Call for Art: Providence Art Club College Biennial 2026
Exhibition Overview: The Providence Art Club invites emerging artists currently studying art to exhibit their work in a special exhibition in its historic Maxwell Mays Gallery from February 15 – March 5, 2026. This show is open to students studying at colleges in Rhode Island, as well as to Rhode Island residents studying in other states. This show will feature cash prizes and the chance for a select artist to be the subject of a solo exhibition in 2027. This is an opportunity for promising student artists to exhibit at one of the nation’s oldest arts organizations and to be recognized for their talent and vision.
This show will be juried by Michael Rose, the Art Club’s gallery manager. Michael is an art gallerist and writer with over a decade of experience. Learn more about him at michaelrosefineart.com/about, and subscribe to his free weekly art resource newsletter at newenglandartnews.substack.com.
Eligibility:
- Open to art students currently enrolled at any college or university in Rhode Island.
- Open to Rhode Island residents who are studying art outside of the state.
- Must be majoring or minoring in Studio Art or related discipline and be in a degree or certificate program: AA, BA, BFA, MA, MAT, MFA, or Post Bacc., etc.
- Work must be original and properly prepared for installation. Two dimensional works must be wired with D-Rings. Works on paper must be under glass or plexi. If work utilizes non-traditional installation methods, please contact Gallery Manager Michael Rose to make sure it is acceptable.
How to Apply (Deadline January 29, 2026):
This is a FREE call for art. There is no entry fee to apply.
Eligible students will apply by:
- Completing the quick online Google Form application.
- Emailing one artwork for consideration to michael@providenceartclub.org. Image must be in JPEG format and file must be clearly labeled with artist, title, medium, and size in inches height x width.
Applications will be accepted through Thursday, January 29 at midnight.
Notification:
PAC Gallery Manager Michael Rose will select up to 50 works for exhibition and accepted artists will be notified by end of day on Monday, February 2, 2026.
Participation Honorarium:
Each exhibiting artist will receive a $25 honorarium for participating.
Prizes:
Over $1,000 in Cash Prizes will be Awarded!
1st place - $1,000 in award money and a solo show in the Club’s Mary Castelnovo Gallery in 2027. 1st Place Winner will also have the opportunity to receive mentoring from the Club’s Gallery Manager and to participate in the Club’s 2027 Class and Instructor Exhibition.
2nd place - $500 in award money. 2nd Place Winner will also have the opportunity to receive mentoring from the Club’s Gallery Manager and to participate in the Club’s 2027 Class Show.
3rd place - $250 in award money. 3rd Place Winner will also have the opportunity to receive mentoring from the Club’s Gallery Manager and to participate in the Club’s 2027 Class Show.
Size: Size limit for submissions is 45" x 45” to the outermost edge including the frame. Three-dimensional work may not exceed 45" in any direction and may not weigh more than 100lbs.
Delivery of Work: Sunday, February 8 – Thursday, February 12 from 12-4pm each day. Other drop off times can also be arranged by appointment.
Preparation, Sales, and Other Details:
All artworks must be available for purchase, with sold works subject to a standard 40% commission. All work must be completed within the last two years and should not be a class project. Works must be prepared for installation in a professional manner. Two dimensional works must be securely wired using D-Rings. If you have any questions about eligibility please email Michael Rose at michael@providenceartclub.org.
Exhibition Dates:
February 15 – March 5, 2026. Gallery hours are typically Sundays – Fridays, 12-4pm daily. The galleries are closed Saturdays.
Removal of Work:
March 8 – March 13, 2026, 12-4pm each day
Please note: The Club has limited artwork storage and artists must pick up their submissions by Friday, March 13. We cannot store artwork from previous shows indefinitely.
Insurance: The Art Club carries a blanket policy covering fire and theft, but not breakage. The insurance value is considered 2/3 of the sale price, but no entry is insured for more than $250.