Urban Takes

Description

Art Call:  Urban Takes

When you visualize an urban environment, what jumps to mind? Streetscapes? Crowds? A bar scene? Neon signs? Heavy traffic? Graffiti? Or, maybe a more general abstract impression?

Marietta Art Alive, a Lancaster County community arts organization, invites regional artists to submit original 2-D works for review beginning December 1. The juried exhibition, Urban Takes, hosted by MH Art Gallery in Marietta, PA, will feature works that capture city life in its many realistic and abstract dimensions. Artists are encouraged to submit two works for review by juror, Steve Wilson. Note:  Maximum size is 30” x 30” including the frame.

Entry Timeline 

Dec 8, 2025 - Feb 6, 2026 | The deadline for entry is February 6, 2026 at 8pm.  

Eligible Work

Original 2-D work (paintings, drawings, pastel, collage, mixed media, monotypes, etchings, etc.) created within the last three years solely by the artist. Artwork must be no longer than 30" on either side including frame. All work must be framed, or gallery wrapped (finished sides), wired and ready to hang. No sawtooth hangers will be accepted. All accepted work must be delivered in person; no shipments accepted.

​​The following is not permitted in the show: 

Photography, digital art, or commercial prints.
Derivative art where the source (another artist's work or photograph) is recognizable.
Work created during a class, workshop, or online tutorial.

Application Process

A $20 entry fee entitles artists to enter up to 2 pieces of work.  

Photos of artwork must be submitted with the application. Before uploading images be sure they are smaller than 4 MB, and at least 1920 pixels on the shortest dimension at 72 dpi. Images must be in JPEG format and may be resized at https://imageresizer.com. If resizing, use 1920 on the shortest dimension. 

Applicants automatically consent to their artwork being used in promotional materials. Accepted artists will be notified by February 13, 2026, via email. Check your spam folders for emails from info@mariettaartalive.com.  Artists are responsible for any loss or damage to their work during this show. Artists are responsible for the drop-off and pick up of work.  

Exhibition Dates 

​February 28 - April 12, 2026

Opening Reception

Sunday, March 1, 11am-3pm at MH Gallery, 42 W. Market Street, Marietta, PA. 

Gallery Hours:  

Saturday/Sunday 11am-3pm

Awards - $650

Two $150 Juror's Choice Awards and two $100 Honorable Mention Awards will be presented on March 1, 2026. One $150 People's Choice Award will be announced on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 1pm by MH Art Gallery staff. The public may vote on their favorite artwork up until noon on that date.

Juror of Acceptance and Awards:  Steve Wilson

Steve Wilson, a native of Chester County, Pennsylvania, has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications Design from Kutztown State College.  Steve is a full time artist working as a Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Muralist and Fine Artist.  He is the owner of the Wilson Design Group and as a founding partner of the Red Raven Art Company in Lancaster City. Steve's main mediums are watercolor, pencil and colored inks. He is very inspired by artists such as Andrew Wyeth, Jamie Wyeth, Nita Engle, Philip Jamison and Lancaster Artist, David Brumbach.

Steve has always been intrigued with painting light, and the shadows that come with the various times of day. He tries to capture the strong light that occurs in the early morning when everything is fresh and just coming to life and also at the end of the day when the shadows lengthen and the sun begins to vanish. Steve is a member of the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, Baltimore Watercolor Society and the Philadelphia Watercolor Club. During his career he has won numerous awards and his work is a part of private and corporate collections throughout the United States.  In addition to watercolor, Steve is also very active in painting murals in businesses, residential facilities and in private homes.

Gallery Sales & Commission

Artwork must be for sale; 30% of all sales will benefit Rivertownes PA USA (Marietta Art Alive) 501c3. Sales tax will be collected and paid by Rivertownes PA USA.. Artwork must be priced at or above a minimum price of $150.

Drop Off/Pick Up Dates

Accepted work must be dropped off on February 22 from 11am – 5pm, at the MH Art Gallery, 42 W. Market Street, Marietta, PA.

Unsold work must be picked up on April 12 from 3–5pm. 

IMPORTANT DATES:

Entry Deadline Feb 6, 2026 by 8pm

Artist Notification by Feb 13, 2026

Artist Drop Off  Feb 22 2026 from 11am–5pm

Opening Reception Mar 1, 2026, 11am-3pm, Awards at 1pm

Pick up unsold artwork Apr 12,  3-5pm
Painting in graphic is “Pittsburgh” by the artist Louis Lozowick, created circa 1922.

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User Entry Process Tutorial