Community Canvas Avondale Art Call
Ends on
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