Juried Art Exhibition 2026 - Art Barn School of Art

Description

32nd Annual Juried Art Exhibition - Art Barn School of ArtCall for EntriesFor over three decades, this premier regional exhibition has championed exceptional quality in visual arts across Northwest Indiana, Chicagoland, and Southwest Michigan. We seek original works in two-dimensional media and ceramics from both established and emerging artists within the US.With $5,000 in purchase and merit awards, this exhibition recognizes and rewards artistic excellence and provides a vital platform and support for working artists in the region. Entry fees and sponsorships directly benefit Art Barn School of Art's educational programs and exhibitions, ensuring the next generation of artists has access to quality arts education.2026 JurorsWe have assembled a diverse team of jurors who will bring expertise to the selection process and ensure the highest standards and integrity. Both jurors are working and teaching artists whose experiences align directly with our educational mission and are featured in upcoming workshops at Art Barn in 2026: Alex Warnick is a classically inspired natural history artist and BYU-Idaho alumna who creates meticulous avian illustrations blending scientific precision with fine art; she brings a keen eye for technical detail and a passion for wildlife conservation to the jury panel. Joining her is Avon Waters, an award-winning expressionist painter and former President of the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association, who utilizes his background in biology and creative writing to craft atmospheric landscapes. Together, they offer a balanced perspective on both the rigorous accuracy of natural history and the emotive power of regional landscapes, providing a comprehensive and fair evaluation for all submissions.Alex Warnick is a natural history artist whose work bridges the gap between scientific observation and fine art. A graduate of Brigham Young University-Idaho with a BA in Integrated Studio Art, she creates meticulous illustrations inspired by natural history traditions. Her work has been featured in premier regional exhibitions across the Midwest, celebrating the exceptional quality of her two-dimensional bird portraits. Through her art, Alex seeks to foster a deeper connection between people and the avian world, advocating for conservation through beauty.Avon Waters is an acclaimed expressionist artist and educator known for his atmospheric landscapes that capture the intersection of nature and emotion. With an MA from Ball State University and a background in photography and biology, Waters brings a scientific and narrative depth to his award-winning pastel and oil works. A past President of the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association, his career is marked by over 100 awards and inclusions in permanent collections such as the U.S. Senate Chambers. Through his vibrant illustrations and conservation-focused projects, Waters invites viewers to experience the profound beauty and environmental significance of the American landscape.Deadline: April 23, 2026Awards:Art Barn provides numerous purchase and merit awards totaling $5,000. We wish to thank the many individuals and businesses who sponsor or contribute to these cash awards. Their generosity directly supports working artists, such as yourself.Best of Show - $500Merit Awards - in various values from $20 - $300Purchase Awards - in amounts of $300, $400 or $500George Roby Award for Ceramic Arts $250Jan Sullivan Emerging Artist Award - $200 (artists between the ages of 18-25 are eligible)All Purchase and Merit Award funds go solely to the artist. All proceeds generated from this exhibition, aside from awards, support Art Barn School of Art educational programs and exhibitions.About Art Barn School of ArtThe Art Barn fosters art education and cultural access for residents, businesses, and partners in the community. The mission of the Art Barn School of Art is to inspire creativity across generations by providing an inclusive, nature-based space where artists of all skill levels can explore, experiment and grow through the arts. Our vision is to become a renowned destination for arts education and creative exploration in Northwest Indiana and beyond, where people of all ages and skill levels can immerse themselves in art and nature. Visit artbarnschool.orgEligibilityThe exhibition is open to artists 18 years of age and up and living in the United States.All entries must be of original design and personal execution.2-Dimensional Media: May include, but not limited to, drawing, fiber, mixed media, painting, pastels, photography, printmaking and/or digital media.Ceramic Arts Media: Works must be primarily composed of ceramic, may be 2 or 3-Dimensional and be functional or non-functional. Only single pieces of artwork accepted (no sets).Entry FeeAn entry fee of $40 includes up to 2 entries.  A 3rd entry may be submitted for an additional $5. Both fees are non-refundable.The 3rd entry fee is waived for current Artist, Sustainer & Barn Raiser members of Art Barn School of Art.  A single use code will be emailed to eligible members.Learn more about membership at https://www.artbarnschool.org/membership.Entry SpecificationsSee Terms & Conditions https://absajuriedexhibit26.ar....All entries must be the original work and executed solely by the artist within the last two years. Work must not have been previously exhibited in Art Barn’s Annual Juried Art Exhibitions.Accepted work must be labeled as specified and be ready to display or hang upon delivery.Selected work must remain during the entire exhibition.AI-generated art (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E) is not permitted. All elements must be original to the artist.2-D Media:Maximum size 40”x 44” including frame; depth max 4”Work must be appropriately framed and wired to hang, no sawtooth hangers.Unframed stretched canvas must be finished in gallery wrap.2-D Media (items that hang flat against the wall, framed work) include subcategories:— Drawing​— Mixed Media— Painting— Paper/Fiber— Pastel— Photography— Printmaking— Digital Media— Other MediaCeramic Arts:Maximum size 16”x12”x12”Works must be primarily composed of ceramic, may be 2 or 3-Dimensional and be functional or non-functional. Only single pieces of artwork accepted (no sets).Freestanding ceramic pieces must be accompanied by a substantial base. Limited shelving available upon request on a first-come-first-served basis.2-D ceramic media will be designated under the Ceramic Arts.Ceramic Arts (CA) include the following subcategories:— Functional— Non-FunctionalFor tips on photographing your work for use in an online call visit https://artcall.org/pages/tips-for-photographing-artwork-for-digital-submissionsFor tips on resizing your images visit https://youtu.be/1cLfrF2x_OANotification:  Selection notification emails sent by May 8, 2026.  Artists may also login to view their status.SalesArt Barn retains a 40% commission on sales of artwork by non-members. More favorable terms available for current Art Barn members - see Terms & Conditions for full details.Delivery of Accepted WorkCarefully package shipped artwork in sturdy, reusable packaging to prevent damage. No packing peanuts please.We encourage using Plexiglass for shipped work.Accepted work must be ready to display or hang upon delivery. Print "Back Label" from your ArtCall entry and adhere to the back of the artwork in the top left corner of the artwork.Selected works are to be hand delivered or shipped to:Art Barn School of Art, 695 N 400 E, Valparaiso, IN 46383Hand-delivered work will be accepted at Art Barn on the following dates:Friday, May 29 from 11:00am – 4:00pmSaturday, May 30 from 11:00am – 1:00pmRead full Delivery Specifications for Accepted Artworks under Terms & ConditionsReturn of WorkUnsold work must be picked up:Friday, August 14 from 11:00am – 4:00pmSaturday, August 15 from 11:00am - 1:00pmUnsold shipped work will be delivered to the shipper in its original packaging by August 20.Schedule SummaryApril 23 Entry deadlineMay 8 Selection notification (by email)May 29 & 30 Delivery of accepted worksJune 8 Exhibit opensJune 12 Reception & AwardsAug. 13 Exhibit closesAug. 14 & 15 Pick-up exhibited workAug. 20 Return shipments completeActivities are made possible in part by the Indiana Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.