America the Beautiful: Celebrating 250 Years as a Nation (Call for Entry)
Juried Art Competition & Exhibition Presented by Arts for Rural Texas (ARTS)
OVERVIEW
In honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, ARTS invites artists to reflect on the people, places, history, and ideals that have shaped our nation. America the Beautiful seeks work that celebrates the diversity, complexity, and evolving story of the American experience—from its founding to the present day.
Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly. Submissions may explore historical events, cultural traditions, iconic landscapes, everyday life, national symbols, or personal narratives that speak to the spirit of America.
Selected works will be featured in a juried exhibition at the ARTS Ross Gallery in Fayetteville, Texas, offering a collective portrait of a nation 250 years in the making. Over $6,000 in awards will be presented in recognition of artistic excellence.
ELIGIBILITY
- Artists must be 18 years of age or older.
- Artists must reside in the United States
IMPORTANT DATES
- Entry deadline: May 1, 2026 at 4:00 PM. Late entries will not be accepted.
- Notification of acceptance: May 8, 2026.
- Delivery of accepted works: June 1, 2026.
- Exhibition dates: June 13 - July 25, 2026. The Ross Gallery will be open to the public Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
- Opening reception and awards ceremony: June 13, 2026, 4:00 - 6:00 PM.
- Artwork pickup/return: July 27 - 31, 2026.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Artists are allowed to submit up to three entries (see Entry Fees & Submission). To symbolize the 50 states, the top 50 entries will be selected for inclusion in the juried exhibition at the ARTS Ross Gallery.
- All artwork must be for sale.
- All work must be original in concept and design and may not be a copy of another artist’s photographs or artwork. No reproductions of stock images or AI generated art.
- Artwork will be accepted in the following categories: painting, drawing, photography, mixed media, sculpture, ceramics, and fiber.
- Two-dimensional works should not exceed 30 inches in height and 24 inches in width.
- All two-dimensional works must be framed and ready to hang with a wire across the back. Gallery-wrapped canvases are acceptable unframed, provided the edges are neatly painted as an extension of the artwork or finished in a solid color. All other unframed work will not be accepted.
- If three-dimensional works require special support, that support must be provided with the artwork. Pedestals are available for display.
ENTRY FEES & SUBMISSION
- Artists may submit up to three entries.
- First entry: $35
- Second entry: $25
- Third entry: $15
- Entry fees are non-refundable, regardless of acceptance into the exhibition.
AWARDS
To honor the original thirteen colonies, thirteen awards will be presented for artistic excellence:
- Best in Show: $1,500
- First Place 2D: $1,000
- First Place 3D: $1,000
- Second Place 2D: $750
- Second Place 3D: $750
- Third Place 2D: $500
- Third Place 3D: $500
- Honorable Mention 2D: $100 gift certificate to Ampersand Art Supply
- Honorable Mention 2D: $100 gift certificate to Ampersand Art Supply
- Honorable Mention 2D: $100 gift certificate (vendor to be announced)
- Honorable Mention 3D: $100 gift certificate (vendor to be announced)
- Honorable Mention 3D: $100 gift certificate (vendor to be announced)
- Honorable Mention 3D: $100 gift certificate (vendor to be announced)
All award recipients will receive a ribbon and will be recognized on the ARTS website, social media platforms, and in local publications.
COMPENSATION & PAYMENT
All payments from gallery sales and ARTS’ online storefront will be made to ARTS. ARTS will collect and pay state sales tax. After state sales tax has been paid, the artist will receive 60% of sales, and 40% will be withheld as a donation to further ARTS’ mission: enrich lives through art and art education with an emphasis on providing opportunities for children. All commission will be paid at the close of the exhibition within five business days.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY
The artist agrees to be responsible for insurance of artwork and agrees to indemnify and hold ARTS harmless from any damage or loss, including but not limited to fire, water, theft, or other causes, regardless of negligence by ARTS, its employees, volunteers, and representatives.
AGREEMENT
- ARTS occasionally takes photos of gallery exhibitions for use in its publications. The artist acknowledges that photographs may be taken for promotional purposes and may be used in promotional materials now and/or in the future. The copyright of the artwork remains that of the artist.
- Submission of artwork to this competition constitutes acceptance of all terms and conditions outlined in this prospectus.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Arts for Rural Texas (ARTS)
PO Box 33 | 114 North Live Oak Street
Fayetteville, TX 78940
www.artsforruraltexas.org
Allyson Hoffmann
Gallery & Marketing Manager
artists@artsforruraltexas.org
(979) 378-2113
