Common Ground in the Heartland: Reflecting on America at 250 - Juried Exhibition

Common Ground in the Heartland: Reflecting on America at 250

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, the Visual Arts Center at the Washington Pavilion invites artists from across the Midwest to reflect on the people, places, and experiences that shape our shared story.

From small towns and family farms to growing cities and tribal communities, the Midwest has long been a crossroads of cultures, traditions, industries, and ideas. The region's landscapes, histories, and communities offer a unique perspective on the American experience, one rooted in resilience, connection, stewardship, and a deep sense of place.

Common Ground in the Heartland explores the values, traditions, and relationships that bring people together while recognizing the diverse experiences that define our communities. Artists are encouraged to consider themes such as community and belonging, cultural heritage and storytelling, shared landscapes, civic life, public spaces, intergenerational relationships, and visions for the future.

The exhibition welcomes a broad range of perspectives and artistic approaches. Works may celebrate, question, commemorate, challenge, or reimagine aspects of life in the Midwest and the nation as a whole. Through these varied viewpoints, Common Ground in the Heartland seeks to foster meaningful dialogue about our collective past, present, and future.

As we reflect on 250 years of American history, this exhibition asks: What stories, values, and experiences connect us, and how can art help us better understand one another?

Information:

Artists from the Midwest or with a connection to the Midwest are encouraged to apply.

All mediums are welcome, including but not limited to ceramics, glass, fiber, metal, wood, painting, drawing, photography, and mixed media. Artists of all career stages are encouraged to apply.

Selected artworks must be delivered/shipped ready to install (hanging hardware, framed if needed, etc).

Artwork must not exceed 60" and/or 50lbs

If shipping, artists are responsible for shipping costs. Please include return shipping label.

Artwork will be insured while in the care of the Washington Pavilion Visual Arts Center.

Artwork may be available for sale during the length of the exhibition. If sold, the artist will receive 70% of set retail price.

Submissions will only be accepted through the CaFÉ online website: https://www.callforentry.org/

Prepare your digital images for submission. Please ensure they are high-quality.

Files should be named using the following format: YourLastName_Image Title.JPG

Upload your digital images to CaFÉ at https://www.callforentry.org/ according to the provided guidelines.

Timeline:

July 2, 2026 - Call for Art Opens

July 31, 2026 - Call for Art Closes

August 5, 2026 - Artwork selected and Artists notified

August 20, 2026 - All artwork must be delivered/shipped

August 28, 2026 - Exhibition Opens

February 21, 2027 - Exhibition Closes

March19, 2027 - All artwork must be picked up/returned