FAQs

 

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.

 

Q: When can I submit my art? When is the show? What about the Gala?

A: Submissions open August 1, 2026 and close October 30, 2026. The Gala Opening will be held February 12; the exhibition runs from February 13 through March 27, 2026.

 

Q: How do I apply? Is there an entry fee?

A: There is no fee to enter! Submissions will be accepted through artcall.org. A direct link will be provided on our website (www.searsart.com) when the call opens. Please submit high-quality works that are available for sale.

​

Q: What do I need to include in my ArtCall submission?

A:

• Your full name

• A high-quality image of each submitted work

• Title, dimensions, sales price, and media for each piece

• Your location (must be in the western U.S.)

• 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:

• Opportunity to sell your artwork

• Increased exposure through the museum and marketing

• 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 on our website: searsart.com.

 

Q: If accepted, how do I get my artwork to the museum?

A:

• Local artists may drop off and pick up at the museum (St. George, Utah).

• Free drop-off and pickup van service will be available in Orem, Salt Lake City, and Ogden, Utah.

• Artists outside Utah, or those unable to use the drop-off locations, will be responsible for round-trip shipping cost of their work.