Call Description

The 2026 Artists of the Upstate Juried Exhibition is a local art exhibition presented by Artisphere (supported by a grant from the Metropolitan Arts Council). It is open to artists 18+ living in Upstate South Carolina (Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Pickens, Oconee, Greenwood, Laurens, Cherokee, Union, Abbeville counties).  

Entries must be original works of art that have been completed within the last three years. This juried exhibition seeks to recognize the outstanding quality and diversity of work being generated by artists of Upstate South Carolina. The exhibition is not judged in media categories. 

ENTRY PROCEDURE
A non-refundable fee of $45 enables each artist to enter up to two works. Please submit one digital image per work to be juried. The deadline to apply is March 30, 2026.

ENTRY FORMAT

• Each image file must be in .jpg format and should not exceed 5 MB in size.
• All images must be correctly oriented.

AWARDS
Four cash prizes will be distributed including:

• Best in Show ($1,000)
• 2nd Place ($750)
• 3rd Place ($500)
• Merit Award ($250)

EXHIBITOR INFORMATION:

• Deadline for Entry: Monday, March 30, 2026.
• Notification of acceptance emailed: Thursday, April 16, 2026.
• Accepted work must be dropped off in the tent  (in the courtyard between the Marriott and City Hall- 206 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601): Thursday, May 7, 2025 from 9am – noon
• Exhibition Dates: May 8-10, 2026 (tented, outdoors, courtyard next to Marriott)
• Awards Ceremony: Saturday, May 9, 2026 time TBD (approximately 10am)
• Pick up accepted work in the tent in courtyard (between Marriott and City Hall): Monday, May 11, 2026 from 9am - Noon
• Work will also be featured on the Artisphere website and social media channels during and after Artisphere 2026.

Application Requirements

The Artists of the Upstate exhibit is open to artists 18+ living in Upstate South Carolina (Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Pickens, Oconee, Greenwood, Laurens, Cherokee, Union, Abbeville counties).  

Entries must be original works of art that have been completed within the last three years. This juried exhibition seeks to recognize the outstanding quality and diversity of work being generated by artists of Upstate South Carolina. The exhibition is not judged in media categories. 

Eligibility Criteria

The 2026 Artists of the Upstate Juror will serve as the final authority on eligibility. 

ABOUT THE JUROR / Kreneshia Whiteside- McGee

Kreneshia (Kren The Curator) is an advocate for the arts devoted to fostering culture in the community and presenting creatives in captivating original ways. She’s a Tennessee native, but travels near and abroad to work with various artists such as legends like the late renowned poet Nikki Giovanni, retired Ralph Lauren Creative Director, Audrey Schilt, and Forbes recognized artist, Genesis the Greykid. Kreneshia has been credited for her multi-genre projects by Essence Magazine and the Tennessee Association of Museums amongst others. Her portfolio includes creative direction, interior design, and curation in the settings of galleries, homes, restaurants, and more. Kreneshia is also the founder of Culture & Co. Museum which is devoted to curated collaboration and vitalizing the creative economy.