2026 American Art Awards

American Art Awards seeks entries for an online art competition juried by 20 USA Galleries. $5000 in awards: Most Wins Prize / Masterpiece Prize / Best of Show Prize / 2nd Best Prize / 3rd Best Prize / 4th Best Prize. All 50 Categories have 1st to 6th Place winners so 300+ winners will get greaet press! 70 News Articles show winning images (as Best in Category and Best in Country). Categories: Painting, sculpture, photography, digital... Oil, acrylic, watercolor, charcoal, pastel, realism, impressionism, naive, abstract, expressionism, human figure, animal, landscape, fantasy, surrealism, pop, portrait, self-portrait, political, erotic, cubism, floral, humor, spiritual... Entry fee: $29.95 or 7 images for $99. Deadline: September 5, 2026. More info. Contact: email or call 909-436-9242.

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Curated Exhibition "Colors"

Curatone.art seeks entries for an online art exhibition. $100 Cash Prize, Solo Exhibition, Publication in exhibition catalog. Jurors: Francis Fatade, Xiaoyun (Annie) Chen, Kateryna Malikova, Yanwen Hang, and others. Open to visual artists worldwide, any medium and any career stage - painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, digital art, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media, and more. Theme: "Color," interpreted freely. Up to 3 works per artist. Submission is free; a $25 finalist fee applies only if the work is selected by the jury. Deadline: September 6, 2026. More info. Contact: email

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Black and White: 2026

Black Box Gallery in Portland, Oregon seeks entries for a juried photography exhibition, October 1-25, 2026. 24 photographs will be selected for exhibiton at the gallery. An additional 30 photographs will be displayed online. Juror: Todd Johnson. Open to all photographers from around the world. $40 entry fee. Deadline: September 10, 2026. More info. Contact: email or call 503-804-5032.

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Snapshot America: A Portrait of the United States in 2026

The Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts in Providence seeks entries for a photography exhibition, Nov 19 - Dec 11, 2026. Juror: David DeMelim. Open to photographs capturing, or responding to (the United States of) America today. We are looking to create a Snapshot of America in 2026 as we mark 250 years. We are seeking pictures of your community, local events, landmarks and the everyday activities that represent or react to daily life in 2026 America in order to put together an exhibition to document the unique times we live in and take a Snapshot of these United States. $25 entry fee. Deadline: September 11, 2026. More info. Contact: email or call 401-400-2542.

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Imagination Unframed | Open Art Competition

TERAVARNA seeks entries for the 15th International Juried Open Online Art Competition. Selected winners will compete for cash prizes totaling up to $5000. Distinguished first-place, runner-up, and merit award recipients will also enjoy six months of ARTSY promotion along with an immersive VR exhibition. This global competition invites artists to showcase their finest 2D and 3D artworks across all styles, subjects, and mediums, celebrating imagination without boundaries. Whether your work is rooted in realism, abstraction, contemporary concepts, or experimental approaches, this is your chance to present your artistic journey on an international platform. $20 per artwork. Deadline: September 15, 2026. More info. Contact: email or call +1-424-545-6789.

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"Landscapes" 2026 Call for Entry - Online Art Show

Colors of Humanity Art Gallery announces a call to artists for an online art exhibition, October 1-31, 2026. Best of Show will be featured and receive a cash award. Juror: Janelle Cogan. Theme: landscape. 1. A portion of land or territory which the eye can comprehend in a single view, including all the objects it contains. 2. A picture representing a scene by land or sea, actual or fancied, the chief subject being the general aspect of nature, as fields, hills, forests, water, etc. 3. The pictorial aspect of a country. 10% of all entry fees will be donated to the Global Food Initiative. GFI assists hungry people in developing food security and has raised over $8,000,000 for community development projects around the globe. All artists 18 and over may enter 2D or 3D Media. $20 for 1 or 2 pieces (You may enter more than once). Deadline: September 15, 2026. More info. Contact: email

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Annual Members Exhibition / Juried by Curator from Whitney Museum

The Greenwich Art Society seeks entries for a juried art exhibition, October 22 - November 19, 2026 at the Bendheim Gallery in Greenwich, CT. $2000 in cash awards. Juror: Antonia Pocock / Curatorial Assistant, Whitney Museum of American Art, NYC. Theme: Between Here and There. Every journey includes a space between where we were, where we are, and where we're going. That space may be physical, emotional, personal, or imagined. Works are not eligible if previously accepted for one of our juried exhibitions; exhibited in the Bendheim, Flinn, or GAS Galleries; or completed before 2023. Artwork must be original, created by you, and not generated by AI. Categories: Oil, Acrylic, Drawing, Pastel, Watercolor, Sculpture, Photography, Original Digital Art, Fiber Arts, Traditional Printmaking, Mixed Media, Collage & Other Media. Wall art must not exceed 36"W x 60"H. Automatically become a member upon entry: $75 for two entries / $100 for three entries. Deadline: September 15, 2026. More info. Contact: email or call 203.629.1533.

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Small Art, Big Impact

The Blaine Art Gallery in Blaine, WA invites artists to submit original small-scale artwork for consideration in the Small Art, Big Impact national juried exhibition, October 10 - November 8, 2026. Best in Show & Honorable Mention. With no restrictions on theme or subject, artists are encouraged to explore realistic, abstract, and unexpected approaches while allowing artistry, content, and composition - not sheer scale - to command attention, within a compact format - 2D artwork may be no larger than 16" on its longest side, and 3D artwork no larger than 15" in its longest dimension. Acceptable media includes painting, photography, mixed media, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, jewelry, fiber arts, and digital art. No Video, Film, Audio, Giclee Prints, or Installations. $35 entry fee. Deadline: September 16, 2026. More info. Contact: email or call 310-699-2863.

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Summer Innovate Grants for Art + Photo

Visual Artists and Photographers 18 years and older, from all around the world, are eligible to apply for the Innovate Grant awards: one $1,800.00 Grant to a Visual Artist + one $1,800.00 Grant to a Photographer + 18 Honorable Mentions. All media and genres are accepted. All applicants retain the right to the work they submit. $35 USD application fee (non-refundable). Deadline: September 17, 2026. More info.

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The Bennett Prize 5

The Bennett Prize is a stipend/grant-in-aid program established by American art collectors Steven Alan Bennett and Dr. Elaine Melotti Schmidt to support women figurative realist painters. The Bennett Prize, administered by The Muskegon Museum of Art (MMA), is awarded biennially and provides $75,000 over two consecutive years ($37,500 annually). Ten (10) finalists will be selected to participate in a traveling exhibition organized by the MMA and the winner will be showcased in a solo exhibition at the close of her grant. A runner up award of $10,000 will be given to one additional finalist. Open only to women 18 years or older who reside at least part time in the United States (U.S. citizenship not required) and who paint figurative realist paintings. Artists may not be enrolled in school and must be currently pursuing or hope to pursue a career as a full-time painter. No students or artists who have received a prior award or grant of $35,000 or have sold any single work of art for $35,000 or more. $50 entry fee. Deadline: September 19, 2026. More info. Contact: email or call 231-720-2583.

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13th Annual Small Works Exhibition

Main Street Arts in Clifton Springs, NY announces a call to artists for a juried art exhibition, November 7 - December 23, 2026. $2,000 in awards. Framing may extend up to 16 inches total; but the artwork must be 12 inches or less, per side. Open to all U.S. residents 18 years and older working in all media - excluding video/sound and installation art. $30 entry fee. Deadline: September 20, 2026. More info. Contact: email or call 315-462-0210.

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Still Life + Portrait + Realism

Camelback Gallery announces a call to artists. Cash awards, social and art media promotion, virtual award exhibition, and award certificates. Juror: Kassandra Kaye, Founder and Managing Editor. Choose your category, it's that simple! Artists may enter different artwork or the same artwork in different categories! No limits on number of entries. Each entry requires a separate entry form. Mediums allowed: All traditional drawing and painting mediums (No photography, digital, AI). $20 entry fee. Deadline: September 20, 2026. More info.

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Art Talent Fair - 2026

The Art Talent Fair, a contemporary art award dedicated to visual artists, offers you the chance to exhibit your art by participating in the exhibition program of the Moho Art Gallery, February 2027 at the Genoa Art Fair in Italy. 8 artists will be selected to exhibit their works at this prestigious international art fair dedicated to contemporary art. The prize is addressed to professional and amateur artists, graphic designers, painters, photographers, etc.. from all over the world. Entry fees vary. Deadline: September 23, 2026. More info. Contact: email

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Emerge 2026

The Midwest Center for Photography in Wichita, Kansas seeks entries for a juried photography exhibition, October 2-26, 2026. Emerge 2026 will feature 20 photographers in the exhibition and online. One recipient will be awarded the $200 Emerge Fellowship Award, and receive one year artist representation by MWCP online. Juror: Linda Robinson, Gallery Director, MWCP. Open to all emerging photographers worldwide. All photographic media is welcome. MWCP is seeking emerging photographers creating fresh and exciting new pictures. A series of theme based images are preferred but not required. A brief artist statement is optional. $50 entry fee. Deadline: September 25, 2026. More info. Contact: email

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Artists Wanted Nationwide

ADC Fine Art in Cincinnati, Ohio announces a call to artists for a juried art exhibition, November 7, 2026 - January 8, 2027. $450,000+ in Awards + Gallery representation opportunities. Artists must be over the age of 18 to apply. All art must be available for sale. Please apply with the retail price of each piece. All art must be original and human created (No AI-generated images). $25 per piece. Deadline: September 28, 2026. More info. Contact: email or call 513-723-1222.

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Whispering Valleys | Landscape Art Competition

TERAVARNA invites artists from around the world to submit entries for their 14th Landscape International Juried Online Art Competition. As much as $5,000 in cash prizes, certificates of excellence, and worldwide exposure on TERAVARNA's international sites are available. The 1st prize, runner-up, and merit prize winners will also get featured on ARTSY for free for 6 months. Open to both 2D works and 3D works that honor the beauty, spirit, and diversity of the natural world, whether it is a small garden or the majestic mountains. Entry is unlimited and $20 per artwork. Deadline: September 30, 2026. More info. Contact: email or call +1-424-545-6789.

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2027 Miami University Young Painters Competition

The Hiestand Galleries at Miami University in Oxford, OH seek entries for their annual juried competition and exhibition, February-March 2027. The Yeck Award winning artwork becomes part of the Miami University Painters of the 21st Century Collection. $10,000 Yeck Purchase Award; $2500 Second Place Award; $2000 Third Place Award. Juror: Dan Cameron. Young Painters, U.S. residents, ages 25 - 35 as of competition entry are invited to participate. Entrants should have achieved a significant degree of success as an emerging artist of noteworthy talent. Year 2027 is for Representational Realism painting only. $25 entry fee. Deadline: September 30, 2026. More info. Contact: email or call 513-529-1883.

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10th Annual "Patterns, Textures & Forms" Online Art Competition

Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery announces the 10th Annual "Patterns, Textures & Forms" Online Art Competition, October 25 - December 25, 2026. Cash prize for Overall Top Winning Artist. Extensive online promotion for winning artists. Jurors: Chris & Valerie Hoffman. Artists worldwide are invited to submit their best representational and/or abstract art for the "Patterns, Textures & Forms" theme. Both 2D & 3D art will be accepted (including photography & digital art). $18 for 1-2 entries / $26 for 3-5 entries. Early entry and art student discounts. Deadline: September 30, 2026. More info. Contact: email

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Exclusive Feature | Solo Art Exhibition

TERAVARNA invites you to step into the spotlight through its exclusive Solo Art Exhibition Program, offering a dedicated space to showcase your art on our global platform. Submit artworks with a registration fee of $35, and after the initial jury review, select from 3 solo subscription plans: PRO ($200), featuring your art live on TERAVARNA's platform for one year; ELITE ($350), offering a permanent solo presence on the platform; or ELITE Plus ($450), providing a permanent showcase on TERAVARNA's Solo Gallery Wall along with complimentary marketplace representation & SEO benefits. With limited slots available, we encourage artists to register early and seize this opportunity to gain international visibility. Additional promotional benefits await on our premium global art platform. Deadline: September 30, 2026. More info. Contact: email or call +1-424-545-6789.

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YICCA 26/27 - International Contest of Contemporary Art

APS MOHO announces a call to artists for an international art competition. 18 artists will be seleced to participate in the final exhibition, November 14-28, 2026 at Imagoars in Venice, Italy. First prize: EUR 3000, Second prize: EUR 1000, Third prize EUR 500, Special prize for students EUR 1000. The art contest is open to all artists or groups of artists and professionals from any country. All kinds of contemporary artworks are allowed: drawings, paintings, sculptures, photographs, graphics, mixed media, video, installations and performances. Entry fees vary. Deadline: October 8, 2026. More info. Contact: email

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Artisphere

Artists worldwide are invited to apply for the Artisphere festival, held May 7-9, 2027 on Main Street in Downtown Greenville, SC. $15,000 in awards. Open to Fine art and Fine craft. $45 application fee. Deadline: October 9, 2026. More info. Contact: email

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Crayons & Dreams | Open Art Contest | Young Masters

For the young little ones, for the age of 5 to 16, TERAVARNA Young Masters presents the Open Art Contest, an art competition for young minds. Budding artists and talents are invited to submit their art, whether it is a sketch, painting, watercolor, pastel, mixed media, or digital art. As long as the art is humanly created and no AI is used, it is eligible for submission. Young artists can play with their imagination and show the world their truest and best creativity to win global exposure, participation certificates, and many other exciting awards. Entry fees is $9 per artwork. Deadline: October 10, 2026. More info. Contact: email or call 424-545-6789.

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Visual Alchemy | Abstract Art Competition

The 17th Abstract International Juried Art Competition is a leading digital event at TERAVARNA, where raw expression and conceptual breakthroughs are celebrated. Up to $5,000 in awards, a 6-month ARTSY membership (1st Place, Runner-Up, and Merit), and a chance to participate in the VR exhibition. We invite you to explore abstract and figurative, 2D and 3D, all media, striking forms, rich textures, and bold color play. $20 fee for each artwork. Deadline: October 15, 2026. More info. Contact: email or call +1-424-545-6789.

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Digital Display in Paris | P.A.R.I.S. 2026 Art Exhibition

Experience the elegance of Paris Art Renaissance & International Salon (P.A.R.I.S.) 2026, an exclusive art exhibition in the heart of Paris, by showcasing your work digitally on large screens, November 23 to December 6, 2026. This very prestigious event takes place in the 8th Arrondissement of Paris, where artists exhibit their work before a cultural elite of France. This is a collaboration of TERAVARNA and Horizon World Art (HWA), with an open theme. So, create in any genre, style, or medium. Enjoy social media coverage, local news highlights, and global appreciation for your art. Applicants must be 18 years or older to participate. Original creations only; no AI-generated art. $19 entry fee. Deadline: October 15, 2026. More info. Contact: email or call +1-424-545-6789.

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Everything Abstract 2026 Art Competition

Fusion Art announces the Everything Abstract 2026 Art Competition. Cash prizes for Best in Show winners. Complimentary one-year membership to Fusion Art's Members Gallery. Extensive promotion for winners. Jurors: Chris & Valerie Hoffman. For this online competition, both 2D and 3D artists, worldwide, are invited to submit their best nonobjective or nonrepresentational art. All artists, regardless of experience, are encouraged to submit their best abstract art and photography using any subject matter and any media. $25 for 1-2 images / $40 for up to 5 images. Deadline: October 15, 2026. More info. Contact: email

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Small Works 2026

Jag Gallery in Key West, FL announces a call to artists for a juried art exhibition. Accepted artwork will be shown at the gallery, December 5, 2026 - January 10, 2027, and also available online. Trophy Awards for Juror's Choice, 3 Honorable Mentions and People's Choice Award. Open to original and new work only (no AI): paintings, photography, sculpture, assemblage, construction, drawing, ceramics, textiles. Work may not exceed 10 inches in any direction (including the frame, if applicable). $18 per entry; maximum of 6 entries. Deadline: October 24, 2026. More info. Contact: email or call 305-407-6202.

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16th Annual "Nature" Online Art Competition

Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery announces the 16th Annual "Nature" Online Art Competition, November 5 - December 31, 2026. Cash prize for Overall Top Winning Artist. Extensive online promotion for winning artists. Juror: Chris & Valerie Hoffman. Artists worldwide are invited to submit their best representational and/or abstract art for the "Nature" theme: geographical subjects, landscapes, natural objects, wildlife and natural environments. Both 2D & 3D art will be accepted (including photography & digital arts). $18 for 1-2 entries / $26 for 3-5 entries. Early entry and art student discounts. Deadline: October 30, 2026. More info. Contact: email

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L.A. AXIS | Los Angeles Art eXhibition & International Showcase

TERAVARNA joins forces with another Los Angeles-based gallery, Lucky Cat Gallery, for an ambitious two-month international exhibition, L.A. AXIS, in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. This juried call is open to emerging and established artists of all skill levels and experience working in any genre, style, or medium. Winners enjoy global exposure, press and social media coverage, and official certificates. Selected artworks may additionally be featured through a curated TERAVARNA presentation on Artsy during the two-month exhibition period (Dec 5, 2026 to Feb 5, 2027). Applicants must be 18 years or older. Original creations only; no AI-generated art will be accepted. $40 per artwork. Deadline: October 31, 2026. More info. Contact: email or call +1-424-545-6789.

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13th Annual Teche Plein Air Competition

Artists of all levels are invited to pack their paints and join in the fun March 6-13, 2027 at the 13th Annual Teche Plein Air Competition! Experience the beauty, character, and inspiration of the Teche region as you paint en plein air alongside talented artists from near and far. Paintings will be on view at Sliman Theatre in New Iberia, LA. With more than $12,000 in prizes at stake, this is an opportunity to challenge yourself, showcase your work, connect with fellow artists, and compete for prestigious awards - all while capturing the unique landscapes and charm of the Teche. $45 application fee. Deadline: November 1, 2026. More info (PDF). Contact: email or call 337-369-2300.

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Red 2026 Art Competition

Fusion Art announces the Red 2026 Art Competition. Cash prizes for Best in Show winners. Complimentary one-year membership to Fusion Art's Members Gallery. Extensive promotion for winners. Jurors: Chris & Valerie Hoffman. The color Red dominates human emotion as the color of passion, power, and intensity - from blazing anger to tender love. For this online competition, both 2D and 3D artists, worldwide, are invited to submit their best art and photography using red as the primary color in their work to convey strong feelings and psychological depth. While red should be the predominant visual element, other colors can be used to enhance its emotional impact and meaning. $25 for 1-2 images / $40 for up to 5 images. Deadline: November 5, 2026. More info. Contact: email

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Lab Art Prize - Venice '27 edition

The Malamegi Lab Art Award is an international competition open to all artists. The competition is open to works in various disciplines, including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, graphic design, mixed media, digital art, and video. Twelve finalists will have the opportunity to win prestigious prizes and exhibit their works in a high-profile exhibition, January 2027 in Venice, Italy. 5000,00€ in prizes: New Malamegi Collection, Artwork Acquisition Award, Group Exhibition, Cash Prize, and Monographic Catalogue. The Award represents an important opportunity for artists to establish themselves and connect with the world of contemporary art. Entry fees vary. Deadline: November 12, 2026. More info. Contact: email

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Water Odyssey | Water Art Competition

The 10th Water International Online Juried Art Competition by TERAVARNA returns to celebrate the fluidity and serenity of water with a promise of showcasing innovative water-themed artworks from across the globe. We invite artists worldwide to create watercolor paintings and portraits, capturing the textures, transparency, colors, and reflections in 2D and 3D visual art forms. By competing in this art contest, you earn a chance to win a $5,000 cash prize pool, a 6-month free ARTSY membership (1st Place, Runner-Up, and Merit), and even a chance to view the winning artworks in the VR exhibitions. $20 fee for each artwork. Deadline: November 15, 2026. More info. Contact: email or call +1-424-545-6789.

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The Hopper Prize

The Hopper Prize is accepting submissions for Fall 2026 artist grants. They will be providing 6 grants totaling $13,000 USD. 2 artists will each receive $4,500 and 4 artists will each receive $1,000. All visual art media is eligible. This open call provides you with a direct path to get your work in front of an international community of curators, artists, gallerists, and arts administrators. Additional exposure is available via a 30 artist shortlist, online journal, & Instagram currently reaching over 175k. $40 to submit 10 artworks. Deadline: November 17, 2026. More info.

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Women Artists 2026 Art Competition

Fusion Art announces the Women Artists 2026 Art Competition, December 15, 2026 - March 14, 2027. Cash prizes for Best in Show winners. Complimentary one-year membership to Fusion Art's Members Gallery. Extensive promotion for winners. Jurors: Chris & Valerie Hoffman. For this open theme online art competition, any subject matter and any media are acceptable for consideration. All 2D & 3D women artists only, worldwide, are invited to submit their best representational and/or abstract art and photography. $25 for 1-2 images / $40 for up to 5 images. Deadline: November 25, 2026. More info. Contact: email

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Annual Rockies West National Watercolor Exhibition

The Western Colorado Watercolor Society seeks entries for a juried art exhibition, March 5 - April 2, 2027 at the Western Colorado Center for the Arts in Grand Junction, Colorado. Juror: Carl Purcell. Open to all watercolor artists 18 years of age or older. Paintings must be on paper, limited to watermedia. Transparent watercolor, gouache, ink and acrylic are acceptable. No shiny varnished work. Work must be the artist's idea, composition and design, not done in a class or AI generated. Paintings must be completed in the last 3 years and signed by the artist. YUPO or unstretched canvas is acceptable and must be matted and framed under glass or Plexiglas. Collage must be on paper with the majority of the painting watermedia. No work previously accepted by WCWS or by The Art Center. Maximum frame size: 50" in either direction. See prospectus for details. Deadline: December 1, 2026. More info. Contact: email

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Au Naturel: the Nude in the 21st Century

Clatsop Community College in Astoria, OR seeks entries for a juried exhibition, January 21 - March 11, 2027. $1000 in cash prizes. Up to $2000 in purchase awards. One or more artists may be chosen to be featured in a group or solo exhibit. Juror: Daniel Peabody, Senior Gallery Director at Elizabeth Leach Gallery. Au Naturel is an international juried competition open to all artists working in any drawing, painting, and printmaking media with a focus on the nude human figure as subject matter in any form ranging from representational to abstract, and in which the handmade mark is employed as the primary means of image-making. A limited number of three-dimensional works may also be considered. Entrants must be 18 years or older. $45 entry fee for up to three images, and $5 for each additional image. Deadline: December 10, 2026. More info. Contact: email or call 503-338-2472.

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