SEARS INVITATIONAL
ART SHOW & SALE
ART BY: ARACELI SELYTIN
Every year on President's Day weekend, Utah Tech University and the Sears Art Museum hosts it's prestigious Robert N. and Peggy Sears Invitational Art Show & Sale. We proudly showcase over 100 artists from all over the West and more than 200 traditional, contemporary, and sculptural pieces of artwork.
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The art show was founded by Robert N. Sears, 1915-1995. Sears, a retired vice president of Phillips Petroleum, worked tirelessly to establish a quality art invitational at the University which has become one of the most popular, well-attended exhibits in the state of Utah.
The 39th Annual Sears Invitational
Art Call for the 39th Invitational Show and Sale is here:
https://2026searsinvitational.artcall.org/
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We're excited to announce the dates for the 39th Annual Sears Invitational!
2025
Aug. 1, 2025: Submissions Open
Oct. 31, 2025: Submissions Close
Nov. 17, 2025: Acceptance Notice
2026
Feb. 13, 2026: Gala Opening
Feb. 14 - Mar. 28, 2026: Exhibition
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We were thrilled by the incredible response last year—the most submissions we’ve ever received! It was wonderful to welcome both new and returning artists to our museum, and we’re looking forward to doing it again.
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We are excited to invite all artists based in the western United States to submit their work. However, as only around 200 pieces will be accepted, we encourage you to submit your strongest, most compelling work for the best chance of selection in this prestigious exhibition.
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This is the only annual fundraiser for the Sears Art Museum, and the proceeds help cover essential costs such as staff salaries, exhibitions, and keeping the museum open with free admission for all.
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Artists: please submit work that is both exceptional and available for sale. Kindly do not submit pieces that have already sold or that you’re not ready to part with—after all, the goal of the Invitational is to connect artists and collectors while supporting the museum.
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We’ll once again be using the ArtCall online submission platform. Please be sure to upload high-quality images of your work.
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All submissions will be juried by a panel of art professors, practicing artists, and arts professionals—each bringing their own expertise to the process. Once jurying is complete, artists will be notified of their acceptance via our website and email. Additional details for accepted artists—including artwork delivery instructions—will follow.
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We can’t wait to see the incredible work you’ve been creating. Here’s to another outstanding year of the Sears Invitational!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who may submit to the Invitational?
A: Any artist age 18 or older who is based in the western United States is welcome to submit. Priority will be given to artists from Utah, Idaho, Colorado, and Nevada.
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Q: When can I submit my art? When is the show? What about the Gala?
A: Submissions open August 1, 2025 and close October 31, 2025. The Gala Opening will be held February 13, 2026; the exhibition runs from February 14 through March 28, 2026.
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Q: How do I apply? Is there an entry fee?
A: There is no fee to enter! Submissions will be accepted through https://2026searsinvitational.artcall.org/. Please submit high-quality works that are available for sale.
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Q: What do I need to include in my ArtCall submission?
A:
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Your full name
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A high-quality image of each submitted work
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Title, dimensions, sales price, and media for each piece
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Your location (must be in the western U.S.)
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A brief artist bio
If you have art-related social media, feel free to include it in your bio—we love tagging artists in our posts!
Q: What kinds of art are you looking for?
A: We welcome visual art of all subjects and mediums—including watercolor, oil, acrylic, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, photography, mixed media, 2D digital art, and more. We aim to showcase a diverse and dynamic range of artwork.
Q: How many pieces may I submit? Do they need to be recent?
A: You may submit up to three (3) individual pieces. Each entry must be submitted separately. A maximum of two (2) works may be accepted. Please submit recent artwork.
Q: What are the benefits of participating?
A:
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Opportunity to sell your artwork
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Increased exposure through the museum and marketing
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Inclusion in our printed Sears Invitational catalogue
Q: What is the sales split between the artist and the museum?
A: Artists receive 60% of the sale price, and the Sears Art Museum retains 40%. This helps fund exhibitions, staff positions, and more. (Bonus: the museum’s portion is tax-deductible for the buyer.)
Q: How many artists or artworks will be accepted? How will I be notified?
A: We anticipate accepting around 200 works of art. Notifications will be sent by email and posted here on our website.
Q: If accepted, how do I get my artwork to the museum?
A:
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Local artists may drop off and pick up at the museum (St. George, Utah).
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Free drop-off and pickup van service will be available in Orem, Salt Lake City, and Ogden, Utah.
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Artists outside Utah, or those unable to use the drop-off locations, will be responsible for round-trip shipping costs of their work.
