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Calls For Artists

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Artist Opportunities & Guidelines

Are you an artist interested in showing your work with Creative York? If so, check out our current calls for art and submission guidelines. Also consider joining our artist membership, click HERE to learn more.

Calls for Art

We’re currently seeking artwork for the following exhibitions. Click on each exhibit for more information and the submission guidelines.

ABOUT
Blue is one of art’s most compelling colors that evokes a range of emotions. We are looking for artworks across all mediums to challenge how artists portray the meaning of a color like BLUE. Artists should submit artwork that uses blue as a dominant color, central idea, or powerful visual presence.

SUBMISSIONS
Artists may submit up to 2 works. A variety of 2-D or 3-D mediums, including sculpture, painting, drawing, photography, fiber, collage, and mixed media. Artwork should be submitted digitally by email and include title of work, media, dimensions, corresponding file name and artist’s contact information.
Open to all artists, 18 years or older, working in any medium. Artwork must be original. No prints.

• Deadline for submission: Monday, September 28
• Notification of acceptance: Tuesday, September 29
Artwork delivery to West York Borough Offices: Friday, October 9 or Tuesday, October 13 between 10am-4pm
• Exhibit Reception: Thursday, October 15, 2026, 5pm-6:30pm
• Exhibit Dates: October 15, 2026-January 14, 2027

RULES FOR ENTRY
• All entries must include a list of artworks, properly labeled digital images.
• Submissions must include an artwork list stating contact information, title of work, medium, date, dimensions, and price (if for sale).
• All entries must be submitted by email (mindy@creativeyork.org), in high-quality jpeg or png format. Please label each file with the artist’s last name and entry number. (Example: jones_1.jpg). The file names must correspond to your artwork list. Please write “West York Gallery” on email subject line.
• All entries must be artwork available for the exhibition.
• All 2-D entries must be wired and ready to be hung. Pieces not wired will not be included in the exhibit.
• Email images and artwork list to mindy@creativeyork.org. Submission must be received by the end of the day on Monday, September 28, 2026

Download the Call for Art PDF HERE

**Artists who could not participate at the Plein Air event but would like to submit a piece created at the Gold Star Garden depicting the SUMMER season can do so. Submit your image to mindy@createyork.org by October 30.

Creative York and Gold Star Garden invite artists to participate in a plein air event set within York’s meaningful public memorial garden dedicated to veterans and fallen service members. Artists ages 16+ working in all mediums are welcome to create on-site during this free community event.

Artists will also have the opportunity to exhibit and sell finished work during the Veterans Day Celebration and Breakfast, where veterans will vote on prize winners including First Place ($300), Second Place ($200), and Third Place ($100).

Deadline to register: Friday, June 12, 2026 by 2pm
Event Date:
Saturday, June 20, 2026, 9am–2pm
Rain Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026
Location: Gold Star Garden, 1000 Vander Avenue, York, PA

View the: Gold Star Garden Brochure

WORK TO BE CONSIDERED
Artists are invited to exhibit original artworks in Creative York’s annual small works exhibition.
All two- and three-dimensional artworks and mediums are considered. We’re specifically looking for artworks that have the total object size of 8 by 8 inches including the frame so that all works will display at the same size. Three-dimensional artwork may not be larger than 8” in any direction. Creative York is offering canvases at a cost of $5/canvas or artists may use their own. All eligible work must be priced less than $250.

SUBMISSIONS
● Deadline for submission: Friday, October 23, 2026
● Notification of acceptance: Friday, October 30, 2026
● Artwork Delivery: November 21, 23 or 24; 10am-4pm
● Opening Reception: SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY, November 28, 10am-12pm

SALES
All work must be for sale and priced under $250. Creative York will retain a 30% commission on all sales for Creative York Members, 35% for Non-Members. If shipping and artwork does not sell, the artist must email a pre-paid return label that will be used to return the artwork.

RULES FOR ENTRY
● Work must be no more than 8″ in any direction, including the framing or mounting.
● 2-D artwork must be properly wired.
● Artists may submit up to 2 works.
● Submissions must include an artwork list stating the artist’s name, the title of work, medium, dimensions, and price.
● All entries must be submitted through email (mindy@creativeyork.org), in a high-quality jpeg or PNG format. Please label each file with the artist’s last name and title using this format (Example: jones_artwork title.jpg). The file names must correspond to your entry list. Please write “Small Works 2026” on the email subject line.

ABOUT CREATIVE YORK
Creative York is a 501c3 non-profit arts organization located in downtown York, Pennsylvania, featuring 2 art galleries, art classes for all ages, ceramic studios, and several community outreach programs. Creative York inspires creativity in the community through arts education, gallery experiences, and outreach programs.

Emerging Visions: Undergraduate Exhibition

January 7-February 6, 2027

Emerging Visions is a showcase of top undergraduate artists. This juried exhibit is open to all students currently enrolled in an undergraduate arts program. This show will feature a small body of work (3 – 5 pieces) from a select group of emerging artists. Cash prizes will be awarded at the juror’s discretion.

An opening reception will be held at Creative York on Saturday, January 9 from 3-5pm.

SUBMISSIONS
Artists may submit 3-5 works. All mediums will be considered. 2D works must be wired. All entries must be submitted digitally, by email, and include a list stating the artist’s name and contact information. Also include title of work, date, media, dimensions, and corresponding file name. Please put “Emerging Visions Entry” in the subject line of your submission email. Send a high-quality jpeg or png image of each piece and label all works with the artist’s last name and entry number. Please include a brief bio and artist statement with your entry.
• Deadline for submission: Friday, November 13, 2026
• Notification of acceptance: Friday, November 20, 2026
• Artwork delivery to Creative York: December 19, 21, 22 (details given in acceptance notification)
• Exhibit Reception and Awards: Saturday, January 9, 2027; 3-5pm
• Exhibit Dates: January 7- February 6, 2027

RULES FOR ENTRY
• All entries must include a list of artworks, properly labeled digital images and a non-refundable entry fee.
• Artists may submit 3-5 digital images for jurying for a fee of $25 which includes a Creative York student membership. Student membership is $25 for 12 months.
• Submissions must include artwork list stating contact information, title of work, medium, date, dimensions, and price.
• All entries must be submitted by email (mindy@creativeyork.org), in high-quality jpeg format. Please label each file with the artist’s last name and entry number. (Example: jones_1.jpg). The file names must correspond to your artwork list. Please write “Emerging Visions Entry” on email subject line.
• All entries must be work available for the exhibition.
• Email images and artwork list to mindy@creativeyork.org. Submission must be received by the end of the day on Friday, November 13, 2026

AWARDS
Cash awards totaling $300 will be presented by the juror/exhibition committee. One Best of Show prize and two Awards of Distinction will be granted by the sole and final decision of the juror/exhibition committee.

View the PDF Call For Art HERE

Have Questions?

For questions about Creative York’s exhibitions or artist opportunities, please email mindy@creativeyork.org, or call us at 717-848-3200.