Entry Deadline: Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026
Non-Refundable Application Fee: $5 (plus fees) for River Arts, Inc. members, $15 (plus fees) for non-members
Participation Fee: $20 (plus fees) for River Arts, Inc. members, $25 (plus fees) for non-members
Media: Any
Location: The Sauk Prairie River Arts Center Gallery, 105 9th Street, Prairie du Sac, WI, 53578
Open to all Wisconsin artists
Now accepting submissions for the exhibition Collecting Kinship: The Belonging We Build.
In 2024, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services highlighted a study in its article The State of Social Connectedness in Wisconsin, which found that "Wisconsin was ranked 31st out of 50 states in loneliness." River Arts, Inc., along with many other community focused organizations, businesses, and individuals, recognizes these findings as an urgent call to action to reinforce the importance of social connectedness within our local communities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention further emphasizes this need, stating, "When individuals are socially connected, they are better able to navigate life challenges and cope with stress, trauma, adversity, anxiety, and depression."
This season, River Arts, Inc. presents Collecting Kinship: The Belonging We Build. This call for art invites Wisconsin artists to create work that explores the many forms of kinship cultivated through community. Artists are encouraged to reflect on and celebrate the relationships, welcoming spaces, shared experiences, and meaningful connections that foster a sense of belonging and strengthen social connectedness in their own lives. Through this theme, the exhibition seeks artwork that illustrates how community, beyond familial ties, shapes, sustains, and enriches our collective well-being.
Additional submission information:
Each piece submitted must be 12"x12" unframed. Max framed dimensions 14"x14". All 2D work must be ready to hang via wire hangers. Please, no sawtooths or clip hangers. Please be prepared to provide framed and unframed dimensions as applicable. Also, if there is any damage or marks, even slight, to frame or art, please note (and send a photograph).
In-Person Artwork Delivery:
Artworks can be delivered in person or shipped to 590 Water Street Prairie du Sac, WI 53578. Works delivered in person should be dropped off on Tuesday, November 24, 2026 from 4-7p, or other days/times by appointment.
Shipping:
Artworks should be shipped to 590 Water St, Prairie du Sac, WI 53578. Full packaging and shipping requirements will be sent to accepted artists. No packing peanuts! All shipments must include a prepaid UPS or FedEx return label and be shipped in a container suitable for re-use for return shipping. Artist will be responsible for cost of shipping and insurance to and from venue. Artwork will be insured by River Arts Inc. during the duration of the exhibit.
Important dates:
- Deadline to apply: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- Notifications sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2026
- Artwork drop-off in person: (at 590 Water St, Prairie du Sac, WI, 53578) Tuesday, November 24, 2026 from 4-7p or by appointment
- Shipping: Artworks must arrive between November 17-21, 2026 (also to 590 Water St, Prairie du Sac, WI, 53578)
- Exhibit dates: Monday December 7, 2026 - Friday, February 12, 2027
- Reception: Thursday, December 10, 2026
- Artwork pick-up: TBD
Artworks will be listed for sale at artist-provided retail prices. Purchased works may not be removed until the close of the exhibition. Artists retain 65% of sale with 35% retained by RAI. NFS work is allowed.
The River Arts Center Gallery is located at 105 9th St, Prairie du Sac, WI (adjacent to Sauk Prairie High School). Enter through doors E-3, the Garden Entrance, which is located down a sidewalk to the right of the River Arts Center main doors.
Gallery Hours: 8am-8pm Monday-Friday and weekends during special events. Closed when Sauk Prairie Schools are closed. Call 608-643-5215 to confirm hours before your visit.
Accessibility: The gallery is wheelchair accessible, including all doorways and restrooms
For questions about your submission, please email Maggie at manager@riverartsinc.org
For more information about our organization, please visit www.riverartsinc.org