Call for Artists

Call For Artists

Power of Small - Pop Up Exhibition

Salina Art Center, July 29th - September 27th, 2026

History & Purpose

The Salina Art Center invites artists to submit work for an upcoming Pop-Up Exhibition. These exhibitions are designed to expand opportunities for local and regional artists while exploring focused curatorial concepts. Both emerging and established artists are encouraged to participate, offering their unique interpretations of a shared theme.

Power of Small challenges artists to demonstrate the impact of work created on an intimate scale. In contrast to the large-scale works featured in the Mountain Plains Biennial opening May 22, this exhibition celebrates the strength, precision, and presence of small-format art.

All submitted works must be smaller than 5 x 7 inches. Whether the size of a postage stamp or a greeting card, artists are invited to experiment across mediums, surfaces, and techniques to create pieces that are small in scale but powerful in effect. This exhibition asks viewers to step closer—to slow down, look carefully, and discover the depth, detail, and intention contained within each work.

We welcome submissions in all media, including painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and mixed media, as long as they adhere to the size limitation. Works should demonstrate thoughtful composition, technical skill, and a strong sense of intention within the confined format.

Enter Here

Entries

  • All entries must be submitted online.

  • All entries must be received by July 3rd, 2026.

  • Artists may submit up to three separate works and no more than two media files per work, for a total of six files.

  • Media files must be clearly labeled with the title of the work and the artist’s name.(last name_first name_Title of Work_year created)

  • Artists must include a written statement about their work. (not to exceed 250 words)

Conditions of Acceptance

  • Applicants will be notified of acceptance by July 10th, 2026

  • Selected applicants must complete a loan agreement including an insurance value for their work

  • Once accepted, work may not be removed from the Art Center prior to the exhibition’s close, September 27th, 2026

Shipping and Insurance
Selected artists grant Salina Art Center permission to reproduce their work for publicity purposes.The Salina Art Center will insure work wall-to-wall under its fine art policy.

Artists will be responsible for delivering work to and from the Salina Art Center, including any round-trip shipping/insurance costs. Work must be shipped in sturdy, reusable packaging and adequately protected against the normal stresses encountered while in transit. All packaging should be clearly marked with the artist’s name and address. Shipments should be sent to:

Salina Art Center

242 S. Santa Fe

Salina, KS, 67401

Work may be hand-delivered during public hours, Wednesday - Saturday, 10 am-5 pm, or Sunday from 10am-2 pm or by appointment during our office hours, Monday - Friday, 9 am-5 pm.

We have volunteers willing to travel to collect work from schools if shipping or delivery is a barrier to participation.

All selected pieces must arrive at the Art Center by July 22nd , 2026, by 5 pm.

Presentation

Work must be received in ready-to-exhibit condition. The Art Center will not be responsible for framing, mounting, or otherwise preparing works for exhibition.

A professional presentation of artwork is required for inclusion in the exhibition. Framing is preferred for 2D works, but professional mounting/installation will also be accepted; 3D works must be stable. It is highly recommended that works on paper are framed. Any works that are matted must be in a frame. The Art Center reserves the right to reject any work that is not presented in a professional manner, deemed unsafe/unstable, or otherwise unsuitable for handling or display. Please contact the Art Center if you have any questions or concerns.

Return of Work

Work must be picked up or returned to the artist by October 11th , 2026.

Dates to Remember

July 3rd, 2026                             Call for Submission entries due by midnight

July 5th - July 9th, 2026            Selection process

July 10th, 2026                           Artists notified

July 22nd, 2026                          Selected pieces must be at the Salina Art Center

July 29th, 2026                           Exhibition opens

August 7th, 2026                        Opening reception (5-7 pm) 

September 27th, 2026               Exhibition closes

October 11th, 2026                    Deadline for works to be picked up or returned