Start with Art is a special annual exhibition at the Seymour Art Gallery, with the goal of encouraging young people to appreciate, collect, and curate their own art collection.

We are interested in artwork by adult artists that appeals to people 16 years old and younger; we have found they often connect with narrative artwork and art that has an edge of humour. 

In this unique show, we offer a special price list just for young people. Adults are also allowed to purchase artwork, but at full price. Artwork is displayed at “kids eye-view” and we have fun programing for young people throughout the exhibition.

Criteria: Only original works created since January 2023 are eligible. Pieces must be one-of-a-kind. If applying with prints (such as screen prints, risographs, or lino prints), they must be signed, editioned, and part of an edition no larger than 100.

Work must be for sale. There are no size restrictions, but as this is a group exhibition, space is limited. Artists are encouraged to submit at least five pieces, and works submitted should be from a single series or body of work. Selected pieces it will be displayed together.

Availability: The call is open to artists in British Columbia, and local drop off and pick up is required. Selected work must be suitably prepared for exhibition and must be available for drop-off on Sunday, March 15, 2026 for exhibition March 24 - May 2, 2026. Artists must be available to collect their work between (May 7 - 10 2026).

Restrictions: With the exception of ART PARTY and Winter Gift Gallery, artists cannot appear in exhibitions more frequently than every 3 years. If you have exhibited in a solo or group exhibition in the past 3 years, you are not eligible to apply for this exhibition. 

Please Note: If your work is selected and you participate in 'Start with Art,' you are not eligible to apply for a solo or group show (with the exception of ART PARTY and Winter Gift Gallery) for 3 years.  

Sales: Work is required to be for sale; each piece must have one regular selling price (for adults), and one lower price (for young people 16 and under). We kindly request a maximum price of $150 for artwork priced for young people, but much lower-priced works are appreciated. Smaller artworks can be a good idea. Seymour Art Gallery will retain 25% on all works sold.

Membership: You do not need to be a member of Seymour Art Gallery to submit, but selected artists must become members ($25 for one-year membership). 

Availability:

The call is open to artists in British Columbia, and local drop off and pick up is required.

Selected work must be suitably prepared for exhibition and must be available for drop-off on Sunday, March 15, 2026 for exhibition March 24 - May 2, 2026.

Wall-mounted work must be appropriately framed (or have a professional look with finished sides) and must be wired for hanging. Work not suitably prepared may not be exhibited.

Please upload up to 10 images of your work. Label your files with a number, your full name, and the title of the work to correspond with the image list below.

File name example: 01_fullname_title

Please note: Do not use the enter key to when filling out the form. It will submit your application.