Call for Art entries
Eligibility
The Shrode Fine Art & Craft Competition and Exhibit is a juried competition open to all artists 18 years of age or older, south of Interstate 70, including the Charleston, IL area.
Accepted Media and Specifications
All painting, drawing, printmaking, clay, fiber, mixed media, wood, fine jewelry, sculpture, metal, etc.
No photography- There will be a photography competition for photographic film and digital photographs from October 3, 2026, – January 10, 2027.
- All work must be original work of the entrant, executed within the past three years (2023 to present), and not exhibited in any previous Cedarhurst/Shrode Art Center competition or exhibition
- Work NOT acceptable: work copied from published recognizable artwork or photographs; items assembled from kits or pre-cut/pre-cast material; work produced in/based in another artist’s workshop or class; work that is a print of your original art piece; work unsuitable for family viewing
- All 2-dimensional and wall-mounted work must be presented in a professional manner; ready for hanging, with a braded wire or sturdy support attached on the back. Do NOT use saw tooth hangers, string, tape, or aluminum wire! Use braided wire specifically made for the weight of the artwork.
Artwork will be rejected (and entry fee forfeited) if the above eligibility requirements are not met.
Judging
Each year, Cedarhurst invites a different established fine arts professional, such as a regional university professor or museum curator, to serve as judge for our competition.
The judge views each entry, one at a time, and selects works to be included in our exhibition.
Finally, the top award winners are selected and announced the night of the opening reception, March 21, 2026.
Submission Format and Delivery
ALL submissions for the competition must be DIGITAL and received at Shrode Art Center no later than Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
- Digital images must be JPEG or TIFF files
- Each image must be identified with the artist’s last name and entry number (1, 2, or 3)
- NOTE! Entry form and digital submissions preferred via Google Docs. You can fill out your entry form, easily upload your images, and pay your entry fee all online this year! To enter, go to cedarhurst.org/call-for-entries.
- Images on a (non-returnable) USB flash drive are also accepted.
Awards/Opening Reception:
Saturday, March 21, 2026 | Reception 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Award Presentation: 6 pm | Mitchell Museum
Awards:
- Best of Show – $500
- Best of 2 Dimensional – $250
- Best of 3 Dimensional – $250
- Honorable Mention (2 awarded) – $175
- Merit Certificates may be given at the Judges discretion
For questions about the competition, contact:
tracy@cedarhurst.org | 618-242-1236 x 248
Quick Reference 2026 Schedule:
- Entry Deadline: Wednesday, February 18
- Acceptance Notification: Wednesday, February 25
- Accepted Works Drop-Off Deadline: Friday, March 13
- Opening Reception + Awards Announcement: Saturday, March 21
- Exhibition Dates: March 22 through June 14
- Exhibit Art Chat: Thursday, June 11 (during TNL) – 6:15
- Post Exhibit Art Pick Up: June 16 – June 20
