Illuminight Winter Walk 2026 Artist Application

Call to Artists – Illuminight Winter Walk 2026

Applications Due Monday January 12th

We invite artists of all ages, styles, and experience levels to participate in the 12th Annual Illuminight Winter Walk, taking place Friday, January 30, 2026, from 5–7 PM. This application covers three different participation opportunities, and artists are welcome to apply for one, two, or all three opportunities. This year's theme is "Step into the Story."

Participation Options

1. Luminary Competition
Create a luminary to be featured in the Illuminight procession and display. Community voting will take place online, prior to the event, across five categories:

Youth (under 10)
Youth (ages 10–18)
Adult
Group
Grand Prize Winner

Winners will be announced during the Illuminight event on January 30, with prizes distributed on stage by our event partner, the Mount Vernon Downtown Association.

2. Traditional Illuminight Artist Stipend
Artists are encouraged to apply for an Illuminight luminary stipend of $50 per completed piece to support the creation of luminary artwork. Artists may submit and receive support for multiple luminaries. Image of the completed luminary or a design plan must be submitted with application.

3. Meet the Artists Recognition at White Branches
Selected artists will be recognized at a special “Meet the Artists” open house hosted by White Branches in their warm, enchanting venue, and will receive a $150 artist participation stipend. This free event offers the public an opportunity to view your work, meet you, and learn about your creative practice in a dry, comfortable setting. Artists and participants will then take part in a mini-procession from White Branches to Riverwalk Plaza, marking the start of the formal Illuminight celebration. Artists Must be able to arrive at White Branches by 2:00 PM, January 30th 2026 to stage their pieces. Meet the Artists event is from 3:00-4:45. Selected Artists will be notified by Friday January 16th.

Illuminight celebrates light, creativity, and community during the darkest days of winter. We encourage artists, families, classrooms, and community groups to apply and help bring warmth and wonder to downtown Mount Vernon.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

FIRST NAME:*

LAST NAME:*

EMAIL ADDRESS:*

example@example.com

PHONE NUMBER:

Address (Required for Artist Stipends & Meet the Artists Stipend)

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

INFORMATION ABOUT ARTWORK

Please fill out the information about the piece(s) you would like to submit for the exhibit. ALL fields must be filled out in order to be considered for selection. For more than one luminary, fill out the "Additional Luminaries" tab at the bottom of the form, listing each one individually.

NAME OF PIECE:*

Entry for:*

1. Luminary Contest2. Artist Stipend3. Meet the Artists at White Branches4. Meet the Artists at White Branches (featured participation, no stipend requested)

DIMENSIONS:*

Width x Height

Select Image File (file size should not exceed 100KB):*

Description of Luminary*

Submission Category if entering Luminary Contest:

Youth (Under 10)Youth (10-18)AdultsGroup