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
​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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Submissions for the 39th Sears Invitational are now CLOSED! Thank you to all who submitted. If you missed it, we hope you will apply next year.
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.
