Call Description

The Indy Art Center announces a Call for Entry to SPLAT!, a juried exhibition featuring painting with contemporary takes on a traditional technique. This exhibition will highlight the world of painting today and the richness found in the wide variety of techniques involved. In 2026, should painting remain fixed to an application of pigment using a brush on a stretched canvas? How do contemporary painters respond to the tumult and uncertainty of 2026? The Art Center is calling for entries from artists 18 or older working in any painting media in the United States. Work made with any technique utilizing painting as a critical component are eligible.
 
This call for entry is open to any artist working within the language of painting with no specified medium or theme required. Can an artist make a painting without paint? Can a piece of ceramic be painting? In the context of the political, social, and environmental upheaval of 2026- what role does painting even have? 

Accepted Work:

-The Indy Art Center exhibitions staff reserves the right to remove any works from the exhibition based on special installation circumstances or discrepancies between the juried images and actual work. 

All accepted work must remain on display until the end of the exhibition, May 31st, 2026. All work must come ready to install/hang. For multi-media and other installations, artist should be available to assist with installation (to take place March 9-21, 2026.) All work may be offered for sale. The Art Center retains a 35% commission on any sales.
-Notification of acceptance will be sent by EoD February 20, 2026.

Delivery:

-All artwork must arrive by Monday, March 9, 2026. Artist is responsible for hand-delivering or the shipping cost and insurance of the work while in transit. Work must be shipped in a reusable container and return shipping is also to be paid by the artist. Hand-delivered work may be dropped off beginning Saturday, February 21, 2026.

-The Art Center is open: Monday – Friday 9a.m. – 10p.m. 

Saturday 9a.m. – 6p.m. 

Sunday Noon – 6p.m.
 

Awards:

Best in Show - $350.00

Two Honorable Mention Awards - $150.00 each

Exhibition Timeline:

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 17th, 2026

ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATIONS: EOD February 18th, 2026

ARTWORK DROP OFF: 02/18/26-03/08/26

ARTWORK INSTALLATION: 03/09/26-03/22/25

EXHIBITION OPENS: 03/23/26

EXHIBITION RECEPTION: 03/27/26 5-8pm 

EXHIBITION CLOSES: 05/31/26

ARTWORK PICK UP: 06/01/26-06/08/26

Application Requirements

Entry Fee/Images:

$35 non-refundable entry fee for the submission of two pieces. $5 for each additional piece submitted up to 15 pieces maximum.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility:

Submission is open to all artists over the age of 18 residing in the United States. Work must be made within the last two years and cannot have been previously shown at the Art Center. All work must be original and made by the artist or artist team. Collaborative works made between artists are eligible for inclusion. All printmaking media are eligible. Installation artists should contact us before applying to ensure compatibility of space. Artwork must not weigh more than 250 pounds or be larger than 10 feet in any direction.