ABOUT. Original works should draw inspiration from Midwest impressions and activities (i.e., the excitement of summer sports, the fresh scents of spring awakening, the warmth of a hot cup of soup in the bitter winter, or the crisp autumn colors). Interpretations of the season may be broad, and entries are not limited to representational works. 

Over $2500 in Cash Awards | Best of Show $750 + Award Exhibit | 12 Calendar Awards $150 

AWARDS & EXHIBIT CATALOG. The Center for the Visual Arts is excited to announce a new awards format and calendar-style exhibit catalog for our 36th Annual Midwest Seasons.  All artists selected for Midwest Seasons will be featured in the Calendar Exhibit Catalog and receive one copy.  

12 Calendar Awards, each $150, will be given to align with the 12 months of the year. Monthly award winners will be featured prominently on their month's page. Additionally, Calendar Award winners will receive an extra calendar.  

Best of Show, in addition to a $750 cash award, will be featured on the cover of the Calendar Exhibition Catalog and receive 5 copies of the publication. Artists will also have the opportunity to have a solo show in the Vault Gallery during Winter 2027.

 

Artists must be 18 years of age or older to participate in this competition.  

 

MEDIA.  Each artist can submit up to (3) Entries.

Open to All Media Types. 

Works may not exceed a maximum of 60in/5ft in any dimension (HxWxD)

 

SALES. If a piece of artwork is sold, a sales commission of 30% of the sale price will be retained by the CVA.

Sold work must remain in the gallery the entire length of the exhibit. Payment will be made to the artist after the exhibit closes. 

• All work must arrive ready for hanging or installation.
• The gallery uses a track system for 2-D artwork. Artwork should be able to hang from a wire, picture ring, or other compatible hanging methods. Works on paper can be hung with magnets with prior approval. Check with the curator if unsure.
• Art must NOT have been shown before at the CVA. 
• Artists are responsible for shipping, delivery, and pick-up of their artwork.  Return shipping can be done by prepaid shipping slip or invoiced to the artist after the show
• Artwork left at the CVA 30 days after the exhibit ends or where no return shipping arrangements are made will become the property of the CVA.
• The CVA reserves the right not to display work that fails to meet expectations.
• Art MUST be original and created within the last two years

 

CALENDAR.

Call Opens: Wed. September 3
Call Due: Mon. November 3 
Artists Notified: Wed. November 19 
Award Announcement: December 5 
Calendar Pre-Sale Closes: December 13 
Drop Off Dates For Art: Dec 13, 17 - 20, and 29th
Exhibit Dates: January 7 - March 14, 2026
Reception: TBD

 

Juror: Duachaka Her 

Questions:

Email mhager@cvawausau.org 

Please Re-Name your File before Uploading 

File Name. Artist Initials. Entry Number.  Title. or  Artist Initials Entry Number. Title. Image Number (for entries with multiple images)

EXAMPLE File Name. MH.1.Sunsetoverschool or MH.2.Treefortdiorama.3

File Type.  avi, jpg, jpeg, png, gif, heic

For video artwork please include a link to the video in the Artist's Statement 

Number of Images. 2-D or wallhanging work may have 2 images, including 1 detail.  3-D or 4-D work may have 3 images per entry 

Please remit your non-refundable entry fee below.

Entry fee covers up to three artwork submissions.