Call Description

The Gilpin County Arts Association is proud to present our 79th annual juried show prospectus for the summer season of 2026.

The Gilpin Arts 79th Annual Juried Show is a prestigious event that offers artists across the United States a chance to showcase their talents and compete for a total of $3,500.00 in cash prizes. The show runs from June 6th to August 22nd, 2026, with viewings from 11 am to 6pm Wednesdays through Sundays.

Artists interested in participating must register between January 20th, 2026, through April 17th, 2026, exclusively online via Café. Once accepted, artworks must be delivered to the Gilpin County Arts Association at 117 Eureka Street during the specified receiving days, Thursdays through Sundays from May 1st to May 22nd, between 12 pm and 4 pm, adhering to the firm delivery deadline of Saturday May 22nd. (We have reasonable flexibility; however, you must call to make an appointment if the receiving days do not work for you. Michele: 303-582-5952)

Notifications of accepted works will be communicated by email through Creative West/Café by April 30th, 2026.

 The opening night preview and reception for patrons and artists will take place on Saturday, June 6th, from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Gilpin Arts Galleries, where the award winners will also be announced.

Following the closing of the show, unsold works can be picked up on Saturday, August 22nd, and Sunday August 23rd between 11 am and 4 pm.

 Eligibility for the show requires artists to be residents of the United States, with works created within the last three years by the applying artist themselves. These works should not have been previously exhibited at the Gilpin Arts Galleries and must be original in both concept and design. All submitted artwork must be available for sale, and artists must be at least 18 years old. The board of directors and the curator reserve the right to refuse work that does not meet these eligibility requirements, in which case entry fees will be forfeited.

 Entry fees for the show are set at $55.00 for non-members and $45.00 for members of the Gilpin Arts Association, members will receive a coupon code to use at checkout for your submissions. There is limit of three images per artist, per submission. If you want to enter more than three pieces/images this would be done by submitting an additional application. Payments are accepted online via credit card only. For assistance with the online entry process, the Café & Creative West team is available to help from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, at 303-629-1166. They can provide support for any issues related to website display across different devices. For more information and to join the association for a reduced entry fee, artists can visit www.gilpinarts.org. This event not only celebrates artistic expression but also enriches the cultural fabric of Central City, Colorado, by bringing together artists and art enthusiasts in a vibrant community setting.

 - **Categories for Submission: **

  - 2D: Includes mixed media, sketches, oil, acrylic, watercolor paintings, pastels, pencil, charcoal, etc.

  - 3D: Includes sculpture, jewelry, pottery, ceramics, wooden sculptures or vessels, and 3D mixed media.

  - Photography: All photography submissions.

 - **Jewelry (falls under 3D) Submissions**:

 - Submit the image of the show piece you’d like to enter, if this is accepted into the show you may display 5 additional cohesive pieces to display as a collection. Jewelry and pottery alike.

  - Jewelry is categorized under the 3D section due to historical submission patterns.

 - **2D Artwork Requirements**:

  - Must be fully completed with painted edges or gallery-wrapped.

  - Framing choices can significantly impact the judging outcome and even a sale.

  - It's crucial to consider the presentation from start to finish.

 -** Photography Requirements**:

 Follow guidelines for the wall art size requirements below.

 - **Submission Guidelines**:

  - Correctly categorize your work on the submission platform café (e.g., photo, 2D,3D).

  - Mislabeling your entry will result in the artwork being juried in the incorrect category.

  - Verify all information before finalizing your submission on café.

 - **Artwork Size Specifications for wall hanging artworks**:

  - Maximum size: 50 inches on the longest side.

  - Minimum size: applicable but must photograph well for review on Café

 - This includes ALL wall hanging artwork including photography.

 - **Hanging and Handling**:

  - Artwork must be wired and ready for hanging.

  - Sawtooth hangers are not permitted.

  - Art must be manageable by gallery handlers, with a weight limit of 10 lbs. for wall art.

- **Sculpture/3D Submission Guidelines: **

  - Submissions must be freestanding.

  - The weight of the sculpture must not exceed 250 lbs.

  - Artists are responsible for providing a stand for display if necessary.

  - Delivery and pickup of the sculpture are the artist's responsibility; assistance from volunteers is not available.

- **Sculpture Size Requirements: **

  - Minimum size: 11 inches on the shortest side.

  - Maximum size: 30 inches on the longest side.

- **Media Not Accepted: **

 - Anything printed on duraplaq pressed board.

  - Giclee print reproductions.

  - Crafts and plastic beading.

  - Previously shown work at Gilpin Arts prior to the 2026 juried show.

  - Damaged, scratched, dented, wet, or improperly framed/mounted artwork.

 - **Important Notes: **

  - Artwork not meeting the size requirements or found to be fragile or damaged will not be accepted, and entry fees will be forfeited.

  - All artists should ensure their work is properly framed or mounted for the exhibition.

 - **Awards Overview: **

  - Total cash prizes: $3,500.00

  - Best of Show: $500.00 (One prize)

  - First Place: $400.00 (Three prizes, one in each category)

  - Second Place: $300.00 (Three prizes, one in each category)

  - Third Place: $200.00 (Three prizes, one in each category)

  - Honorable Mention: $100.00 (Three prizes, one in each category)

 - **Jurors Information: ** (to be announced)

  - 2D Art Category Juror:

  - 3D Art Category Juror:  

- Photography Category Juror:

  - Overall Show Judge:

 - **Registration & Submission Guidelines: **

  - All registrations must be completed online via Café.

  - Ensure all provided information is accurate, including email & phone number for primary communication.

  - Use your professional name consistently if it differs from your legal name.

  - Include an artist bio, if desired.

  - Provide a detailed inventory list matching the labels on your artwork.

  - Label artwork on the back with your name and title for identification.

 - **Submission Image Requirements: **

  - Minimum resolution: 2560px on the smallest side.

  - Maximum file size: 8MB.

  - Images must be cropped and straightened appropriately.

 - Each submission must include an image corresponding to the entered category.

 - **Assistance: **

  - For help with registration through Café/Creative West, contact the helpline at 303-629-1166, available Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

- **Receiving Days**: Submissions are accepted from Thursdays through Sundays from May 1st to May 22nd, between 12 pm and 4 pm, adhering to the firm delivery deadline of Saturday May 22nd. (We have reasonable flexibility; however, you must call to make an appointment if the receiving days do not work for you. Michele: 303-582-5952)

- **In-Person Delivery**: Works must be delivered to Gilpin Arts Galleries at 117 Eureka St., Central City, CO 80427.

 - **IMPORTANT Shipping Instructions**:

  - Include a pre-paid return shipping label with your package.

  - For FedEx and UPS, address to: Michele 98 Roussel, Gilpin Arts, 117 Eureka Street, Central City, CO 80427. (Add our PO box #98 between my name so if UPS drops it there for some reason, I will get it.)

  - For United Postal Service, address to: Gilpin Arts/Michele Roussel, P.O. Box 98, Central City, CO 80427. (When using the postal service make sure you only use our PO Box # 98, using a physical address gets it sent back due to their new strict policies)

- **Title Cards**: Provided by Gilpin Arts.

- **Labeling Your Work**: Ensure your artwork is labeled with your name and the title on the back, side, or bottom. Information must match your inventory sheet.

- **Pricing**: Price your work with a 60/40 artist/gallery split in mind. Include framing costs in your pricing. Prices are final post-submission if selected.

- **Selection Notification**: If selected, you will receive an acceptance email confirmation from Creative West/Gilpin Arts listing the accepted artwork. If any submissions are not accepted, a separate non-acceptance email will detail the unselected pieces. Check and read emails thoroughly for results. You may receive up to two emails after selections are made.

 - **Opening Night Preview & Reception**:

An invitation is extended to all artists who submitted to the show for the opening night preview & reception. This event is family-friendly and free for patrons and artists, scheduled for Saturday, June 6th, from 5 PM to 8 PM. It is a potluck event, and guests are encouraged to contribute a dish or beverage.

- **Sales**:

  - All submitted artwork must be available for sale with realistic pricing.

  - Artworks are required to remain at Gilpin Arts for the entirety of the show.

  - Purchases can be made both onsite and online.

  - Artists will receive 60% of the sales price, while Gilpin Arts will retain a 40% commission.

  - Commission checks for sold works will be issued at the end of each month for sales occurring within that month.

 - **The Shipping of Sold Work*:

  - Gilpin Arts is responsible for arranging the shipping and handling of sold artwork.

  - Buyers will incur shipping and handling fees.

 - **Pickup of Unsold Work**:

  - Artists must collect any unsold work from Gilpin Arts on Saturday August 22 & Sunday August 23rd, between 12 PM and 4 PM.

  - The gallery curator will repackage and return unsold artwork to the artist using the pre-paid shipping label that you are required to include.

 - **Unclaimed Artwork Policy**:

  - Gilpin Arts will not store artwork after the show. Unclaimed works will be considered abandoned and will become the property of Gilpin Arts, potentially used for future fundraising events. Artists are advised to ensure they adhere to the pickup schedule or make necessary arrangements to avoid their artwork being deemed abandoned.

- **Waiver of Liability**: Artists who submit their work acknowledge that the Gilpin County Arts Association, along with its Board of Trustees, members, directors, and officers, will not be held responsible for any loss or damage to the artwork. If you are shipping, make sure to ensure your work. However, it is assured that all artworks will be treated with the highest level of care and professionalism while in the Gilpin Arts care.

 - **Publicity**: By entering the Art Show, artists grant Gilpin Arts the right to use images of their artwork for promotional and advertising purposes. This may include various platforms such as traditional media and social media, and no additional compensation will be provided. Agreeing to this condition is mandatory for entry.

By entering the juried show, you agree to all guidelines in this prospectus including our unclaimed artwork policy.

- **Inquiries**: For any questions regarding the art show or submissions, artists can reach out via email at gilpinarts@gmail.com or by phone at 303-582-5952.

- **Prospectus**: Participants are encouraged to download or print the prospectus for detailed information and to keep track of important dates related to the art show.

Application Requirements

- **2D Artwork Requirements**:

 - Must be fully completed with painted edges or gallery-wrapped.

  - Framing choices can significantly impact the judging outcome and even a sale.

  - It's crucial to consider the presentation from start to finish.

 -** Photography Requirements**:

 Follow guidelines for the wall art size requirements below.

 - **Submission Guidelines**:

  - Correctly categorize your work on the submission platform café (e.g., photo, 2D,3D).

  - Mislabeling your entry will result in the artwork being juried in the incorrect category.

  - Verify all information before finalizing your submission on café.

 - **Artwork Size Specifications for wall hanging artworks**:

  - Maximum size: 50 inches on the longest side.

  - Minimum size: applicable but must photograph well for review on Café

 - This includes ALL wall hanging artwork including photography.

 - **Hanging and Handling**:

  - Artwork must be wired and ready for hanging.

  - Sawtooth hangers are not permitted.

  - Art must be manageable by gallery handlers, with a weight limit of 10 lbs. for wall art.

 - **Sculpture/3D Submission Guidelines: **

  - Submissions must be freestanding.

  - The weight of the sculpture must not exceed 250 lbs.

  - Artists are responsible for providing a stand for display if necessary.

  - Delivery and pickup of the sculpture are the artist's responsibility; assistance from    volunteers is not available.

- **Sculpture Size Requirements: **

  - Minimum size: 11 inches on the shortest side.

  - Maximum size: 30 inches on the longest side.

 - **Media Not Accepted: **

  - Giclee print reproductions.

  - Crafts and plastic beading.

  - Previously shown work at Gilpin Arts prior to the 2026 juried show.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for the show requires artists to be residents of the United States, with works created within the last three years by the applying artist themselves. These works should not have been previously exhibited at the Gilpin Arts Galleries and must be original in both concept and design. All submitted artwork must be available for sale, and artists must be at least 18 years old. The board of directors and the curator reserve the right to refuse work that does not meet these eligibility requirements, in which case entry fees will be forfeited.