Howland Community Open

Call for Artists

About the Exhibition

This salon style exhibition is for everyone! Annually, The Arts Center welcomes artists of all ages and experience levels to show one original work of art in the Jim and Ruth Howland Community Open. Traditionally, the show features upwards of 300 artists whose work is hung salon style.  

An awards reception will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, 1 PM. At this reception, cookies and drinks are provided, and the People’s Choice Awards and TAC Exhibition Committee Cherry Picks are announced.

Entry Information

Online Registration is open December 8, 2025 – January 19, 2026. Once online registration closes, plan to complete a paper form at artwork drop off, Saturday, January 24.

Artwork Drop Off

Drop off original works of art Saturday, January 24, 2026, 12 – 4 PM. 

With an annual donation of $25 or more, community members are invited to drop off work early, Wednesday, January 21 – Friday, January 23, between 12 – 5 PM. To check your donation status, email maggie@theartscenter.net.

Artwork must arrive ready to hang (wire hanging method is preferred), and size and weight limitations must be honored. We do not accept reproductions of original art or work made from a kit or purchased pattern. Due to very limited storage space, packaging materials cannot be stored at The Arts Center.

Size & Weight Limits

The combined sum of height and width of the framed work together cannot exceed 65”, and the weight cannot exceed 25 lbs. Two-dimensional art must be ready to hang on the wall; three-dimensional art should be stable and safe.  Work must be dry.

Artwork Pick Up 

Artwork must be picked up March 6 – 7, 2026, 12-5 PM.  No early pick up is permitted. An artist may pick up for another artist if the The Arts Center is notified in advance by emailing curator@theartscenter.net. Work not picked up by March 14 will be considered a donation to The Arts Center and may be re-homed.

Sales

Artwork submitted to the Howland Community Open can be listed for sale, but this is not required. If work is sold during the exhibition, The Arts Center retains 50% of the sale. The retained commissions support exhibition programming and help keep TAC’s calls to artists free. Checks are delivered to artists within 4-8 weeks of the close of the exhibition. A completed W9 is required from the artist before a check can be issued.