[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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[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] The Newton Free Library announces a call for artists for July – December 2026 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: 12 December 2025
Eligibility: 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 and uses the full exhibit space.
Free-standing sculptural pieces are not eligible.
The Library encourages artists from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences to apply.
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 space – 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 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 artapplication@newtonfreelibrary.net
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[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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[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] CherryArts announces a call for artists for the 2026 Cherry Creek Arts Festival in Denver, Colorado.
Join one of the nation’s premier art festivals! The festival will showcase 250 exceptional exhibitors in Denver’s vibrant Cherry Creek North. Welcoming more than 150,000 visitors each year, the festival offers strong sales potential, 2025 artists averaged $17,470 in reported sales and consistently ranks among the top shows in the country. With an art-savvy audience, many of them collectors, this is an incredible opportunity to exhibit and sell your work. CherryArts, a Denver-based nonprofit, supports artists and arts education year-round, generating over $4.5 million in annual art sales.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 1 December 2025
Cherry Creek Arts Festival Artist Benefits
- Keep 100% of your sales revenue – artists retain all proceeds and handle applicable state and local sales tax.
- Strong sales potential – 2025 Artist Survey reported an average of $17,470 per artist.
- Highly engaged audience – the Cherry Creek Arts Festival attracts over 150,000 visitors annually, including loyal collectors and art enthusiasts.
- Recognition opportunities – more than $30,000 in Purchase Awards available.
- Support for emerging artists – the Emerging Artist Program offers a $5,000 grant, mentoring, and exhibition support for artists early in their careers.
Testimonial
“I’m truly grateful for an extraordinary experience. This was far away the best heart fear I have been part of. I can certainly see how it has earned a reputation of being the holy Grail of art fairs! I sincerely hope to return, should I be fortunate enough to be selected.” 2025 Artist
About CherryArts
CherryArts is a Denver-based nonprofit organization that believes access to art is for everyone and artists are essential. We are committed to supporting artists and arts education through year-round outreach programs and this iconic festival. With an estimated $4.5 million in annual art sales, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival continues to be a vital platform for artists’ success. CherryArts provides equitable access to the arts to nurture future generations of artists, learners and supporters through meaningful and authentic connections with art and artists. CherryArts ignites creative and critical thinking for over 40,000 students annually.
For more information, contact hello@cherryarts.org
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[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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[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