Presents
Fresh Marks:
Emerging Artists of the Westside
CALL FOR ENTRY
A celebration of emerging young artists from the Westside of Columbus.
Submissions open from:
April 17 – June 2
Make sure you review all details below before applying.
Exhibition Details
Exhibition dates: September 12th - December 12th
Location: Prairie Township Community Center
Scholarships: Scholarships will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Best in Show.
1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $250
3rd Place: $100
Open call submission deadline:
April 17 – June 2
This is a juried exhibition, which means a panel of judges will review all submissions and select the artwork that will be included in the show.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Best in Show will be chosen after the exhibition is installed, with scholarship awards presented at the opening reception.
Submission Guidelines
Submission Guidelines
Artists may submit up to three works for consideration.
Please submit JPEG or PNG images of each artwork.
For each submission, include the dimensions and medium of the work.
All submissions must be received by June 2nd at 11:59 PM
Exhibition Timeline
Dates subject to some flexibility
June 2nd: Gallery submissions close
July 31st: all applicants notified of acceptance status
August 30th: Deadline for accepted artists to deliver selected works
September 12th: Opening reception
December 12th: Exhibition closes
Who Should Apply
Any High School Sophomore, Juniors, or Seniors that live or go to school in Hilltop, Hilliard, or Prairie Township.
Eligible artwork must be 2D mediums & include:
Painting
Photography
Illustration
Mixed Media or Collage
Drawing
Digital
Accessibility / Community Note: The Hilltop Arts Collective is committed to creating inclusive and accessible opportunities for artists in our neighborhood and community. If you have questions, access needs, or submission challenges, please contact us at public-art@hilltoparts.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Who is eligible to apply?
A: Any High School Sophomore, Juniors, or Seniors that live or go to school in Hilltop, Hilliard, or Prairie Township. Young adult artists at all stages of their practice who live, go to school in these neighborhoods are eligible to apply.
Q:Is there a submission fee?
A: No. This open call is free to submit.
Q: Can I submit work that is for sale?
A: No, we are not selling work at this exhibition.
Q:What types of work are you looking for?
A: We welcome any 2nd medium artwork, including painting, illustration, collage, photography, and other exhibition-ready works.
Q: What does “exhibition-ready” mean?
A: All accepted works must be ready for display at the time of delivery. This includes appropriate framing, hanging hardware, or display supports as required.
Q: Are there size or weight restrictions?
A: At this time, there are no strict size restrictions. However, final selections will be made based on gallery space and installation requirements.
Q: Will the work be insured?
A: Please note that while reasonable care will be taken with all artwork, artists are responsible for insuring their own work during the exhibition period.
Q: Do I need to submit original work?
A: Yes. All submitted works must be original creations by the artist, and cannot be generated by A.I.
Q: When and how will artists be notified?
A: All applicants will be notified of their acceptance status by July 31st via email.
Q: When do accepted works need to be delivered?
A: Accepted artists must deliver selected works by August 30th. Delivery instructions and installation details will be shared with accepted artists.
Q: When will artist be made aware of Best in Show Awards?
A: Best in Show artworks will be announced and awarded at the Exhibitions Opening Reception on September 12th.
Q: How will Best in Show Awards be presented?
A: Best in Show Awards will be announced and presented at the opening reception, if the artist is not at opening reception a check will be mailed to the artist.
Q: Who do I contact with questions or accessibility needs?
A: If you have questions or need assistance with the submission process, please contact us at public-art@hilltoparts.org