Submission Deadline: May 2, 2026
OVERVIEW
The West Valley Arts Council is seeking original artwork from African-American Arizona artists for the upcoming Community Canvas: Celebrating Black Artists exhibit at the Avondale Civic Center Library in Avondale, AZ. The exhibit will showcase the talent of local black artists and correspond with Juneteenth. The exhibit will take place in the new City of Avondale Art Gallery near the entrance of the Avondale Civic Center Library located at 11350 W Civic Center Dr, Avondale, AZ.
The exhibit will run May 22 - July 21, 2026.
Artwork will be curated and installed on a cable system at the City of Avondale Art Gallery through the coordination of the West Valley Arts Council, and there will be a QR code point of purchase system for customers. The WVAC will accept 25% commission on any sales, with an artist earning the remaining 75%. Artwork sales will be closed out after the end of the exhibit and after all purchased artwork has been picked up by customers. The $30 submission fee helps pay for time and the exhibit process. Fees are nonrefundable and do not guarantee acceptance in the exhibit. If there is a financial hardship, contact the Gallery Director Daisy@westvalleyarts.org directly.
The WVAC was established in 1969 as a resource for arts and culture in the West Valley, www.westvalleyarts.org. Check out our past exhibits and events on social media www.facebook.com/westvalleyarts and www.instagram.com/westvalley_arts . Follow us.
Submission deadline: Saturday, May 2, 2026 by 12midnight or sooner if the submission threshold is met early. Space is limited to up to 15 pieces of artwork for the exhibit. Smaller sizes 10"-24" are preferred to give more artists a chance to show.
ELIGIBILITY
This opportunity is open to professional and emerging artists 18 and older living in Arizona.
CRITERIA:
- Each entry must be the artist’s original work. AI-generated artwork will not be accepted. Pour art will not be accepted.
- Due to the public exhibition, artwork should be appropriate for families and children to view.
- All 2D artwork must be properly framed and/or wired within the top 3", not to exceed 10 lbs. An additional saw tooth is acceptable to help guide the cable along the back of the artwork to keep it from tilting forward.
- 3D artwork will not be accepted.
- Artwork must stay in place throughout the exhibit.
- Selected 2D work must include a label or identification on the back of the work, including the name of the artist and title, and contact information.
*WVA board and staff reserves the right to refuse any work based on its inability to meet the criteria, inability to be displayed safely and without difficulty, or inappropriateness in themes or content.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Up to 2 entries per submission. Free submission entries.
- Entries must include an image of each piece (images must be at least 300 dpi and .jpg or .png format.), along with the title, size, medium, and price for each. Pricing should include our 25% commission.
- Biography of the artist
- Description / story behind the work.
- Website and Instagram handles if applicable.
- All entries must be completed and received by midnight on the deadline date, and go through this website link.
SELECTION
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of knowledgeable West Valley Arts Council staff members and key partners.
The Community Canvas: Celebrating Black Artists exhibit will open Friday, May 22, 5-7pm. Artists are encouraged to attend and invite family and friends. Share your art and story with fellow artists, visitors, and patrons.
The exhibit will run through July 21, 2026. Artists are responsible for delivery and pick up of their artwork to the West Valley Arts Council's Arts HQ Gallery located at 16126 N. Civic Center Plaza, Ste 102, in Surprise, AZ. The artwork will be brought to the Avondale Gallery for installation and returned back to the Arts HQ Gallery following the exhibit for pick up. Artwork pick up will be following the exhibit on Friday, July 24 or Saturday, July 25, 10am-2pm at the Arts HQ Gallery in Surprise.
Promotion for the exhibit will be featured on the West Valley Arts Council website, newsletters, and social media via Facebook and Instagram and the City of Avondale social media and website. Artists are also encouraged to promote the exhibit in tandem on their own social media platforms and any local media contacts.
SCHEDULE / TIMELINE
Submission Deadline…………………..….Saturday, May 2, 2026
Notice of acceptance………………………..Monday, May 4, 2026
Accepted works delivered to gallery……….Friday, May 15 or Saturday, May 16, 10am-2pm
Artwork Pickup…………Friday, July 24 or Saturday, July 25, 10am-2pm.
QUESTIONS - Email Daisy@westvalleyarts.org
Call for Artists: “Greetings From El Mirage” Mural Project
The West Valley Arts Council, in partnership with the City of El Mirage, is seeking talented and passionate artists to design a mural for a highly visible public art installation located in El Mirage, Arizona.
This mural will celebrate the identity, culture, and history of El Mirage through a “Greetings From…” postcard-style design, creating a welcoming landmark that reflects the spirit of the community.
About the Opportunity
Location: 12013 W. Thunderbird Rd El Mirage, Arizona (East-facing wall)
Final Installation Size: Up to 12 feet high x 44 feet wide
Artist Commission Fee: $8,000
Finalist Stipends: Three (3) finalists will each receive $400 to develop a final concept.
Deadline for Submissions: May 15, 2026
Project Description
The selected mural design will be inspired by the nostalgic “Greetings From…” postcard style, incorporating the iconic block letters and imagery that represents the culture, heritage, and defining characteristics of El Mirage.
To ensure durability and quality of the installation, the selected artist will paint the final artwork on a 36” x 48” canvas. The image will then be digitized and enlarged into a vinyl wall wrap for installation on the building facade.
The City of El Mirage will retain ownership of both the original canvas and the mural image.
Suggested Design Themes
Artists are encouraged to incorporate visual elements representing El Mirage, including but not limited to:
- Agriculture
- Agua Fria River
- Luke Air Force Base / Air Force heritage
- Community and family life
- Established 1951
- Gateway to the Northwest Valley
- Grand Avenue
- Latino culture and heritage
- Railroad history
Artists may interpret these themes creatively while maintaining the classic “Greetings From…” postcard aesthetic.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking a diverse range of artists capable of developing a strong, visually compelling mural concept.
Strong candidates will have:
- Experience creating large-scale or public artwork (preferred but not required)
- The ability to translate a concept into a clean, scalable design
- An understanding of community-centered public art
- Professional reliability and the ability to meet deadlines
Artists must be 18 years or older to apply.
Submission Requirements
To be considered, please submit the following as a single PDF:
Resume or CV Highlight relevant artistic experience, public art projects, or exhibitions.
Portfolio Include at least three examples of previous work, preferably murals or large-format artwork if available.
Artist Statement Briefly describe your artistic style, approach, and interest in this project.
Selection Process
The selection process will occur in two phases:
Phase 1: Artist Selection
A panel will review submissions and select three finalist artists.
Three finalists will each receive a $400 stipend to develop a detailed mural concept.
Phase 2: Final Design Selection
Finalists will present their completed design concepts to the panel. One artist will be selected to execute the final artwork.
Project Timeline (Tentative)
Call for Artists Issued — March 16, 2026 Submission Deadline — May 15, 2026
Round 1 Panel Review — June 1–19, 2026 Finalists Announced — Week of June 22, 2026
Final Concept Submission Deadline — July 12, 2026
Final Artist Selection — July 13–31, 2026
Artwork Completed — August 31, 2026
Vinyl Installation Complete — September 30, 2026
Public Unveiling — October 2026
Things to Keep in Mind if Selected
Compensation The selected artist will receive a commission of $8,000 for the creation of the mural artwork.
Finalist Stipends Three finalists will each receive $400 for developing their concept designs.
Production Method The final artwork must be hand-painted on a 36” x 48” canvas, which will be digitized and reproduced as a vinyl wall wrap for installation.
Original Work Requirement All artwork must be 100% original and not generated or modified using artificial intelligence tools.
Public Engagement The selected artist may be asked to participate in community engagement or unveiling events related to the project.
Submission Details
All application materials must be submitted by May 15, 2026.
Submissions must be completed through the Culturalyst platform, which can be accessed through our website at www.westvalleyarts.org under the Artist Opportunities section.
For more information or if you have any questions, please contact:
Jimmy Davis Director of Programs and Administration West Valley Arts Council jimmy@westvalleyarts.org
To learn more about the West Valley Arts Council, visit: www.westvalleyarts.org
About West Valley Arts Council
The West Valley Arts Council is dedicated to enriching the region through public art, arts education, and cultural programming across the West Valley.
Through initiatives like this mural project, we aim to celebrate community identity, support artists, and create meaningful public spaces through art.
Submission Deadline: Saturday, April 11, 2026
OVERVIEW
The West Valley Arts Council is seeking artwork for their upcoming Motorworks exhibit. The exhibit will feature original artwork of cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, planes, and trains and all things transportation. Arizona artists 18 and over are invited to submit 2D and 3D artwork (including sculptures made from upcycled car, motorcycle, or airplane parts) for consideration for the Motorworks exhibit. This themed exhibit will celebrate one of humankind's most significant inventions and contributions to the way we connect and will be showcased at the Arts HQ Gallery in Surprise, AZ.
The Arts HQ Gallery is located at 16126 N. Civic Center Plaza, Ste 102, Surprise, AZ, next to the Surprise City Hall. We are run by the nonprofit West Valley Arts Council, established in 1969 as a resource for arts and culture in the West Valley. We have been at this location for the past 10 in what was originally the Heard Museum West. Depending on the season, we attract 400-600 visitors to each exhibit. www.westvalleyarts.org. Check out our past exhibits and events on social media www.facebook.com/westvalleyarts and www.instagram.com/westvalley_arts . Follow us.
Submission deadline: Saturday, April 11, 2026 by 12midnight
ELIGIBILITY
This opportunity is open to professional and emerging artists 18 and older living in Arizona.
CRITERIA:
- Each entry must be the artist’s original work. AI-generated artwork will not be accepted. Pour art will not be accepted.
- The theme is transportation: 2D artwork of cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, planes, and trains, and 3D sculptures made from wood, glass, pottery, or upcycling auto/transportation parts. All artwork should be appropriate for families and children to view. 2D may include paintings, photography, mixed media, or printing techniques
- All 2D artwork must be properly framed and/or wired, not to exceed 20 lbs. Saw tooth is acceptable for light pieces. 3D artwork will be placed on pedestals, hung, or can be free-standing.
- Artwork must stay in place throughout the exhibit.
- Selected 2D work must include a label or identification on the back of the work, including the name of the artist and title, and contact information.
*WVA board and staff reserves the right to refuse any work based on its inability to meet the criteria, inability to be displayed safely and without difficulty, or inappropriateness in themes or content.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Up to 4 entries per submission.
- Entries must include an image of each piece (images must be at least 300 dpi and .jpg or .png format.), along with the title, size, medium, and price for each. Pricing should include our 25% commission.
- Biography of the artist
- Description / story behind the work.
- Website and Instagram handles if applicable.
- All entries must be completed and received by midnight on the deadline date, and go through this website link.
- $20 nonrefundable entry fee for up to 4 art pieces (one entry per artist) to cover labor and expenses does not guarantee acceptance in the exhibit.
SELECTION
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of knowledgeable West Valley Arts Council staff members and key partners.
The Motorworks exhibit begins with an opening reception from 5-7pm, Friday, May 1. The reception is free and open to the public at the Arts HQ Gallery in Surprise, AZ, 16126 N. Civic Center Plaza, ste 102. Artists are encouraged to attend and invite family and friends. Share your art and story with fellow artists, visitors, and patrons.
The exhibit will run through July 9, 2026. Artists are responsible for delivery and pick up of their artwork to the Arts HQ Gallery. Pick up will be following the exhibit on Friday, July 10 or Saturday, July 11, 10am-1pm.
Promotion for the exhibit will be featured on the West Valley Arts Council website, newsletters, and social media via Facebook and Instagram. Artists are also encouraged to promote the exhibit in tandem on their own social media platforms and any local media contacts.
SCHEDULE / TIMELINE
Submission Deadline…………………..….Saturday, April 11, 2026
Notice of acceptance………………………..Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Accepted works delivered to gallery……….Friday, April 24 or Saturday, April 25, 10am-1pm
Exhibition Opening Reception……………...Friday, May 1, 5-7pm
Artwork Pickup…………Friday, July 10 or Saturday, July 11, 10am-1pm
Featured artists are also invited to have an extension of their artwork in prints, stickers, or small works in our adjacent gift shop throughout the exhibit.
QUESTIONS - Email Daisy@westvalleyarts.org