CALL for ARTISTS & DESIGNERS
2026 Salina Art Center’s In Bloom: A Garden Gala
THE SALINA ART CENTER INVITES YOU TO CREATE A WORK OF ART IN MOTION
FOR AN ENCHANTED EVENING OF FLORALS, FANTASY, AND FASHION.
Step into a world of Monet’s water lilies, garden blooms, and Bridgerton-era romance as we reimagine our annual fashion show gala through the lens of In Bloom: A Garden Gala.
We’re seeking 15 visionary artists or designers to create one-of-a-kind couture looks for a runway event filled with whimsy, elegance, and theatrical flair—all in support of Salina Art Center’s vibrant arts programming.
This is a fashion show-only event with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (no seated dinner), and a festive after party to follow. Guests will mix, mingle, and marvel as your designs grace the runway in an unforgettable night of wearable art.
SELECTED ARTISTS WILL RECEIVE:
A $300 stipend to support material costs
One night hotel stay in Salina on January 31, 2026
Pre-show meal for designers and models
Admission to the Gala After Party
AWARDS + EXHIBITION
Voting for favorite design will take place online and during the gala. Every $1 donation equals one vote, and all funds raised go directly toward Salina Art Center’s exhibitions, education programs, and community events.
The artist/designer with the most votes will win a $1,000 prize.
The top five vote-getting designs will be displayed at Salina Art Center from February 11 – March 30, 2026.
KEY DEADLINES
October 7 – Call for Artists goes live. Artists may email their intent to participate and ask questions.
November 7 – Application deadline. Submit:
Initial sketches (PNG or JPEG)
List of proposed materials
Short artist bio
November 15 – Artists selected + virtual Artist Draft with sponsors.
November 22 – Signed contracts due. Stipends distributed. Artists begin fabrication.
December 10 – Final sketches due for marketing. SAC connects artists with sponsors.
January 3 – Completed garment photos + materials list updates due.
January 10 – Voting links go live. Artists begin sharing.
January 20 – Submit final artist bio + runway description for emcee. SAC provides final logistics.
January 31 – Garden Party Gala Fashion Show + After Party
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Fashion must align with the “Garden Party” theme, blending art, storytelling, and movement. Think floral drama, Regency elegance, Impressionist fantasy—or something entirely unexpected within those bounds.
Designs must be able to fit through standard doorways and allow models to ascend/descend three steps.
Artists are responsible for recruiting their own models (or may model their own design).
This is a charitable event. Photos, videos, and artist information will be used in event marketing and promotions.
We encourage the use of unexpected or non-conventional materials! Historically, the most eye-catching and memorable designs (and vote-getters!) have incorporated inventive, surprising elements.
QUESTIONS? READY TO APPLY?
Email mserene@salinaartcenter.org with subject line: GALA FASHION 2026
Let us know you're interested, and we’ll keep you in the loop!
Design the dream. Craft the magic. Bloom where you walk the runway.
We can’t wait to see your imagination in full bloom.
This was a marvelous creative opportunity—several weeks of intense work that somehow wound up feeling like a vacation!
— Connie Burket, Hammers & Heels 2024 runway design participant
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How many sketches should I submit?
A: We suggest a minimum of 2 views—but we want you to submit as many sketches as you need to represent your design best. Including sketches that indicate “garden party” elements will be helpful to the jurors. Also remember, your final sketch will be used as a placeholder on our website until we have the final photos. In addition, we may also use them on the big screen the night of the event to show how you brought your design to life.
Q: How detailed do I need to be in the material planning stages?
A: We are looking for creativity with the materials being used. In your materials list, be sure to include as much detail as possible. Though unconventional materials are not required, please emphasize any unconventional materials you do use.
Q: Can I be my own model?
A: Yes. Last year many designers/artists were their own model.
Q: How do we handle the hair and makeup on the day of the event?
A: There will be a small staging area at the event with chairs and a long table. Hair and make-up are the artist’s responsibility and I suggest arriving at the venue as ready as possible. SAC will provide dinner to you and your model in the staging area at 6 p.m.
Q: Does my model get paid?
A: We are providing each artist with a $300 stipend and one overnight stay at the Hilton Garden Inn. You can choose to share your room or spend your stipend however you want to.
Q: Can I work collaboratively?
A: We will accept applications from single artists or teams. However, there is only one stipend and hotel room provided per design.
Q: Where is the event?
A: At the Hilton Garden Inn in Salina, KS. The rooms we have booked for artists are at the same hotel. This could make it easier to get ready in your room before moving to the staging area. This year we will host the artists & models for dinner at 6 p.m. in a separate area with the fashion show starting around 7:45.
Q: Should accessories be the designer’s own creation?
A: Shoes and jewelry can be purchased ready-made or created in collaboration with other artists. Remember, we are looking for over-the-top creativity and want our event guests to be wowed by something they have never seen before, presented in unimaginable ways. For reference, visit the Salina Art Center Facebook page and look up our photo album for our Hammers and Heels Gala and Galaxy Gala.
Q: Can I purchase ready-made pieces for my design?
A: Designs must be 100% original, with no pre-made scarfs or t-shirts, for example. The only non-original parts of your design that are permitted are shoes and accessories. Have fun with this, go over the top, and push creativity to the limit.
Q: Jan 3rd is the date for the final photos for marketing. Will this be the actual garment or teaser photos?
A: This is the real deal! We are putting each designer out ahead of the event so they can encourage friends and family to vote for their chance to win the $1,000 prize. This is a fundraiser for the Art Center, so every dollar given to a selected artist will be one vote for that artist.
We will do everything we can to make sure every design gets the recognition it deserves, but we can only do our best if artists adhere to the deadlines our marketing team needs.
We want high-quality photos. If you don’t have access to a photographer, we will gladly send someone out to you, but don’t wait until the last minute.
We don’t think the impact of seeing these pieces live will be diminished by seeing a version of them online first; plus, we still have lots of typical attendees who are not social media consumers.
Q: Can I submit more than one design?
A: Yes. The submission sketches will be evaluated by a blind panel. It is possible that more than one design could be selected from a single designer. In that case, we would assign them an additional stipend and hotel room.
Q: What if someone gives me money for voting directly?
A: It happens. We have live voting the night of the event, so you can bring anything you have been given and we will add it to your total. If someone writes a check, make it payable to Salina Art Center. Gifts given to the Art Center can be tax deductible.
Q: What do we do after the runway?
A: Dance the night away! Designers and models are welcome to join us for the Gala Afterparty in the Ballroom beginning at 9 p.m. with DJ Carbon. A cash bar is available.
You can also purchase Gala tickets for any additional guests you might bring with you.
