Call for Visual Artists Nationwide — 2026

2D Categories

2-D Mixed Media & Digital
These are works that incorporate the use of two or more media such as ink & pastel, or painting and collage-type of materials, which are combined in a single original work. This category includes any work created by using computer programs to significantly manipulate or alter source material(s), or drawn digitally with a stylus. [Digital work must be signed limited editions, using only archival quality materials.]

Drawing and Pastels
Original compositions that are drawn by the artist’s hand incorporating ink, chalk, wax, crayon, charcoal, pastel, pencil, etc., or from the fluid medium of inks and washes applied by pen or brush.

Painting (Oil / Acrylics / Encaustic / Tempera / Watercolor)
These are original compositions that are created by the artist’s hand using wet media (other than ink) on canvas, panel or other substrate. [Painting over prints, giclees or pre-existing images (regardless of the substrate) is not considered an original. These are considered altered reproductions and must go in browse bins and be labeled as outlined below.]

Photography
Includes all photographic processes that begin with a camera lens. Photographs made from the artist’s original image, both from film and original digital files, are included. Photo collage and painting on photographs through photographic processes are included in this category.

Photographers are required to disclose both their creative and printing processes (including any digital alteration, hand painting, or over-painting). The process must be displayed with the photograph or indicated in the displayed artist statement. Work must use only archival quality materials. In all cases, the work must be produced and printed by the exhibiting artist or under the artist’s supervision.

Printmaking
Prints are defined as multiple originals where the artist’s hand has manipulated the plates, stone, blocks, composite reliefs, or screens and which are properly signed and numbered in limited editions. [Photocopies, giclees, offset reproductions, or machine-produced images are not considered print originals. These are considered reproductions and must go in browse bins and be labeled as such.]

Fiber & Textiles – Decorative
Artwork made from fiber, fabric, leather, papermaking or other textile techniques that are primarily intended for wall-hanging display. This category includes weavings, quilting, felted work, handmade paper, embroidery, needlepoint, batik, hand-dye and natural-dye processes, and other textile traditions. [Work produced from commercial kits or patterns is not permitted.]

3D Categories

Ceramics
Original functional and/or non-functional works created by the artist from clay, porcelain, stoneware, and/or earthenware. [No factory-produced work, no RAM-pressed work allowed. Clay work from commercial molds is prohibited. Painted commercial slip-cast work is prohibited.]

Fiber & Textiles – Functional
Functional objects created from fibers, fabric, leather, or other textile materials and techniques. This category includes basketry, leather tooling, bag making, clothing, and wearable accessories. [No mass- or factory-produced work is allowed in the show, regardless of additional modification or enhancement by the artist.]

Glass
Work handcrafted by the artist through glass blowing, fusing, casting, kiln forming, or original stained glass designs. Work may be decorative, sculptural, or functional. [No pre-manufactured items, regardless of modification or enhancement, are permitted.]

Jewelry
Hand-fabricated jewelry designed and made by the artist using metals, wire wrapping, precious metal clay, wood, fiber, gems, stones, flame-worked beads, and bead weaving. [Work designed by the artist but produced without hands-on involvement is prohibited (e.g., casting services). No commercial casts or molds allowed. No more than 15% of a piece may consist of commercial findings. Commercially purchased components that are simply strung or assembled without substantial original work are not acceptable. Precious metal clay jewelers must label their work as such.]

Metal
Original hand-crafted work created through forging, twisting, fabricating, and/or casting of various metals. Includes functional and sculptural work within the discipline of metalworking. [Jewelry should not be entered in this category.]

Sculpture
Three-dimensional works incorporating any material or multiple materials that are carved, modeled, constructed, or cast. [If recycled materials are used, they must be altered beyond their original purpose. No commercial kits or molds.]

Wood
Original handcrafted work in wood that is hand-tooled, machine-worked, turned, joined, constructed, and/or carved primarily out of wood. Includes furniture, functional objects, and sculptural work firmly within the discipline of woodworking.