Lake Effect: Artists from Cleveland Now

Description

Lake Effect: Artists from Cleveland Now

A Juried Art Exhibition Celebrating 110 Years of the Cleveland Museum of Art 

In honor of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s 110th birthday, the CMA invites artists from the greater Cleveland area to submit proposals for a juried group exhibition titled Lake Effect: Artists from Cleveland Now. This exhibition celebrates the creativity of artists connected to Northeast Ohio, highlighting the region’s legacy as a hub for artistic excellence. Recalling the May Show—the museum’s annual exhibition that for decades celebrated regional artists—this exhibition highlights the rich artistic history of Northeast Ohio and the museum’s long role as a destination and inspiration in the community. As the Cleveland Museum of Art looks toward its next century, Lake Effect honors the artists and audiences who have shaped its past while imagining a vision for the future. Selected artworks will be exhibited at the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Transformer Station, a vibrant center for the visual and performing arts located in Ohio City’s Hingetown neighborhood, in the summer of 2026. 

Submissions will be reviewed by a curatorial jury composed of CMA curators and museum professionals. Selection will be based on artistic excellence, relevance to theme, and feasibility of installation.  A grant of $1,000 will be awarded to three artists.

Lake Effect will be presented at the Cleveland Museum of Art Transformer Station, 1460 West 29th Street, July 9, 2026, through November 22, 2026.

Submission Guidelines 

Eligibility 

Open to artists living in the Greater Cleveland area, defined by the 7 counties considered the CMA Service Region: Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Summit 
Artists must be 18 years or older 
All media accepted for consideration, including painting, sculpture, photography, print, video, installation, textile, ceramics, and mixed media 
Both individual and collaborative work are welcome 
Maximum two works per submitting individual/collective
Proposals must include recent work created within the last five years. All work should be completed at the time of submission 
If selected, all artwork is expected to be display ready. Artists will be responsible for transporting their work to and from the Transformer Station

Submission Materials
Artist Information (for juror use only): Name Artist statement (max 200 words)CV or résuméArtist contact information (email; phone number)
Artwork Information:Title Year produced (between 2020 and 2026)Object Type MediumDimensionsImages or video/audio clips of workSubmit your artwork for consideration: Register and Apply