Important Dates for the 2025 "Signs of Rural Life" Exhibit
· June 7: Submission deadline
· June 21: Notification of acceptance
· June 25 - June 28: Deliver work to Blue Cat
· July 9 - Aug 16: Exhibit on display
· July 11: Opening Reception
· Aug 17 - 30: Return unsold work to artists
Awards
· First Place - $250
. Second Place - $175
. Third Place - $125
· People's Choice - $75
Eligibility
· Open to artists of all career levels from emerging to professional, 18 years of age or older
· Submit up to five entries created in the last five years (and not previously shown in Signs of Rural Life); $30 non-refundable entry fee required
· Max Size: no one side larger than 50” (3-D work requiring a pedestal, no more than 18” wide or deep)
· Any media including painting, works on paper, printmaking, photography, sculpture (excluding installation art)
· Works must be display ready (wrapped canvases are permitted, 2-D work must be wired and ready for hanging; NO sawtooth hangers)
· By entering the exhibit, artists whose works are selected for the show grant Blue Cat Gallery & Studio the right to use submitted images on printed materials, gallery website & social media sites for promotional purposes.
· Artwork accepted for the exhibit must be for sale. Blue Cat Gallery will receive a 25% commission for each work sold from the exhibit. Payment for works sold during the show will be issued within 30 days of the end of the exhibit.
About the Juror: Aaron C Packard
Aaron Caleb Packard, a one man band in a van, would prefer loading up a bunch of gear and road-tripping to a gig instead of stressing about connecting flights, baggage fees, and overhead storage space, but he does it when necessary. Aaron somehow just seems to belong, whether it’s in an executive suit, on a manufacturing floor, or at a motorcycle rally. He empowers his subjects to be present and be themselves in the moment to create authentic images. If that requires him to hang off the back of a motorcycle facing the wrong direction, Aaron will do it.
The youngest child of two hippy fine art professors, Aaron Caleb Packard arrived in the spring of 1971, a month later than he was supposed to. Since then, he has made it a point to be on time. At the age of sixteen, after attending the Marie Walsh Sharp Art Foundation, he ran out of art classes at his local high school. The only option was to take drawing at the university… from his father. After graduating high school, Aaron attempted to rebel from his artist family by enlisting in the US Navy. His family was actually pretty proud of him, but he ended up back in art school eventually.
Signs of Rural Life - Entry Fee
Pay the entry fee here by credit card. Or, mail a check for $30 made payable to Blue Cat Gallery & Studio to: 114 W 3rd Street, Wayne NE 68787
Call For Art: "Under Two Hundred"
Annual Holiday Show
Blue Cat is seeking artwork for their annual holiday exhibit, the Under Two Hundred exhibit. Submit up to five artworks priced at $200 or less. No theme. All media considered: painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, textiles, collage, printmaking, etc. Size of 2D work, including frame, no larger than 24 inches in any direction. 3D work, no larger than 24 inches tall and 18 inches wide or deep. Original artworks only. No crafts or pieces made from kits. No fee to submit work.
Submit your artwork by: Saturday Oct 25, 2025
Send jpg images of up to five artworks to: bluecat.gallery.studio@gmail.com with a brief message expressing your interest in being part of the "Under Two Hundred" exhibit, and the completed submission form (see below). Blue Cat will determine a list of artworks from the submissions and notify artists of accepted artworks by Nov 1st. Work will be due at the gallery by Friday November 14th. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the artist.
Small Works for the Gift Shop Gallery
Do you create small original artwork?
Blue Cat hosts a "Gift Shop Gallery" in addition to the featured exhibits gallery space, and is looking for artists who create small pieces such as jewelry, cards, original prints, small pottery pieces and more. Retail prices should be set at $100 or less. Blue Cat retains 25% commission on all sales.
Would you like to include your pieces in the gift shop gallery?
Send jpg images of examples of your artwork to: bluecat.gallery.studio@gmail.com with a brief message expressing your interest and information about the work you create. Blue Cat will respond within 1-2 weeks of inquiry to discuss details with you.
Propose an exhibit
Submit your work to show at Blue Cat
Blue Cat runs exhibits from March or April to December each year. Most exhibits are scheduled for two months, but exceptions may be made. Submit a proposal for an individual or group show. Include the following information and materials listed below when submitting your proposal.
Deadline: ongoing (currently considering work for exhibits in 2026-2027; gallery closed Jan-Feb each year; possible exhibit dates include: March-April, May-June and Sept-Oct)
Materials and information to include:
- 5-10 images in jpg format for individuals (2-3 images per artist for group proposals)
- Image list: title, medium, size, date, price - pdf format
- Resume/CV - pdf format
- Biography narrative (1-2 paragraphs about you and your art career) - pdf format
- Artist Statement/Inspiration for your work (no more than one page) - pdf format
Where to submit your materials
Email your jpgs (images) and PDF documents to: bluecat.gallery.studio@gmail.com
In the subject line, type "Blue Cat Artist Proposal"
Expect a response within 1-2 weeks of emailing your materials if the gallery is interested.