Important Dates for the 2026 "Signs of Rural Life" Exhibit
· June 6: Submission deadline
· June 20: Notification of acceptance
· June 25 - June 27: Deliver work to Blue Cat
· July 9 - Aug 8: Exhibit on display
· July 10: Opening Reception
· Aug 9 - 22: 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: Christopher Atkins
Bio coming soon.
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.
Call For Art: "Under Two Hundred"
Annual Holiday Show
Blue Cat features an annual holiday exhibit, Under Two Hundred. 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.
Check back summer 2026 for entry form for this year's show.
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 (will be available summer 2026). Blue Cat will determine a list of artworks from the submissions and notify artists of accepted artworks a couple weeks prior to the opening of the exhibit. Work will be due at the gallery the one-two weeks before the exhibit opens. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the artist.