gallery since 2010.

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 23 June 2025

Eligibility

  • Entry is open to artists residing in the U.S.
  • Ceramic works of any thematic and stylistic presentation are accepted for entry. Clay must be the primary medium.
  • Artwork that has been previously exhibited at the Horton Art Gallery is not eligible for entry.
  • Artwork may not exceed 4ft. in any dimension.
  • Online Entry Fee: $30 1-3 Entries / $45 4-6 Entries
  • Selection Announcement by July 14, 2025

Exhibition Juror: Nancy M. Servis, ceramic artist, curator, author, and educator.

Visions In Clay Artist Benefits

Visions In Clay is one of the largest ceramic exhibitions in Northern California, with 50-60 works in each show. In addition to the Gallery exhibition, there is an online exhibition website with individual exhibiting artists’ webpage and links to their websites and social media sites. Gallery and online sales are promoted, with a nominal 20% commission to the Gallery, and 80% back to the artist. The exhibition is well known nationally and presents quality ceramic works by established artists selected by high profile jurors.

Gallery Exhibition: August 28 – September 25, 2025 (as well as an exhibition website with individual webpages for exhibiting artists).

  • Gallery Awards: $800 | $600 | $400
  • San Joaquin Potters Guild Founders Award: $300
  • Regional Artist Award: Ceramic Demonstration Workshop for Delta College Students ~ $800

About LH Horton Jr Gallery

The LH Horton Jr Gallery is a fine arts exhibition and events program within the Arts & Multimedia TrAC at San Joaquin Delta College, and a venue of Delta Center for the Arts. The Gallery presents contemporary art exhibitions and associated visual arts events and workshops to:

  • Support Student Learning Outcomes in the visual arts curriculum.
  • Build knowledge in the aesthetic, technical, cultural and historical context of the visual arts.
  • Exhibitions include an annual student art show, and biannual alumni and art faculty exhibitions, as well as the Gallery’s signature curated and juried shows, such as the annual Visions In Clay exhibition.

For more information, contact jan.marlese@deltacollege.edu

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Newton Free Library Art Exhibits (Massachusetts) – Call For Artists

Newton Free Library Art Exhibits (Massachusetts) – Call For Artists

[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] The Newton Free Library announces a call for artists for the July – December 2025 exhibits. Artists must be from the New England region.

The Newton Free Library presents twelve art shows each year in the building’s Main Hall, featuring works by New England artists. As one of the busiest public library buildings in Massachusetts, this exhibit space is highly sought after and well-loved by library patrons.

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 11 April 2025

The Library welcomes applications from New England artists showing two-dimensional works that are compatible with the Walker display system. Both individual and group shows are welcome. Each exhibit is on display for one month.

Free-standing sculptural pieces are not eligible.

The Library encourages artists from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences to apply.

Newton Free Library Artist Benefits

Many artists seek to exhibit their work at The Newton Free Library because the location guarantees that their work will be seen by a large audience. The Library is visited by more than 45,000 people each month. Most visitors enter through the Main Hall and see the art exhibits as they arrive. Library patrons are keenly tuned into the gallery spaces – visiting and spending time appreciating the works shown. Given that free gallery space is difficult to come by, it is a boon for artists that, if selected, they show fee-free. There is no commission for work sold and there is no fee to apply.

About the Newton Free Library

The Newton Free Library is a community center at the heart of cultural activity in Newton, Massachusetts, a city south west of Boston with a population of approximately 90,000. Residents enjoy the art exhibits in the Library’s Main Hall and eagerly await them each month. The highly-visible exhibit location is just off the main entrance door. Visitors walk by the Main Hall as they come into the building. There is competition for exhibitions where many award-winning artists have been featured.

For more information, contact admin@newtonfreelibrary.net

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Visual Art Open (London, UK) – Call For Artists

Visual Art Open (London, UK) – Call For Artists

[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] Visual Art Open announces a call for artists for Visual Art Open (VAO) 2025.

The VAO is a prestigious art competition celebrating creativity across all levels of artistic experience. Offering a £10,000 prize fund, this platform provides exceptional opportunities for artists, from emerging talents to established professionals. Participants gain global recognition through social media promotion, a finalist exhibition in London, and access to a network of art collectors and enthusiasts. The VAO fosters inclusivity with multiple categories, empowering artists from diverse backgrounds to showcase their individuality.

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 12 March 2025

In collaboration with the Visual Artists Association (VAA), the competition ensures winners receive career-boosting support, including cash prizes, mentorship, memberships, and exhibition opportunities. As a not-for-profit initiative funded by registration fees, donations, and sponsorships, the VAO passionately supports artists while aiming to make art accessible and impactful. By entering, artists connect with a vibrant community, gain exposure, and embrace unique opportunities to advance their careers.

Artists can gain significant benefits from participating in the Visual Art Open (VAO) competition:

  • Cash Prizes: The total prize fund of £10,000 includes financial rewards for winners, helping to support their artistic journey.
  • Global Exposure: Winners and finalists receive extensive promotion across social media, exhibitions, and through a network of art collectors and enthusiasts.
  • Exhibition Opportunities: Finalists showcase their work at a prestigious exhibition in London, offering a chance to connect directly with the art community.
  • Career Support: Winners gain mentorship, Visual Artists Association (VAA) memberships, and guidance to advance their artistic careers.
  • Community Engagement: Artists join a vibrant and supportive community, gaining inspiration and networking opportunities.

About The Visual Art Open

The Visual Art Open (VAO) stands out as an exciting and meaningful opportunity for artists at any stage of their career. It offers a platform for creative individuals to showcase their talent on a global scale, with the chance to gain international recognition and valuable exposure.

What makes it particularly intriguing is its holistic approach to supporting artists. Beyond the impressive £10,000 prize fund, the VAO provides career-advancing benefits such as mentorship, exhibition opportunities in London, and promotion across a network of collectors and art enthusiasts. Its inclusive categories encourage diversity and celebrate individuality in the art world.

Moreover, the competition’s partnership with the Visual Artists Association ensures ongoing support for winners, making it not just a contest but a career-boosting experience. The VAO also contributes to the art community as a not-for-profit initiative, adding a sense of purpose and impact. It’s a perfect blend of creativity, opportunity, and support!

For more information, contact info@visualartopen.com

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Trees (Online Photography Competition) – Call For Artists

Trees (Online Photography Competition) – Call For Artists

[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] The New York Center for Photographic Art (NYC4PA) announces a call for artists for Trees, an online photography competition.

“I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree.”

Joyce Kilmer wrote those words in 1915. They hold true today. Trees are all around us in cities, towns, and the country. They can be a striking visual, as a standalone in a barren landscape or part of everyday life in the yard with an old tire swing hanging from a low branch. Trees are as much a part of the animal kingdom, providing limbs for resting and nesting, as they are wonderful sources of food for many species.

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 6 April 2025

NYC4PA offers opportunities to participate in themed calls for photographers. Each call has a different theme and 50 images win. The prizes total $4,000. There is a grand prize, 3 first prizes, 3 second prizes, 3 third prizes, 20 juror’s selections, and 20 honorable mentions. All 50 winners are posted in a gallery on the NYC4PA website and included in an exhibition gallery. The call is open to any photographers worldwide and of any age, amateurs or professional. A professional photographer, gallery owner, or photography teacher is the juror.

About New York Center for Photographic Art

The mission of the New York Center for Photographic Art is to provide exhibition opportunities in the vibrant New York City gallery world to photographers around the globe. NYC4PA offers international, themed, open call competitions juried by recognized experts in the field of photography. Prizes include cash awards, online gallery, catalog, and New York City gallery exhibits.

For more information, contact nyc4pa@gmail.com

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Outdoor Juried Art Exhibition (Sarasota, FL)- Call For Artists

Outdoor Juried Art Exhibition (Sarasota, FL)- Call For Artists

[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] Embracing Our Differences announces a call for artists for their outdoor juried art exhibition.

Since 2004, Embracing Our Differences has used the power of art to promote acceptance. The centerpiece of Embracing Our Differences is an outdoor juried art exhibition featuring 50 billboard size images (12.5 feet by 16 feet) created by local, national, and international artists. The display reflects the artists’ interpretations of the theme, Embracing Our Differences.

 

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 1 July 2025

The outdoor juried art exhibition will be on display mid-January through mid-April 2026 in two locations in Sarasota and Pinellas counties in Florida.

  • Awards are given for Best-in-Show Adult, Best-in-Show Student, and People’s Choice categories, with the last chosen by visitors to each exhibit location.
  • Adult winners each receive $2,000.
  • Student winners receive $2,000, with $1,000 to be directed to the student and $1,000 to their school’s art program, if they worked under the direction of an educator.

The 2024 exhibition was viewed by more than 422,000 visitors, allowing the artist to have their work viewed by locals and tourists from around the world.

About Embracing Our Differences

Embracing Our Differences is a Southwest Florida nonprofit celebrating individuality and shared humanity through art and education. An annual juried exhibition features thought-provoking artwork from around the world, sparking conversations about understanding and acceptance. Additionally, comprehensive educational programs engage students of all ages, providing them with the tools to critically examine their own biases and build empathy for others. Through interactive workshops, teacher training, and curriculum development, Embracing Our Differences equips educators to create inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive.

For more information, contact exhibit@embracingourdifferences.org

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ARC Salon (International Art Competition) – Call For Artists

ARC Salon (International Art Competition) – Call For Artists

[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] The Art Renewal Center announces a call for artists for The 18th International ARC Salon Competition.

When talking about competitions dedicated to 21st Century Realism, the Art Renewal Center’s International ARC Salon ® is the largest in the world, receiving over 5,000 entries from 87 countries last competition. It is no wonder why artists are entering.

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 12 June 2025

Categories include: figurative, portraiture, imaginative realism, drawing, landscape, still life, plein air painting, fully from life, sculpture, animals, and a special category for teens.

ARC Salon Artist Benefits

With over $130,000 in cash awards and international recognition through the ARC website, which receives over 2,000,000 visitors annually, the ARC Salon offers career changing opportunities through partnerships with prestigious magazines, museums, and galleries. Don’t miss your chance to compete!

  • All winners, honorable mentions, finalists, and semi-finalists will have their entries accompanied by their name and artwork details displayed on the ARC website. Biography, photo of the artist, and painting descriptions provided during the entry process may be shown for all qualifying works.
  • All winners, honorable mentions, and some finalists will be featured in the 17th/18th International ARC Salon Book, “International Realism”.
  • In addition, all winners and honorable mentions will receive an award certificate suitable for framing.

Works do not need to be available for sale to win any of the awards other then Purchase Awards. Works do not need to be available to exhibit in the ARC Salon Exhibition for all awards other then FWSD Awards.

About Art Renewal Center

Leading the revival of realism in the visual arts, the Art Renewal Center ® (ARC), a 501(c)(3), non-profit, educational foundation, hosts the largest online museum dedicated to representational art and includes works by the old masters, 19th century, and 21st Century Artists as well as articles, letters, and other online resources. The ARC is the foremost and only vetting service for representational art schools ensuring that the teaching curricula and quality of teacher and student work meet strict standards to become ARC Approved.

The ARC runs the ARC Salon Competition, which is the largest and most prestigious competition in the world for realist artists painting, sculpting, and drawing today with eleven categories and thousands of works competing, culminating in a live exhibition of many of the winning works. The ARC works with other ARC Allied Organizations, artist groups, museums, and publications to become a central news hub for the 21st Century Representational Art Movement.

For more information, contact sabrina.foland@artrenewal.org

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PleinAir Salon February Art Competition (Online) – Call For Artists

PleinAir Salon February Art Competition (Online) – Call For Artists

[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] PleinAir Magazine announces a call for artists for their PleinAir Salon February Art Competition. In the spirit of the French Salon created by the Academie des Beaux-Arts in Paris, this annual online competition, with 12 monthly cycles, leading to the Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition, is designed to stimulate artistic growth through competition.

The competition rewards artists with $50,000 in all cash prizes each year with the winning painting featured on the cover of PleinAir magazine.

 

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 28 February 2025

The PleinAir Salon $50,000 Art Competition is an online competition consisting of 12 monthly cycles of competitions and one annual competition. They award a total of $50,000 in cash prizes each year for this competition.

  • Annual Grand Prize winner receives a check for $15,000 and is featured on the cover of PleinAir Magazine
  • Additional awards totalling $9,200 to the annual winners
  • Awards totalling $2,150 in the monthly competitions.

Each of the 23 monthly winners will be automatically entered into the Annual Competition. Each of the monthly winners receive cash prizes, promotion in PleinAir Magazine, both print and digital. Winners are promoted in the digital edition of Fine Art Connoisseur, a magazine for art collectors. Artists receive editorial coverage in newsletters and websites. The annual awards are presented live at the Plein Air Convention & Expo each spring.

“It is always so exciting to win something, and also such an honor. I really like participating in the Plein Air Salon Competition for many reasons, but one is that you are so great about sharing and promoting the award winners. It makes me want to keep painting the best I can and to enter every month.” – Sheryl Knight

“PleinAir Salon has such a wonderful reputation for attracting world class artists that I was so impressed when I found out I was amongst the top 100 finalists. Then when I discovered I had won the Animal and Bird section I was completely speechless. I know I have worked hard over the last few years to really improve my craft, but this has been an overwhelming honor.” – Angela Parr

“Entering this contest on a monthly basis is something I have come to regard as both essential and enjoyable. It seems like every so often one of my paintings catches lightening in a bottle, so that’s a thrill. Thank you and the staff for all the work to promote artists and the arts.” – Christopher Forrest

About PleinAir Magazine

PleinAir Magazine is for plein air artists, enthusiasts, and collectors showcasing a wide variety of plein air paintings, articles on the top plein air artists of today and past, and the latest information on events and shows. The PleinAir Salon Art Competition has been awarding cash prizes and promoting artists for 12 years. The PleinAir Salon is celebrating their 14th year and was created by PleinAir magazine publisher, Eric Rhoads.

For more information, contact pleinairsalon@streamlinepublishing.com

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ART 64 Live Painting Competition (Wauwatosa, WI) – Call For Artists

ART 64 Live Painting Competition (Wauwatosa, WI) – Call For Artists

[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] Discover Wauwatosa announces its 4rd annual call for artists for ART 64, presented by North Shore Bank. ART 64 is a one-of-a-kind live painting competition where 64 artists go head-to-head in a bracket-style tournament. The twist? The public votes in real-time to determine who advances through three rounds of fierce competition—all for a shot at the $20,000 grand prize!

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 28 February 2025

No fee to apply.

Any artist, age 18+, across the country and beyond can apply. This is your chance to showcase your talent to a lively crowd and engage with a supportive community of art lovers. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to grow your network, be inspired by other artists, and potentially win big! All participants receive money for participating, increasing based on the round they reach in the competition.

A jury of artists and Discover Wauwatosa staff will select the final 64 artists who will compete. Accepted artists will be notified on March 21, 2025.

Event Date: June 6 – 7, 2025

ART 64 Artist Benefits

All accepted participants will receive money for participating: All 64 artists who participate will receive a minimum of $100. Artists who advance to Round 2 will receive $250 in total. Artists who advance to Round 3 will receive $750 in total. The sole winner of ART 64 will receive $20,000 in total. This is a two-day competition with great exposure and networking opportunities for artists of all ages and backgrounds.

The 2024 ART 64 event saw over 11,000 visitors in The Village of Wauwatosa, thousands of votes cast for artists, and over 100 tournament paintings sold. The event also included family-friendly activities, live music, food and drinks, and shopping from unique, local small businesses.

Last year’s winner, Tyrone Acierto, reflected on the experience: “Winning the ART 64 painting contest was one of the most rewarding and inspiring experiences of my career. The live painting format challenged me to push my creative boundaries, while the support and energy of the community fueled my work. I encourage all artists to apply—not just for the chance to showcase your talents, but to join a vibrant network of creators and art lovers.”

About Discover Wauwatosa

ART 64 is hosted by Discover Wauwatosa. Wauwatosa is located immediately west of Milwaukee, and is a part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area. It is named after the Potawatomi Chief Wauwataesie and the Potawatomi word for firefly.

Also affectionally called Tosa, this city in Milwaukee County has a lot to offer. The great thing about Wauwatosa is that there is always a great deal going on. But that can make it challenging when it comes to planning a trip — where to begin? Worry not, as Discover Wauwatosa is here to help you find your ultimate Tosa experience, from lodging and food to events and activities.

For more information, contact art64tosa@newaukee.com

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Coffee Culture (Fredericksburg, VA) – Call For Artists

Coffee Culture (Fredericksburg, VA) – Call For Artists

[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] LibertyTown Arts Workshop announces a call for artists for Coffee Culture, a national juried art exhibition.

The nineties are back, baby, and with it, so is the nineties’ coffee house culture. Join LibertyTown this March to celebrate all things coffee and coffee culture, whether they are images of coffee, coffee bean art, celebrations of your life in a coffee house, or deeper examinations of this strange, fermented bean water’s journey from bush to mug. LibertyTown wants to see all of your art celebrating, incorporating, or exploring our sweet, sweet, caffeinated friend, coffee.

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 17 February 2025

A non-refundable application fee must be paid for each submitted piece before it will be juried. Payment may be submitted electronically via submittable or by check delivered to LibertyTown. “Friends of LibertyTown” Members receive discounted jury fees. If you aren’t already, you can become a member at http://libertytownarts.com/product/friends-of-libertytown/.

Application Fees

  • 1st piece (Non-member): $25
  • 1st piece (Member): $15
  • Each additional piece: $ 5

All artists age 16 and older, working in any media, may apply to this show. Work previously exhibited in LibertyTown’s gallery is not eligible. Work must be original and not from kits and made in the least five years.

Work accepted into the show must be for sale. Applications must be submitted electronically; no physical pieces will be accepted at the gallery for jurying. Work that will be displayed must be ready to show, with no unfired media, no wet paint, no sawtooth hangers, staple-free edges or other unfinished surfaces. LibertyTown will provide pedestals and shelving as needed. LibertyTown reserves the right to reject works accepted by the juror due to content, space constraints, or inability to properly install the work.

Calendar

  • 2/19: Notifications sent via Submittable Only
  • 3/3: Accepted work due at LibertyTown by 8PM
  • 3/7: Opening reception
  • 3/30: Show closes, unsold work may be picked up/will be shipped back

Coffee Culture Awards

  • 1st Place: $400
  • 2nd Place: $200
  • 3rd Place: $100

LibertyTown keeps a commission of 40% on all show sales. Artists are responsible for any costs related to transporting accepted work to the gallery and transporting unsold work away at the end of the show. Artists applying to this show grant LibertyTown Arts Workshop unlimited non-exclusive right to use images of accepted work to promote the exhibit and the gallery.

About LibertyTown Arts Workshop

LibertyTown Arts Workshop is a 13,000 square foot art facility located in downtown, Fredericksburg, Virginia. LibertyTown is home to over 80 artists, working artists’ studios, and a full spectrum of art classes offered to the public. Main gallery Shows rotate monthly. This ensures that LibertyTown is always presenting new items for local patrons to enjoy and experience. LibertyTown features show items for viewing and sale on their website and features show items on Facebook and Instagram pages. Located downtown, the location is walkable, and they have many visitors local and visiting. LibertyTown participates in First Friday art receptions, which is a well-attended event that happens monthly.

For more information, contact info@libertytownarts.com

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Tartget Prize (Painting Competition – Deadline Extended) – Call For Artists

Tartget Prize (Painting Competition – Deadline Extended) – Call For Artists

[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] The Tartget Prize international painting competition invites artists from around the world to participate in its first edition. The competitions is dedicated to promoting art and creating opportunities for emerging artists while consolidating the reputations of distinguished painters.

With over €50,000 in cash prizes and international recognition awards through partnerships with magazines, galleries, fine art materials, and art scholarships, there are more than 50 prizes in total.

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 15 February 2025 (original)

DEADLINE EXTENDED: 28 February 2025

  • 30 finalist spots among all participants who submit their works before December 23, 2024.
  • If you don’t secure one of these 30 spots, your work will remain in the competition, giving you another chance after the registration deadline on February 15, 2025.
  • If you submit at least two works before December 23, 2024, you will receive a 50% discount on your next application.

Open to all. Figurative, conceptual, and abstract paintings are accepted, according to categories. The registration fee for the contest is $50 for the first artwork and $30 for each additional artwork or different category. For participants under 25 years old, the registration fee is $30 for the first artwork and $15 for each additional one.

There are 10 categories to enter:

  • Urban and Industrial Landscape
  • Natural and Outdoor Landscape
  • Animals and Wildlife
  • Drawing and Illustration
  • Still Life and Everyday Objects
  • Figure and Portrait
  • Fantasy and Imaginative
  • Conceptual and Collage
  • Abstraction
  • A special category for teenagers

Works in all styles are accepted, including hyperrealism, photorealism, contemporary realism, imaginative realism, fantastic realism, surrealism, impressionism, expressionism, plein air painting, contemporary, abstraction, and any other type of representative painting.

Tartget Prize Awards

These are the main prizes of the competition:

  • Best in Show: €12,000
  • Second General Prize: €6,000
  • Third General Prize: €4,000
  • Tartget Fusion Prize: €4,000
  • Acquisition Prizes: €1,000, €2,000, €3,000, and €4,000
  • Best in Category: €500

After selecting the 200 finalists, Tartget Prize, along with a panel of physical jurors, will determine the works to be included in the grand physical exhibition to be held in Madrid, Spain, from June 5 to 12, 2025, in the historic Ateneo de Madrid building, just steps away from the Prado Museum and the Thyssen, where most of the winners will be announced.

About Tartget Prize

Tartget Prize is a major international painting competition celebrating its first edition, awarding over €50,000 in prizes. It is sponsored by some of the leading fine art product brands worldwide and boasts a prestigious jury composed of renowned international painters, gallerists, collectors, art critics, and curators.

Undoubtedly, it is a great opportunity for all painters who wish to advance their painting careers, gain recognition, establish themselves in the market, open doors to new opportunities, win significant cash prizes, and exhibit their work in Madrid, one of the world’s most important cultural cities, at the physical exhibition showcasing the best finalist and awarded works.

For more information, contact ceo@tartgetpaintingprize.com

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