Timeline

August 26 Registration Deadline (all registration forms, photos, and fees due)

August 27 Notification of Acceptance Date

September 14, 15, 17, & 18, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM‍ ‍Delivery of pieces to The Arts Center

***Please note that we are NOT open on Wednesday 9/16***

September 25 - October 30 Exhibit Open

Friday, October 2, 5:00 PM, at The Arts Center Opening Reception

November 2, 3, 5, & 6, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Pick-up pieces at The Arts Center

***Please note that we are NOT open on Wednesday 11/4***

DIVISIONS

HIGH SCHOOL any student grades 9 - 12

COLLEGE any undergraduate and graduate student enrolled in or recently graduated from any higher learning institute

OPEN all others ($10 entry fee)

THIS YEAR’S JUDGE: Adam Romano

Adam Romano is a fine artist, curator, and retired tattooist, who shows at galleries in the United States & lives in Chattanooga, TN. He was born in Chicago, IL, raised in the carnival business, and has lived around the United States. He has a bachelor’s degree in art and has shown in galleries, museums, and private homes, including over 30 art exhibitions.

CRITERIA

1. Theme is in alignment with America’s 250th milestone.

2. All media and subject matter acceptable, but be aware — this show will be open to all ages at all times.

3. Two- and three-dimensional works are acceptable.

4. Completed entries must fit through a standard door, be soundly constructed, and weigh no more than 60lbs.

5. Free standing pieces may not exceed 24” x 24” of floor space.

6. Hanging pieces must be ready to hang, and not project more than 12” from the wall. Sculpture must include a stable base able to fit on a 12" pedestal. Click here or email artsed@athensartscouncil.org for detailed instructions to make sure your piece is ready to exhibit.

7. Exceptions may be made, with prior approval, for large sculpture, but it must be able to withstand outdoor display.

8. The Visual Arts Committee of AACA will review each piece to determine it meets all requirements and represents appropriate level of craftsmanship, as well as meets our mission statement.

9. All pieces must have been created within the past two years.

10. All media welcome! Wearables, jewelry, furnishings, sculpture, wall hangings. Let the creative spirit take you on an artistic journey!

THE FOLLOWING ARE REQUIRED WITH ENTRY FORM TO COMPLETE REGISTRATION

• Photos of your entries for juried acceptance process (all photos must be submitted with filename following the

  format of ARTIST_TITLE OF PIECE). Email artsed@athensartscouncil.org to send images.

• Open only: Payment of fees (open division must pay $10 per entry) Click here to pay online.

DELIVERY

• Accepted works may be hand delivered to The Arts Center Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, OR Friday September 14 - 18, 2026 during regular business hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. ***Please note that we are NOT open on Wednesday 9/16***

• Click here to make sure your work is ready for exhibition!

PICK UP

• Exhibited works must be picked up from The Arts Center Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday November 2 - 6, 2026 during regular business hours 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. ***Please note that we are NOT open on Wednesday 10/4***

  AACA is not responsible for artwork left after November 6, 2026.

PLEASE NOTE

• For Open Division, entry is not complete without payment of $10 entry fee per piece. You may make payment online here.

• Registration is not complete without photo(s) of your piece(s) for jurying process. Please email photos of your piece(s)
  to artsed@athensartscouncil.org by August 26, 2026.

• All hanging pieces MUST meet our hanging requirements. Click here to make sure your work is ready for exhibition!

• Entry forms and fees must be received by Monday September 15, 2025.