National Archives - Side Arts

Rhythm: Movement in Art Exhibition (Solomons, MD) – Call For Artists

Rhythm: Movement in Art Exhibition (Solomons, MD) – Call For Artists

[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center announces a call for artists to submit original artwork to the Rhythm: Movement In Art exhibition.

This exhibition will examine how artists capture, interpret, and evoke movement through visual rhythm. From the fluidity of gestures to the pulse of repeated forms, and from the suggestion of physical motion to the sensation of energetic flow, this exhibit celebrates artworks that embody momentum, dynamic flow, and cadence.

Kinetic sculpture and other motion-based works are encouraged, especially those that physically manifest the exhibition’s themes of rhythm and movement. Works may reference rhythm found in nature, the human body, architecture, sound, or purely abstract movement, but the central focus remains on how artists create the feeling of motion through visual means. Viewers will be encouraged to experience how visual art can reflect the beats, patterns, and motions that animate the world around us.

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 5 January 2026

Artists benefit from exhibitions at Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center in a myriad of ways. Beautiful 1,200 square foot galleries show the work excellently, with natural light during the days that many other galleries don’t have. Shows are marketed in a wide variety of ways including individual show booklets featuring a page for each artist and a social media package for each exhibiting artist. There are scholarship opportunities, three cash prize juror awards, and a lovely opening reception.

About Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center

Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center is located in scenic Solomons, Maryland, where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay. The sculpture garden features a shady walking path that meanders through the woods past permanent and loaned sculpture, including over thirty works on loan from the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art. Artists in the collection include: Antonio Tobias Mendez, Barbara Hepworth, Cesar, Robert Engman, Jean Arp, Kenneth Snelson and Fransisco Zuniga.

Young guests can frolic in the Fairy Lolly Creative Play Space and explore the many trails, including the Tree-mendous Trail. The award-winning Arts Building includes rotating exhibition space, the Nature Nook, the artLAB Creative Reuse Studio, the Annmarie Gift Shop, and lovely wrap around patios. Annmarie presents a variety of popular annual festivals, rotating exhibitions, family activities, and creative public programs. The Studio School offers classes for all ages and abilities – from pottery to dance – taught by professional artists and arts educators. Come explore this special place where art and nature meet!

For more information, contact exhibits@annmariegarden.org

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M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival (Rochester, NY) – Call For Artists

M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival (Rochester, NY) – Call For Artists

[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) of the University of Rochester announces a call for artists for the M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival,  their largest annual fundraiser and biggest celebration of the arts for almost 70 years.

Artists from across the country are invited to apply to showcase their work for purchase at this juried, two-day festival, Saturday, August 29, and Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 10 am to 5 pm.

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 16 August 2026

M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival spaces are available both on the outdoor grounds and inside the Vanden Brul Pavilion. Clothesline is also the place to experience all-day live entertainment, sample food from some of Rochester’s favorite food trucks and vendors, enjoy free family art activities, and visit the museum.

Artists will have the opportunity to showcase their art to visitors from and around the Rochester and surrounding region for two days in this juried festival. All artists and makers participating in the festival submit original work, whether one-of-a-kind or limited edition. The work must be conceived and designed solely by the artist or maker, demonstrating vision, imagination, and originality.

This is the second year artists will be able to choose from outdoor or indoor spaces (indoor spaces are limited!). Food and entertainment offerings have expanded over the last year. Additionally, the admission price has been lowered to $5 for the general public, and MAG Members are admitted free of charge, as are children under the age of twelve.

About Memorial Art Gallery

A visit to the Memorial Art Gallery is a journey through more than 5,000 years of art history. From the relics of antiquity to works in the vanguard of contemporary practice, MAG offers a panorama of the world’s art. Our 14-acre campus is a spectacular public art space that is a popular destination for Rochesterians and out-of-town visitors alike.

MAG’s permanent collection of more than 13,000 objects has been called “the best balanced in the state outside of metropolitan New York City.” In addition to its collection, the museum offers a year-round schedule of temporary exhibitions, lectures, concerts, tours, and family activities.

For more information, contact clothesline@mag.rochester.edu

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National Exhibition Of Traditional Oils (Steamboat Springs, CO) – Call For Artists

National Exhibition Of Traditional Oils (Steamboat Springs, CO) – Call For Artists

[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] Oil Painters of America (OPA) announces a call for artists for the 35th National Exhibition of Traditional Oils, hosted by the Steamboat Art Museum in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, on view May 29–August 29, 2026.

This exceptional exhibition will showcase the finest works in draftsmanship, color, and composition, featuring a diverse range of styles and subjects.

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 6 March 2026

OPA membership required. Over $100,000 in awards, including a $25,000 Best in Show!

Joining Oil Painters of America connects artists across North America who are dedicated to excellence in representational oil painting. Members gain access to free educational webinars, exclusive discounts on art products, and opportunities for professional growth and recognition through workshops, exhibitions, and networking with fellow artists.

Entering the National Exhibition of Traditional Oils provides a prestigious platform to showcase your work, compete for over $100,000 in awards, including a $25,000 Best in Show, and exhibit at the Steamboat Art Museum. Participants gain national exposure among collectors, galleries, and peers, while elevating their skills and reputation in the oil painting community.

About Oil Painters of America

Oil Painters of America (OPA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the timeless art of representational oil painting. With over 3,500 members across North America, OPA connects artists of all levels in a vibrant, supportive community where creativity thrives. Members gain access to prestigious national juried exhibitions, inspiring online showcases, and the annual convention featuring a wet paint competition, paint-outs, workshops, and live demonstrations. Exclusive webinars, scholarships, and art-product discounts provide tools to grow and experiment, while networking opportunities bring together passionate artists who celebrate the beauty, skill, and tradition of oil painting.

For more information, contact lpusch@oilpaintersofamerica.com

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Lakeshore Art Festival 2026 (Muskegon, MI) – Call For Artists

Lakeshore Art Festival 2026 (Muskegon, MI)  – Call For Artists

[Sponsored Listing] The City of Muskegon, Downtown Development Authority announces a call for artists for the Lakeshore Art Festival, a two-day event that is a favorite of community and artists alike, featuring over 250 exhibitors, in beautiful Downtown Muskegon, Michigan.

The event incorporates public art projects, live street and stage performances, children’s activities, and local food vendors, making it a true community celebration of creativity. It’s not just about looking at art — it’s about experiencing it. Be a part of this juried festival and submit your application today.

 

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 1 February 2026

Exhibiting at the Lakeshore Art Festival comes with thoughtful amenities designed to make your weekend enjoyable and stress-free. Artists can look forward to cash prizes and awards totaling $3,000, along with a continental breakfast served on both Saturday and Sunday. The festival also provides booth sitters, overnight security, and drive-up loading and unloading for convenient setup and teardown. To top it off, all artists are invited to a special Artist Reception, offering a great opportunity to relax, connect, and celebrate creativity.

The Lakeshore Art Festival stands out as one of the most engaging and well-loved summer events along Michigan’s lakeshore because it combines art, community, and experience in a way that appeals to everyone — artists, locals, and visitors alike. The festival is held in the heart of downtown Muskegon, just steps from the lakeshore, restaurants, and shops — giving it a lively, walkable atmosphere. The lake breeze, art-lined streets, and live entertainment create a festival vibe that’s hard to beat. It’s not just about looking at art — it’s about experiencing it.

Fine Art Cash Prizes and Awards

  • 1st Place/Best in Show – $1,000
  • 2nd Place – $800
  • 3rd Place – $600
  • 4th Place – $400
  • Committee’s Choice – $200

Craft Art Cash Prizes and Awards

  • 1st Place – $150
  • 2nd Place – $100
  • 3rd Place – $50

Lakeshore Art Festival Testimonials

“It was the best sales at a festival I’ve had yet!”

“Setup and tear down were a breeze, no rush or fussing. The customer base were so kind and welcoming! So were the event staff! Very well organized event in a clean and beautiful area of town! Saw lots of marketing for this show on our way to set up.”

“Great volunteers, fun crowd, easy load in and out. Thank you for a great show! “

About City of Muskegon, Downtown Development Authority

The City of Muskegon, Downtown Development Authority (DDA) exists to act as a catalyst in the development of a community’s downtown district. Various funding tools exist for DDA’s including millage and tax increment financing for public improvements within the boundaries of the district. “Our mission is to allocate our resources in support of development, promotions, and events toward creating a
thriving downtown and its waterfront where all people can live, work, play, and stay.”

For more information, contact info@lakeshoreartfestival.org

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Mulvane Art Fair (Topeka, KS) – Call For Artists

Mulvane Art Fair (Topeka, KS) – Call For Artists

[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] The Mulvane Art Museum announces a call for artists for the 2026 Mulvane Art Fair in Topeka, Kansas.

The 32nd annual Mulvane Art Fair will feature artists from across the country for a two-day event that is a favorite of the community and artists alike. Be a part of this exciting event and submit your application today! With a focus on quality and variety, the fine art event is a favorite in the community and region. Proceeds from the event support the mission and programs of the Mulvane Art Museum, which is Topeka’s only art museum and is on the Washburn University campus. High standards for art are key to the success of the 2026 Mulvane Art Fair.

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 23 February 2026

Artist Amenities:

  • Monetary artist awards and a purchase award
  • Patron program
  • Saturday morning coffee & breakfast
  • Sunday morning coffee & pre-packaged snacks
  • Booth sitters
  • Water bottles delivered to your booth
  • Event map/guide
  • Overnight security
  • Booth signs
  • Food trucks
  • Clean, convenient restrooms on site
  • Assistance with move-in/move-out
  • Drastically price-reduced accommodations on campus

Patron Program: In 2025, patrons pledged in advance to purchase $18,000 worth of art and ended up spending over $45,000. Purchase patron pledges to be even greater in 2026.

Mulvane Art Fair Cash and Purchase Awards

On-site judging of the artists’ booths will take place 10am-1pm the Saturday of the Mulvane Art Fair. The award presentation the same day will give out a total of $4,600 to winning artists.

  • $1000 Best of Show
  • $500 Best of 2-Dimensional
  • $500 Best of 3-Dimensional
  • 2 Honorable mentions of $300
  • $2000 Purchase Award

About Mulvane Art Museum

The Mulvane Art Museum at Washburn University offers free admission to a nationally accredited facility with six exhibition galleries, two sculpture gardens, an interactive artmaking space, and over 6,000 works of art.

Vision: The Mulvane Art Museum empowers our community by providing art experiences that inspire creativity, encourage intellectual engagement, and connect us to each other and the world.

Mission: The Mulvane Art Museum creates pathways to learning, creativity, and connection through the visual arts. As a university museum, the Mulvane collects, preserves, and interprets works of art for the educational benefit and enjoyment of Washburn University, Topeka, and the region. The Mulvane’s collections, exhibitions, and programs support creative and scholarly work, cultivate community, promote cultural understanding, and advance the mission of Washburn University.

For more information, contact stacy.ash@washburn.edu

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Newport Beach Sculpture Exhibition (California) – Call For Artists

Newport Beach Sculpture Exhibition (California) – Call For Artists

[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] The City of Newport Beach (City) announces a call for entries for Phase X of its ongoing Newport Beach Sculpture Exhibition to further activate the splendor of its Civic Center Park.

Up to ten artworks may be selected and showcased for three years in the 14-acre, ocean-view site designed by renowned landscape architect Peter Walker as an intended sculpture garden.

The Civic Center is the heart of Newport Beach – home to City Hall, administrative offices, and the spectacular Central Library building. The Park welcomes residents and visitors year-round for free concerts on the lawn, art shows, docent-led sculpture tours, visits to the dog park, or leisurely trail walks among the environmentally-friendly native plant life.

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 29 September 2025

The Newport Beach Sculpture Exhibition transforms Civic Center Park into a “museum without walls,” constantly evolving as new, bold contemporary works from world-class artists rotate through, delighting and enriching park visitors. Artists, private collectors, galleries, and museums/non-profit institutions are invited to submit artworks for consideration to be installed from June 2026 to June 2029.

Newport Beach Sculpture Exhibition: Artist Benefits

Selected artists will receive an honorarium of $7,500 in exchange for a three-year loan of their artwork. No other fees or expense reimbursements are offered. Honorarium shall be used to cover round-trip transportation of the artwork to and from the exhibition site, structural engineering documents (if required,) any insurance needed or desired for artwork transport and display, and for the cost of on-site availability during installation and removal.

Artists will receive half of the honorarium upon delivery of the artwork to the site for installation, inspection and acceptance by the City; and the second half of the payment after de-installation at the conclusion of the three-year exhibition period.

Artists will be invited to be guests of honor at the official unveiling celebration on a date TBD in June 2026.

About Arts Orange County

Arts Orange County (ArtsOC) is the independent nonprofit arts council for Orange County, California, and is dedicated to sustaining, strengthening, and advancing its creative ecology. They recently celebrated 30 years of serving the region’s arts and culture needs. Designated by the County as its official local arts agency, ArtsOC is the community’s leading advocate and service provider for the arts and arts education.

With extensive background in public art installations and commissions as well as partnering with local governments on their arts plans and programs, they have proudly fulfilled the City of Newport Beach’s needs managing the submission and jurying process for all ten phases of this exhibition.

For more information, contact nthurkettle@artsoc.org

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Chronicles: Storytelling Through Imagery (Solomons, MD) – Call For Artists

Chronicles: Storytelling Through Imagery (Solomons, MD) – Call For Artists

[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center announces a call for artists to submit original artwork to the Chronicles: Storytelling Through Imagery art exhibition. Since the dawn of human existence, people have been using visual art to communicate stories. From the cave paintings of Lascaux to intricate hieroglyphs of ancient Egypt, art has been a fundamental way for people to document their experiences, beliefs, and feelings.

Chronicles: Storytelling Through Imagery will explore the power of visual narratives by bringing together artworks that weave compelling stories using symbolism, composition, and emotion. These works will highlight how contemporary artists engage in this age-old tradition by capturing moments, myths, and their personal histories in striking and imaginative ways.

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 24 August 2025

This exhibition will be installed inside the Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center galleries during their busiest season, the holidays. During the Garden In Lights program, the garden sees about 55,000 visitors over a month-long period. There will be more gallery goers this time of year than at any other time.

Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center creates a media package for each exhibiting artist. The media package includes a customized social media graphic, along with a full virtual exhibition booklet which details juror information, selected shots from the gallery, as well as an individual page for each artist.

Three $150 juror awards will be awarded for this exhibition.

About Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center

Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center is located in scenic Solomons, Maryland, where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay. The sculpture garden features a shady walking path that meanders through the woods past permanent and loaned sculpture, including over thirty works on loan from the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art. Artists in the collection include: Antonio Tobias Mendez, Barbara Hepworth, Cesar, Robert Engman, Jean Arp, Kenneth Snelson and Fransisco Zuniga. Young guests can frolic in the Fairy Lolly Creative Play Space and explore the many trails, including the Tree-mendous Trail.

The award-winning Arts Building includes rotating exhibition space, the Nature Nook, the artLAB Creative Reuse Studio, the Annmarie Gift Shop, and lovely wrap around patios. Annmarie presents a variety of popular annual festivals, rotating exhibitions, family activities, and creative public programs. The Studio School offers classes for all ages and abilities – from pottery to dance – taught by professional artists and arts educators.

For more information, contact exhibits@annmariegarden.org

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Angels For Artists Art Auction (Sarasota, FL) – Call For Artists

Angels For Artists Art Auction (Sarasota, FL) – Call For Artists

[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] Halo Arts Project announces a call for artists for the 7th annual Angels for Artists online and live art auction. Angels for Artists raises funds and exists to provide resources and programming support to visual artists in Florida. The online and live art auction is a fun-filled event.

Theme: “What is Beauty?”, a powerful exploration of presence – not just what the eye can see. Not always just an appearance. Beauty is a quality that comes from the object and rises from the mind. Beauty blends the senses and the soul. It can be chaotic, cultural, discreet, or fierce. The exhibition celebrates varies expression and aesthetic appreciation. Create a captivating aura that goes beyond what meets the eye. Explore the mirror of this powerful social construct that reflects and shapes a society’s values, fears, and aspirations.

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 31 December 2025

Entry fee: Free

Artists are invited to submit paintings, prints, archival photography, small sculptures, and mixed media works. Art must be original (several choices are helpful). The jury process helps to determine a balanced presentation of art. Canvases not already framed must be painted and gallery wrapped.

Open to US artists over the age of 18. All visual artistic mediums are eligible, including 2-D and 3-D (sculpture), textile, and craft/traditional as well as any style: landscape, abstract, figurative, and collage. No larger then 24×24

Art can be mailed, dropped off, or picked up at a mutually convenient time (for local artists). Art will be juried and you will receive a response within two weeks. Halo Arts Project accepts a maximum of 3 works.

Angels for Artists: Artist Benefits

  • Three Peoples Choice Awards: 1st $100, 2nd $50, and 3rd $50.
  • The artists whos work sells for the highest bid receives $1,500 cash award.
  • Gallery showing from January 1st to January 24th at the John Sims/Halo Arts Project Gallery, 1639 Tenth Street, Sarasota, Florida 34236
  • Exposure to hundreds of art-loving attendees and local philanthropists, recognition on the Halo Arts Project website and social media channels, network broadcast media, as well as in email blasts and the online event art catalog.
  • Feature in the Angels for Artists Art Catalog includes donated artwork, artists statement, and contact information.
  • Complimentary admission to Angels for Artists event on Sunday January 25, 2026 at SRQ Waterworks, Sarasota Florida. A fun-filled opportunity to purchase over 75 works from nationwide artists.

All works must be donated to the Halo Arts Project. 100% of the proceeds of the art sales goes to help fund the Halo Fellowship Awards of $5,000 each to visual artists in Florida.

Your donation is tax deductible as allowed by law, You will receive a tax receipt from Halo Arts Project after the event with the name of the recipient (if they choose to share their contact information). Halo Arts Project is a registered 501 (c) 3 non-profit Federal Tax ID #85-8017865519C-3

“As a 2024 recipient of the Halo Fellowship Award I know how impactful the award can be …so today I’m submitting two paintings to their upcoming Angels for Artists fundraiser.” Beck Lane, Artist

About Halo Arts Project

Halo Arts Project’s, founded in 2018, core values are to embrace diversity, support a diverse range of visual artists and their social concerns, applaud innovation and challenges, and strive to work with artists as they establish their roles as part of a larger community of artists, deriving a sense of purpose, aesthetic or social.

Halo Arts Project’s community events help support the Halo Fellowship Program available to visual artists. The Angels for Artists Art Auctions are benefits designed to encourage artists to participate and donate and for the public to purchase.

For more information, contact info@haloartsproject.com

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Feline Frenzy: Art Exhibition (Fredericksburg, VA) – Call For Artists

Feline Frenzy: Art Exhibition (Fredericksburg, VA) – Call For Artists

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

Did you know September is National Cat month? Neither did LibertyTown, but they are all about it now that they found out!! LibertyTown wants nothing more than to have their gallery walls filled with images of cats of all kinds: fat cats, skinny cats, cats on desks, cats with attitude, cats with an extra toe bean, cats missing an eye and thus in a perpetual wink, fancy cats with fancy names, stray cats with no names, cat toys, cat condos, cat hammocks….you get the picture. Just cats and cat stuff. All mediums are welcome and must include the theme of cats in some way!

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 18 August 2025

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.

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

No physical pieces will be accepted at the gallery for jurying. Up to three images may be submitted per piece if an additional detailed view or multiple perspectives are required to convey the piece. LibertyTown reserves the right to reject works accepted by the juror if the work differs significantly from the images provided.

You will be notified via Submittable if your work is accepted. Please make sure your email address is correct when you sign up and that you check the site on or around the notification date. Accepted work must arrive at LibertyTown by the stated due date. 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. Pre-paid return shipping labels should be included with any work that may require return shipping. Our address is: LibertyTown Arts Workshop, 916 Liberty Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.

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.

Calendar

  • 8/20: Notifications sent via Submittable Only
  • 9/1: Accepted work due at LibertyTown by 8PM
  • 9/5: Opening reception
  • 9/28: Show closes, unsold work may be picked up/will be shipped back

Feline Frenzy: Artist Benefits

Awards

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

Artists will benefit from this opportunity at LibertyTown Arts Workshop in several meaningful ways. The Main Gallery, located in a 13,000-square-foot facility in downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia, offers monthly rotating exhibitions, providing artists with frequent opportunities to showcase new work to a fresh and engaged audience. With a walkable downtown location and a steady stream of both local and visiting patrons, artists gain high visibility in a vibrant arts community.

In addition to in-person exposure, all show pieces are featured for viewing and sale on the LibertyTown website and highlighted on thier active Facebook and Instagram pages, extending artists’ reach beyond the gallery walls to a broader online audience. Participation in the city’s popular “First Friday” art receptions—well-attended monthly events—adds another layer of public engagement, offering artists the chance to connect directly with art lovers and potential buyers.

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.

About LibertyTown Arts Workshop

LibertyTown Arts Workshop is a unique and dynamic creative hub that brings together over 80 artists under one roof in a 13,000-square-foot facility located in the heart of historic downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia. What makes us especially interesting is the immersive experience we offer—visitors can explore monthly rotating exhibitions in our main gallery, watch artists at work in their open studios, and even take part in hands-on art classes across a wide range of mediums.

LibertyTown is open seven days a week, including evenings, making art accessible to everyone in our community and beyond. Positioned halfway between Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Fredericksburg attracts a steady stream of tourists and art lovers. The location, combined with the richness of the city’s history and culture, creates a vibrant atmosphere that makes LibertyTown a standout destination for both artists and visitors alike.

For more information, contact info@libertytownarts.com

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The Book As Art V.13: Exhibition (Decatur, GA) – Call For Artists

The Book As Art V.13: Exhibition (Decatur, GA) – Call For Artists

[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] Decatur Arts Alliance announces a call for artists for The Book As Art V.13: Mixed Messages, a juried exhibition.

International artists of all mediums may apply for the exhibition, which will be installed in the newly renovated Fourth Floor Gallery at the Decatur Branch of the DeKalb County Public Library, home to the Georgia Center for the Book.

The Book As Art series seeks to showcase beautifully made volumes, sculptural, and conceptual interpretations, as well as one-of-a-kind approaches to the book format and wall-hung interpretations.

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 16 June 2025

There is an application fee of $30, with which artists may submit up to 3 pieces for consideration. Each work requires its own unique application, but a coupon code is provided in the application instructions that permits 2 additional submissions without charge. For each application, artists are required to include 1 – 5 images of the submitted artwork and/or may include 1 video.

The Book As Art V.13: Mixed Messages is the thirteenth edition of an art show celebrating books: objects that, in an increasingly digital world, stubbornly survive. The objects in this exhibition should interpret the concept of the book and invite the viewer to look beyond the printed page to where ideas, words, and symbols are transformed and transfigured. Artists are challenged to embrace the dualities and paradoxes of communication—to celebrate the static and the shifting, the familiar and the foreign, the clear and the cryptic.

“Mixed Messages” draws on the layered complexities of language, saying one thing but meaning another. In a world inundated with myriad ways to communicate and connect, messages are muddled, signals crossed, and meanings distorted. Ambiguity is the native tongue of nuance. The book, as both object and idea, holds space for these contradictions.

The Book as Art is an annual showcase that’s made possible through partnership between the Decatur Arts Alliance, the Dekalb County Public Library, and the Georgia Center for the Book. Located in Downtown Decatur, Georgia, the exhibition is accessible to the greater Atlanta community and a free art experience for local residents and tourists.

The Book As Art Awards

  • Best of Show: $1,000
  • Gold Award: $700
  • Silver Award: $500

Purchase awards totaling $2,500 are selected by the City of Decatur for inclusion in its public art collection. Local universities and institutions regularly purchase work from this exhibition.

Sales are encouraged. The Decatur Arts Alliance handles all sales and collects a 25% commission on all artwork sold as a result of this exhibition. All artwork for sale must be priced by the artist and so stated in the entry. Please be sure to include the 25% commission for the Decatur Arts Alliance in your price. The 8% Georgia sales tax will be added at the point of sale. Sales from the Fine Art Exhibition have increased each year and works from the exhibition have been added to private, corporate, and non-profit collections.

About Decatur Arts Alliance

Since its founding in 1989, the Decatur Arts Alliance has continually expanded its impact. Today, the 501(c)3 nonprofit brings a full- spectrum arts experience to the community every day through outdoor installations, live music, art events and festivals, community classes, and exhibitions – deliberately available at no/low cost to the public. The Decatur Arts Alliance works to connect residents, businesses, tourists, and artists to increase arts access and engagement. The organization is committed to ensuring equitable opportunities for emerging and established artists of diverse experiences and backgrounds, and to producing work that is impactful for a broad range of community members.

For more information, contact info@decaturartsalliance.org

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