Best of 2026

A juried exhibition in the CityArts Upstairs Signature Gallery celebrating artists' strongest original 2D and 3D artwork completed during 2026. A wide range of styles, subjects, and mediums is welcomed, with no set theme beyond excellence and intention. Entry is free for up to four pieces, and the gallery takes a 30% commission on sales.

Artwork completed in 2026; excellence and intention.

Submit up to four original works completed within the 2026 calendar year, with a brief artist statement describing the work and why it represents your best of 2026. Original 2D and 3D artworks across a wide range of mediums are welcomed. Complete all application sections, image uploads and artwork details by the deadline; submissions cannot be partially completed or altered afterward. The form requests applicant and legal names, contact information, and each work's title, theme explanation, dimensions, medium, price, previous CityArts exhibition status, and front and back images showing display readiness. Artwork images accept jpg, gif, png, pdf or jpeg, maximum 10 MB, and must accurately show the final work, correctly oriented, well-lit, in focus and without glare or distortion. All displayed artwork must be for sale with pricing that accounts for the 30% gallery commission; sales are reconciled within 30 days after closing. Use a legal name if different from the working name. Drop off December 13 or 14, 2026, 11 AM–6 PM; pick up January 17 or 18, 2027, 11 AM–6 PM. Each piece must be labeled on the back with artist name and title matching the submission. Acceptance remains subject to jurying at drop-off; rejected work cannot be left. Deliver only officially accepted artwork: substitutions or additions require prior written approval, and unauthorized replacements can disqualify artists from current and future exhibitions. Work must be completed, fully dry and display-ready, and must not differ significantly from the submitted image. Hanging work requires D-rings with wire, not sawtooth hangers; sculptures must be self-supporting or have appropriate display hardware. Obtain advance approval for alternative installation methods. Nonlocal artists pay shipping both ways; shipped work needs proper packaging and a prepaid return label, and incomplete or improperly labeled shipments will not be returned. Attach any authenticity certificate to the artwork's back. Artists must bring, reuse and take away their packaging; CityArts cannot store or return it and may discard materials left behind. Notify CityArts immediately of withdrawals; the policy states submission fees are non-refundable. Artists must own all necessary use and reproduction rights; disputed work will be removed without refund. AI-generated work, including any AI-generated portion, is prohibited; traditional or digital techniques must reflect the artist's own intent and execution. Opening-reception attendance and promotion are recommended and requested, not mandatory. Work not collected within 14 days of closing becomes CityArts property. Artists bear loss, damage, injury and theft risks; CityArts and Downtown Arts District do not insure artwork, and artists may arrange their own insurance. Submission permits photography and online or promotional use with attribution and requires acceptance of the linked terms and conditions.