Call Description

Open Theme Annual

A NATIONAL CALL FOR ART IN ALL MEDIA

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

Entry Deadline: May 7, 2026

Entry Fee: $25.00

EXHIBITION DATES: June 19-July 24, 2026

Webster Arts invites art submissions for our Open Theme Annual 2026 artists are encouraged to submit 2D & 3D work on any theme. Send us your best work! Open Theme Annual is open to any theme or medium, aside from the prohibition on floor or ceiling-hung installations as they are not possible at this time. No video.

Webster Arts is a growing regional nonprofit arts center that hosts national juried exhibitions in its 2000 square-foot gallery, a nationally ranked juried art fair, art outreach for recent refugees, a plein air competition, an autumn music series, and other community events. Our patrons are sophisticated art consumers. An independent juror will select work for inclusion in the exhibit and for cash prizes ($250 Best in Show, one $100 Awards of Excellence.) Sales are encouraged.

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.

Alex Johnmeyer is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist whose vibrant realism paintings blend personal narratives with saturated color, pop culture references, and symbolism. With over 25 years of experience, Alex uses his own photography as a foundation for his body of work, which spans oil, watercolor, and acrylic. He credits his 1998 experience as a cake decorator as the primary influence on his textural approach, inspiring him to incorporate sculptural techniques which bring additional depth and dimension to his paintings. Alex’s work explores themes of nostalgia, self-discovery, and the complexities of living authentically, particularly through his experiences as a transgender man and queer individual. He often uses toys as storytelling devices, inviting viewers to reflect on their own personal histories while celebrating the universal desire for acceptance and understanding.

Dates and Deadlines

Thursday, May 7, 2026 11:59 PM: Submission Deadline

Friday, May 15, 2026: All artists notified by email

June 10-12, 2026: Deadline for submission for local drop-off of artwork

June 11, 2025: Deadline to receive shipped artwork to Webster Arts Gallery 

Friday, June 19 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.