According to the art center, as America approaches its 250th anniversary, this exhibition encourages artists to reflect on identity, place, belonging, and transformation through the lens of a region often considered the country’s heartland. All themes and media are welcome.

JUROR: HESSE MCGRAW

Learn more about Hesse here.

ELIGIBILITY

Open to visual artists working in Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.

• Artwork must have been completed in 2024 or 2025.
• Any medium is eligible.
• Work previously shown at Salina Art Center will not be considered.
• Salina Art Center staff and Board of Trustees may submit, but are not eligible for awards.
• Artwork may be listed for sale at the artist’s discretion; however, sales are not required nor influence selection. The Salina Art Center retains a 30% commission on all sales. Artists will receive payment within 30 days of the exhibition’s close.

AWARDS

Juror-selected awards up to $5,000 will be announced at the opening reception:

• $2,250 – First Place
• $1,500 – Second Place
• $750 – Third Place
• $300 – People’s Choice Award
• $50 – Honorable Mention

ENTRY GUIDELINES

• Submit via CaFÉ by 11:59 PM (MST), January 20, 2026
• Entry Fee: $35
• Up to 3 artworks may be submitted
• Up to 3 image files, 1 audio file, and 1 video file per artwork (max 9 total)
• Include an artist statement (max 1,000 characters) describing your work and practice
• All decisions of the juror are final; substitutions not permitted

IMPORTANT DEADLINES, SHIPPING, AND MORE