Call Description

A National Call for Art - American Routes

Open to all artists, aged 18 or older, residing in the US.

This is an in-person exhibition, selected works are expected to be shipped to, or dropped off at, Webster Arts by Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Webster Arts invites art submissions for American Routes. 

In 2026, Route 66 - the Route to the American West - will celebrate its One Hundredth anniversary. We think of the American West as rugged, independent, adventurous, mysterious and for many artists it has been a place of rebirth or renewal, rooting themselves into the history of the land. Many female American artists found the West to be a more liberating location for their work, including painters Georgia O'Keefe, Agnes Martin and writer Willa Cather. Artists are invited to submit artwork that celebrates the spirit of adventure, renewal, and grit that typifies the landscape and the people of Route 66…  as you drive Route 66 out of Missouri, the immortal voice of Nat King Cole sings "now you go through Saint Louis..." Artists are encouraged to submit original 2D & 3D work in any medium. No video.

Entry Deadline: January 20, 206.

Entry Fee: $25 for the first three images, $5 for each additional entry up to 10 images. Entry fees are non-refundable.

Exhibition Dates: February 20-March 27, 2026.

Please call or email Webster Arts if you have questions about the suitability of your medium. info@webster-arts.org

Originally known for its annual art fair, Art & Air (now The Webster Arts Fair), which began in 2003, Webster Arts has grown into a vital community organization that invites people of all ages to explore and enjoy art. Our patrons are sophisticated art consumers. Over the past 20 years Webster Arts has expanded its programs to include exhibits, workshops, the annual Plein Air event Paint Webster, artists markets, concerts, and family-friendly community engagement programs. The Webster Arts gallery features artwork from around the country. Regular hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 – 5:00 PM.

Juror

An independent juror will select work for inclusion in the exhibit and cash prizes ($250 Best in Show, one $100 Award of Excellence.) Sales are encouraged.

Dates and Deadlines:

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 11:59 PM CST: Submission Deadline

Wednesday, January 28, 2026: All artists notified by email

February 17, 2026: Deadline for submission for local drop-off of artwork

February 17, 2026: Deadline to receive shipped artwork to Webster Arts Gallery. 

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 6:30 PM: Opening Reception at Webster Arts, #2 Summit Ave, Webster Groves, MO 63119

Entry Fee

$25 for first 3 images, $5 for each additional entry up to 10 images.

Eligibility

Open to all artists, aged 18 or older, residing in the US.

Specifications - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

The exhibit will consider artworks of all mediums except for video. Framed wall pieces must be wired for hanging and no larger than 48” x 48”. All wall works on paper must be framed. Three dimensional works must not exceed 32” x 32” x 60” or weigh more than 50 pounds. Please note that all 2D work MUST be wired for hanging. Our hanging system does not work with sawtooth or nail-based hangers. Accepted work cannot be substituted and must be available for the duration of the exhibit. No ceiling installed work. Unassembled work must come with detailed assembly instructions. No video.

All work must be the original conception and execution of the artist listed on the application. No reproductions. Please do not submit work that has been exhibited in any Webster Arts gallery in the past.

Submissions

Submit up to 10 JPEG digital images

Upload options for image files:

Between 1000 and 1920 pixels  on the longest side

72 PPI/dpi (standard web resolution)

5 MB maximum side

Shipping/Delivery of Accepted Artworks

The artist is responsible for the cost of shipping or mailing artwork to and from Webster Arts using FedEx, UPS, USPS, or DHL. A return shipping label must be included with the artwork or emailed as a pdf to info@webster-arts.org. Artwork may also be hand-delivered and picked up from Webster Arts on the appropriate dates during the scheduled times.

Insurance and Sale of Artwork

All artwork is insured for its declared value from the time it is received through the time it is picked up by the carrier. Artists are responsible for insuring artwork during transit. Webster Arts received a 30% commission on all exhibition sales. Sales are encouraged.

Photography

Photographs of accepted artwork may be used for promotional purposes.

Release of Liability

Receipt of the completed form constitutes your agreement with all conditions established. All reasonable care is taken with artworks, and you understand that by completing this form you release Webster Arts, their officers, employees, agents, directors, and volunteers of and from any and all liability for any loss, damage, or theft of any exhibited art or exhibition materials.

Application Requirements

This exhibit is open to all media, excluding video. Framed wall pieces must be wired for hanging and no larger than 48” x 48”. All wall works on paper must be framed. Three dimensional works must not exceed 32” x 32” x 60” or weigh more than 50 pounds. Please note that all 2D work MUST be wired for hanging. Our hanging system does not work with sawtooth or nail-based hangers. Accepted work cannot be substituted and must be available for the duration of the exhibit. No ceiling installed work. Unassembled work must come with detailed assembly instructions. No video.

All work must be the original conception and execution of the artist listed on the application. No reproductions. Please do not submit work that has been exhibited in any Webster Arts gallery in the past.

Eligibility

Open to all artists, aged 18 or older, residing in the US.

Rules and Terms to Apply

I agree to abide by the terms and conditions set forth in this registration and established from time to time by Webster Arts and further understand that failure to do so may result in the loss of my eligibility to exhibit accepted work at Webster Arts Center, forfeiture of my registration fee and liability for any actual or consequential damages. I hereby grant Webster Arts a non-exclusive and royalty-free license to use any jury image that I have submitted or will in the future submit to Webster Arts for purposes of promotion or publicity of the exhibit and to promote each artist on the website and through social media. No artist image will be used to promote items for sale.

Application Requirements

This exhibit is open to all media, excluding video. Framed wall pieces must be wired for hanging and no larger than 48” x 48”. All wall works on paper must be framed. Three dimensional works must not exceed 32” x 32” x 60” or weigh more than 50 pounds. Accepted work cannot be substituted and must be available for the duration of the exhibit. No ceiling installed work. Unassembled work must come with detailed assembly instructions. No video.

All work must be the original conception and execution of the artist listed on the application. No reproductions. Please do not submit work that has been exhibited in any Webster Arts gallery in the past.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all artists, aged 18 or older, residing in the US.