Artist Resources

ArtWorks provides a list of artist opportunities for creatives in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. If you would like us to add an artist opportunity to this page, please fill out this form.

Please note: ArtWorks may not be affiliated with the opportunities listed. If you have questions, please reach out to the organization directly.

Opportunities

Open Call For Art: CARE

CARE. Do you hear a noun, a verb, an imperative? Do you feel comforted, overwhelmed, or inspired by the sound and meaning of the word Care?

Hera Gallery is interested in how we as artists and as society relate to the concept of care at this moment in time.

From taking care and giving care to self-care, and the call to care – the idea of care runs through all our lives from beginning to end. Human care, animal care, environmental care, or caring for an idea, a faith, a passion, a commitment. Care is associated with cultural connections, age, and gender. How is this shifting? How do we find balance when engaged in caregiving at all levels?

How does the word Care resonate with you, which images, stories and sentiments does it bring forth in you? Which role does care play in your life as an artist and in your artistic practice?

Juror: Priya N. Green, Director of the Chen Art Gallery

Deadline to apply: 3/8/2025

To learn more and apply click here or reach out to Alison Meyer at info@heragallery.org

Still Life 2025 Art Competition

Ten Moir Gallery invites artists and photographers to explore the timeless beauty of “Still Life” in their upcoming online art exhibition. This call for entry celebrates the artistry of arranging everyday objects into compelling compositions that capture the essence of stillness and storytelling. Submissions are open to artists worldwide.

The Best in Show winner will receive a cash prize, complimentary entry into the prestigious Blu Sky Artist Award, and have their artwork featured as the official poster for the exhibition. All winning artists will be awarded a digital certificate of achievement.

Entry fee: $12 per submission, with a discounted rate available for submitting 4 or more images.

Deadline for submissions: April 1st, 2025

For more information and to apply click here.

52nd Hamilton Current Area Area Art Competition

Fitton Center for Creative Arts is currently accepting competition entries for an all-media juried show open to adult visual artists residing within sixty miles of Hamilton, Ohio, with no limits on theme, content or style.

Up to three original works that have been created in the last five years may be submitted. The entry fee is $35 per artist. $1000 in cash prizes will be awarded. Enter the competition online at fittoncenter.org/call-to-artists. Early entries are encouraged. Contact Cathy Mayhugh, 513-863-8873 ext. 122 for more information.

Jurors are Richard W. James, Assistant Professor of Ceramics at Miami University, Oxford, and Emily Versoza, Gallery Manager at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center, Cincinnati.

Over 300 people typically attend Fitton Center Exhibition receptions. Attend the FREE opening event at the Fitton Center on Saturday April 26, 2025, 5:30 – 7:30pm.

Deadline to apply 3/16/2025.

Call for Entries: The San Diego Watercolor Society’s 45th International Exhibition

The San Diego Watercolor Society proudly invites artists to submit entries for its 45th International Exhibition, taking place September 28 – October 31, 2025, at its stunning gallery in the The Arts District, Liberty Station.

This prestigious juried show will be judged by acclaimed artist Kathleen Conover, AWS, NWS, TWSA, and will feature $20,000 in cash and merchandise awards, including $6,000 First Prize.

Eligible works must be created during water-based media (watercolor, acrylic, gouache, casein, or tempera) on paper, synthetic paper, wrapped canvas, or cradled wood panel. All accepted paintings will be available for purchase both in-gallery and online.

Entry Deadline: May 18, 2025

For questions, contact ishowinformation@sdws.org and for more information and to view the prospectus click here.

Call to Artists: Change

Juried Exhibition

Dates: March 22 – June 7, 2025

Opening Reception: Saturday, March 22, 6-8 PM

Location: Kennedy Heights Arts Center, Kennedy Gallery, 6546 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45213

Theme: Inspired by Heraclitus’ words, “There is nothing permanent except change”, this exhibition explores the impact of transformation in our lives.

Eligibility: Open to artists 18+ residing in the Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN Metropolitan area (counties listed in full guidelines).

Submission Details:

Deadline: February 24, 2025 (end of day)
Fee: Free to submit
Notification: March 3, 2025
Accepted Media: 2D & 3D visual art (artists must provide necessary equipment for video works)
Entries: Up to 2 artworks per artist, any year, must align with theme
Artist Statement: Each piece must include brief (max 200 words) statement explaining its inspiration and message
File Naming: Last name, first initial, title (e.g., SmithB-Change.jpeg)
Required Info: Name, address, phone, email, social media, artwork details (title, materials, dimensions, year, price/NFS)
Submissions & Questions: Email curator@kennedyarts.org

Artwork Drop-off: March 11-14 (10 AM – 5 PM) & March 15 (11 AM – 4 PM) (No shipping; all work must arrive gallery-ready with D-rings wire – no sawtooth hangers.)

Sales & Commission: Artwork may be for sale (not required). Artists receive 75% commission; KHAC retains 25%. Sales handled by KHAC. A W-9 is required for sales.

Important Dates:

Entry Deadline: February 24, 2025
Acceptance Notification: March 3, 2025
Drop-off: March 11-15, 2025
Exhibition: March 22 – June 7, 2025
Pick-up: June 10-14, 2025

For full details and to apply, email curator@kennedyarts.org or click here.

Young Artists and Authors Showcase 2025 – Friendship

Deadline to Apply: April 1, 2025

Sister Cities International is proud to present the 2025 Young Artists and Authors Showcase, inviting youth from around the world to express their creativity through the theme “Friendship: The Heartbeat of Global Peace”. This year’s theme highlights the power of friendship to foster understanding, collaboration, and peace across borders.

By participating in this inspiring competition, young creators will have the opportunity to share their vision of a peaceful world and contribute to the international dialogue about the importance of building friendships across nations. Winning entries will be featured in Sister Cities International’s global network, inspiring communities and leaders worldwide.

Click here for more information.

This year, they are hosting two separate competitions based on age groups. Applicants aged 12-14 will compete in one showcase, while those aged 15-18 will compete in another. In each age group and each art medium, there will be a first, second, and third place winner.

Click here to apply.

Awards will be given out to YAAS winners who place 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category and in each age showcase.

1st Place: $1,000
2nd Place: $500
3rd Place: $250

Call for Artists – The HeART of Resilience Exhibition Stories

This is a call for artists to submit works for the The HeART of Resilience, an exhibition that visually narrates the transformative journey of breast cancer survivors as they reclaim their bodies and identities after surgery. Presented by Flaunt Flat Revolution and hosted by the gallery at Art on Main.

This exhibition seeks works (painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture and ceramics) that pay tribute to the bravery and determination required to make informed choices, redefine personal attractiveness, and embrace new chapters in life. Through this collective visual exploration, The HeART of Resilience exhibition seeks to create a compelling visual dialogue celebrating empowerment, healing, and the power of resilience.

This is a paid opportunity and the deadline to submit is 9/12/25.

For more information and to apply click here or reach out to Vinasota Thach at hello@flauntflatrevolutuion.org

2025 Cincinnati Coffee Festival Poster Competition

The Cincinnati Coffee Festival invites submissions for its 2025 Poster Competition!

Winner Receives:

2 tickets to the festival
$250
Framed copy of the winning poster
Recognition on the festival website

Event Details:

The Cincinnati Coffee Festival is the Midwest’s premier coffee event, featuring samples, demos, live music, and more. It supports the Ohio River Foundation – because “Without Great Water, You Can’t Have Great Coffee.”

Poster Requirements:

Must include:
- Cincinnati Coffee Festival (logo included)
- Event details: October 25-26, 2025, at Cincinnati Music Hall
- “Benefiting Ohio River Foundation” + logo
- Optional tagline: “Without Great Water, You Can’t Have Great Coffee”
Adaptable for T-shirts, programs, and more.

Eligibility & Submission:

Open to artists 18+ within 75 miles of Cincinnati.
Submit artwork in JPG, PDF, or PNG format (max 5MB).
Name files as: TitleofWork_LastName_FirstName.
Include entry form: cincinnaticoffeefestival.com/poster-competition.

Key Dates:

March 14, 2025: Entry deadline
April 11, 2025: Winner announced
October 25, 2025: Winner recognized at the festival

Questions? Email cincinnaticoffeefestival@gmail.com

Live Courageously: Rebloom Gathering

Lori Siebert a local artist is co-hosting a conference in May 2025 called “Live Courageously: Rebloom”. Our very own Pam Kravetz will be speaking and doing a creative session.

What is Life Courageously: Rebloom Gathering?
A transformative retreat with inspiring speakers, creative sessions, and a supportive community to help your reignite your courage and pursue new directions in business and life. Join us to connect, learn, and grow with likeminded people!

When?
May 5th-8th, 2025.

Who is it for?
Anyone seeking to reset, re-evaluate, or redirect their life or career with authenticity. Connect with a community, gain actionable insights, and enjoy creative, fun sessions.

Where?
Richwood on the River, Milton, KY – a beautiful estate along the Ohio River, close to the charming town of Madison, Indiana.

Why attend?
If you’re ready to break free from limitations, find inspiration, connect with others, and enjoy a peaceful, inspiring setting, join us.

For more information or to buy tickets, Rebloom Gathering – Live Courageously Events

If you have any questions reach out to Lori Siebert at lorisiebertstudio@gmail.com.

2025 Midwest Sustainability Summit

Now in its 12th year, this full-day conference draws 650+ professional and community leaders from across the Midwest to the Cincinnati region for an action-packed and inspiring day of learning and connecting. Over the past few years, we’ve increasingly integrated the creative arts into the event in the form of a large art show featuring dozens of artists (with paintings, photography, sculptures, interactive installations, and more!) and a performance showcase (with spoken word, music, dance and/or theater). We hope you’ll join us and be a part of this year’s Summit!

You can learn more about the event here:
https://www.midwestsustainabilitysummit.org/

And find our art submission guidelines and submit your proposal here:
https://forms.gle/XGKN98NijEcMq7E67

Art Submission Timeline:
– Submission Deadline: March 1, 2025
– Selections Notified: March 31, 2025
– Event takes place: June 5, 2025

Questions? Want to bounce your idea off of us prior to submission?
Contact Sarah Richard (srichard1@udayton.edu) and Charlie Gonzalez (charlie@greenumbrella.org)

Classes and Workshops

Looking to learn new skills and improve your craft? Here is a list of local community classes and workshops you can attend!

Sew Valley Education Workshops
Discover Contemporary Art Museum Programs
The Professional Practice
ProjectArt – Free Classes
Indigo Hippo – Material Play: Free Creative Workshops for Youth
- Indigo Hippo is launching Material Play! A FREE, once-a-month workshop series for youth ages 10-18 (recommended, no restricition for children under 10 but request a parent or guardian present to participate). Learn new creative skills and mediums from local artists and organizations while exploring themes of personal growth, resilience and community.

Membership Opportunities

Creative Ohio
- The statewide advocacy organization that energizes the arts and creative community to crusade for deeper investment in Ohio’s creative economy from Ohio’s state legislature and administration as well as its U.S. senators and Congressional representatives.