57th Annual Smoky Hill Art Competition & Exhibition

Description

57th Annual Smoky Hill Art Competition & Exhibition
The Hays Arts Council announces the 57th Annual Smoky Hill Art Competition & Exhibition, open to Kansas artists working in both 2-D and 3-D media.
EXHIBITION DATES
April 25 – June 6, 2026
ELIGIBILITY
Open to Kansas artists working in 2-D and 3-D media.All work must be original, completed within the last two years, and not previously exhibited in the Smoky Hill Exhibition.Artists may submit up to four (4) works.
JUROR
Hilary Cole, Leopold Gallery, Kansas City, Missouri
AWARDS & SALES
Multiple cash awards totaling $3,000, awarded at the juror’s discretion.Works may be offered for sale; price must be listed in the entry form (enter $0.00 if not for sale).The Hays Arts Council retains a 33⅓% commission on all sales.Artist payments will be issued on or before June 15, 2026.
ENTRY FEES
$30 entry fee includes submission of up to two (2) works.Up to two (2) additional works may be submitted for $5 each.Entry fees are non-refundable.Payment accepted online, or by cash/check with a payment code (contact HAC).
Submission Deadline: Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM
DIGITAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Up to three (3) images per submitted work.For photography tips:https://artcall.org/pages/tips-for-photographing-artwork-for-digital-submissions
ARTWORK SPECIFICATIONS
General Requirements
Work must fit through a standard doorway (approx. 36” x 78”), otherwise no size restrictions.All accepted works must be exhibition-ready.Selected works must remain on display for the duration of the exhibition.Artists may not substitute, alter, or withdraw accepted works.
2-D Work
Works on paper must be professionally framed under glass or acrylic.No plastic or clip frames.Canvas works must have finished edges; canvas boards must be framed.All 2-D work must include secure hanging hardware (D-rings and wire recommended).Works under 14” x 14” may use sawtooth hangers.Fabric works must include appropriate hanging devices.Acrylic/aluminum-mounted photographs must include professional hanging systems.
3-D Work
Floor sculptures must include protective padding for gallery floors.
ACCEPTANCE & JUDGING
Notification of acceptance or rejection will be sent by March 30, 2026.The juror reserves the right to remove works that differ significantly from submitted images or are deemed unacceptable during final judging.
DELIVERY OF ACCEPTED WORKS
Dates: April 13–17, 2026
Shipping
Works must be shipped in reusable packaging.Include a prepaid return shipping label (no stamps).Confirm that your shipping provider will refund the return shipping label in the event your work is soldArtists are responsible for all shipping and insurance costs.
Hand Delivery
Monday–Friday, April 13-17, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMHays Arts Council Annex, 1010 N Main, Hays, Kansas
RETURN OF WORKS
Hand-delivered works may be collected beginning June 9, 2026.Return shipments completed by June 14, 2026. HAC is not responsible for works left after July 1, 2026.
OPENING RECEPTION
April 25th, 2026 10AM - 4PMAnchor of the Hays Arts Council Spring Art Walk.
CATALOG
A print and/or digital catalog of accepted works and awards will be available at the Hays Arts Center and online at:www.haysartscouncil.org
LIABILITY & RIGHTS
HAC will exercise due care in handling artwork but is not responsible for loss or damage unless caused by negligence or intentional acts.HAC reserves the right to reproduce images of accepted works for promotional purposes.Submission constitutes agreement to all terms of this prospectus.
KEY DATES AT A GLANCE
March 19: Entry deadlineMarch 30: Notification of acceptanceApril 13–17: Delivery of accepted worksApril 25: Exhibition opensJune 6: Exhibition closesJune 9–12: Pick-up of hand-delivered worksJune 14: Return shipments completed
SPONSORS
Sponsors of the 57th Annual Smoky Hill Art Competition will be announced.

TIPS FOR USING THIS SITE - 
- You will need to create a profile with a user login and a password. - You will receive a prompt that says you have 24 minutes to complete your registration. Don't worry. Your information will be saved. You can log in again to edit, change or complete your information at any time prior to the submission deadline.- Artcall.org will send you a confirmation email once you register for the 2026 Juried Exhibition. Check your "spam" or "junk" folder if you don't receive confirmation.- When you are ready to submit, have your artwork information ready to enter, including your image file(s).
- Below is a quick tutorial you can watch to help with the submission process.  (open this video in YouTube for better viewing quality)