Whim and Wonder-Eclectic Show- Juried Art Competition by The Mountain Artists Guild, Prescott, AZ

Description

Whim & Wonder
Juried Exhibition for The Mountain Artists Guild, in Prescott, AZ

Deadline for entry is April 20, 2026

Gift Shop Application (for members only) DEADLINE is April 22, 2026
PLEASE NOTE: INTAKE DATE IS  MONDAY, April 27, 2026

Juror for this show, Mary Clare McCartin

Open to members of Mountain Artists Guild and non-members; Arizona artists in all media encouraged to apply;  an online and in-gallery show. Please Note: All artwork must be delivered in person. If you have questions please contact Stefanie Culver at guild@mountainartistsguild.org

Please review our Gallery Standards here: Gallery Standards 

Whim & Wonder
The Mountain Artists Guild invites members to submit work for our upcoming exhibition, Whim & Wonder, a celebration of imagination, curiosity, and the magic of creativity. This show encourages artists to explore the playful, the mysterious, and the unexpected—whether through fantastical imagery, dreamlike scenes, imaginative characters, or moments of beauty that spark a sense of awe. Artists are invited to interpret the theme in their own unique way, allowing their work to transport viewers into worlds filled with creativity, surprise, and delight. Let your imagination lead the way and share artwork that captures the spirit of whimsy, wonder, and artistic freedom.
Ideas to Inspire Your Creativity
Fantasy & Myth – Fairies, mythical creatures, magical landscapes, folklore

Dreamscapes – Surreal or dreamlike environments that blur reality and imagination

Playful Worlds – Childlike wonder, imaginative storytelling, and joyful creativity

Curiosity & Discovery – Hidden details, secret places, and unexpected moments

Nature’s Magic – Enchanted forests, unusual flora and fauna, glowing landscapes

Whimsical Characters – Quirky figures, imaginative portraits, or storytelling subjects

Color & Imagination – Bold palettes, unusual color combinations, expressive abstraction

Movement & Energy – Work that feels lively, spontaneous, and full of motion

Humor & Lightheartedness – Art that makes viewers smile or sparks delight

Symbolism & Mystery – Artwork that invites viewers to interpret meaning and narrative

Mixed Reality – Blending realism with fantasy elements or unexpected juxtapositions

The Unexpected – Anything surprising, magical, or delightfully strange

Artists working in all mediums and styles are encouraged to participate and bring their unique vision to this imaginative exhibition.
Eligibility:
This exhibition is open to all artists, and all mediums are welcome, including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry, fiber art, and mixed media. All submissions must align with the theme Reflections and be original works of art.

Online Application Deadline: Start anytime and up until 9PM on MARCH 1, 2026

Show Dates: April 29 through June 27, 2026Gallery intake: April 27, 2026Upon acceptance, you will receive an email with a link to make an appointment time. Artwork must be delivered in person - no shipping permitted. For Members only, if you cannot deliver in person at intake, please make arrangements with our Gallery Manager.

Entry Fees - up to 5 submissions per artist  - Pay by credit card only

Members: $30.00 for the first 3 submissions; $10.00 for all other submissions Members agree to volunteer a minimum of 8 hours during the exhibition period or pay a "buyout" fee of $40, payable at The Guild.Non-members: $45.00 for the first 3 submissions; $12.00 for all other submissionsCategories 
1. Original Paintings (Watercolor, Oil, Acrylic, Water media, Pastel, Color Pencils, Inks, Etchings, Mixed Media Collage, etc.)2. Photography (all types of photography mediums)
3. 3-Dimensional Objects (sculpture, pottery/ceramics, woodworking, stone carving, mixed-media objects, mosaics, fiber arts, tile work, glass art, etc.) 
4. Jewelry (100% handcrafted, metal, minerals, gems, beads, polymer clay, leather)
All submissions will be juried and either accepted or not accepted into the Gallery Show for final judging.
Prints of original paintings, giclees, and other printed items such as tote bags, pouches, towels, etc. should NOT be entered.

Participation Rules - Artists Agree to Abide by our Gallery Standards

1. Submissions must be entered online using the ArtCall.org website.

2. Artwork accepted into previous 2025 Mountain Artists Guild shows is not eligible for submission.

3. Artwork, in whole or in part, must be created solely by the artist.

4. Artwork, in whole or in part, must not infringe on any copyright.

5. Paintings or photographs of nudes or work inappropriate for family viewing will not be accepted. 

6. Price your work to reflect the Guild's commission: Members- 25%; Non-members - 40% - All Artwork must be for sale.

7. Minimum canvas or frame size for paintings or photographs is 120 inches (ex: 12 x 10 inches); the maximum canvas or paper size is 1728 square inches (example: 36 by 48 inches, 48" on the longest side including frame) Heavy sculptures and other heavy 3-dimensional objects must be easily movable by members and be standalone (not on a wall). 

8. Paintings and photographs may be framed or unframed provided unframed images are on gallery wrapped canvas a minimum of 1" thick or on metal. Canvas less than 1" must be framed. Please review our Gallery Standards here: Gallery Standards

9. Once the awards have been announced, accepted entries will be on display in the Web Gallery for 3 months. Artists who enter this show are responsible for handling (packaging) and shipping of items sold online. Artists in the Web Gallery show must inform the Guild if they sell their work so that the Web Gallery is kept up-to-date.

Submission Instructions 
1. Images of artwork should have no background/frame visible; artwork under glass should show no reflections, and be in the appropriate orientation.
2. Images must represent the work accurately.   
3. You may submit more than one image of paintings, photographs, 3-dimensional objects and jewelry to show different sides of the item or close-up detail. DO NOT SUBMIT different artwork in individual entries only photos for one piece.
4. If photographing 3-dimensional objects or jewelry, place them on either a white or black non-textured background.                                                                              
5. Images should be in JPG, PNG, or PDF file format.
6. The maximum file size for uploading is 4MB. If your image file size is greater than this, use a photo or image editing program to reduce the size of the image before uploading.
7. Mountain Artists Guild reserves the right to reject artwork that is not photographed correctly and reflects poorly on the artist and the Guild.
 Register Online at ArtCall.org - Need Help - see our Art Call Step-by-Step instructions
1. If you do not have an account on ArtCall.org, register and apply online:  Ignore the request to create a portfolio web site should that message appear. Simply click on the ‘x’ in the top right of that screen to close it or click on ‘No thanks’.
2. If you already have an account, sign on with your username and password. If you forgot your password, request a new one.
3. Provide the details requested to set up an account. 
4. Click on ‘Add new submission’ to pay by credit card. Decide on how many submissions you will enter before you pay. NOTE: No refunds will be made if you pay for more submissions than you use.
5. NOTE: If you want to add additional submissions after you paid for a specific number:

Enter your account again and click on ‘Add new submission’. 
Make sure you select how many new submissions you want to pay for in the ‘Pay for how many’ box. 
Click on Member or Non-member. You will not be charged the original entry fee again even though it looks like you will be. The system automatically calculates what you owe for the additional submissions. 
Select the credit/debit card you wish to use and click on ‘Submit payment charge’. NOTE: No refunds will be made if you pay for more submissions than you use.

Awards Ceremony & ReceptionMay 24, 2026, 5 pm - 7:30 pmLocation of Show and Other InformationOnline for 3 months after awards are announcedMountain Artists Guild Gallery –  at 228 N. Alarcon St., Prescott, AZ 86301

Terms and ConditionsI have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions on the ArtCall.org website for this competition. See link at bottom of this page.

Questions?
If you have questions about this competition, contact: guild@mountainartistsguild.org or call 928-445-2510.

If you need help with submitting or photographing your work, contact: guild@mountainartistsguild.org or 928-445-2510.