About
This year, the Art Complex Museum invites artists to enter a competition to design the poster for our Second Annual Midsommar Arts Festival. We’re looking for original, two-dimensional artwork that reflects the spirit of Midsommar and the summer solstice. No text is needed, just visual art that celebrates these themes. The first-place winner, chosen by museum staff, will have their artwork featured on the 2026 festival poster and promotional materials. A selected group of artists will be invited to exhibit their posters at the Alden Studio Gallery.
Artwork Guidelines
- Artwork must be two-dimensional.
- Artwork must be the artist’s original concept, created and executed solely by the artist. Works may not copy, reproduce, or closely resemble any published paintings, drawings, photographs, digital images, or prints.
- Artwork, including the frame if one is used, must not measure more than 24 inches in width or height.
- The Art Complex Museum reserves the right to reproduce or publish the selected artwork for promotional purposes and may crop images as needed.
Submission Guidelines
- Entries must be completed through ShowSubmit.com
- Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Awards
- One winning artwork will be featured on the 2026 Midsommar Arts Festival poster. The selected artist will receive a $500 cash prize and a framed festival poster.
- All works submitted to the poster competition will be juried by museum staff. Selected entries, including the winning artwork, will be exhibited in the Judah Alden Gallery from May 31 to June 28, 2026.
Sales
- Artwork may be sold during the exhibition. Sales are handled through the museum.
- The Art Complex Museum retains a 25% commission on all sales.
- Artists will receive payment within 30 days after the exhibition closes.
- All exhibiting artists must sign a consignment acknowledgment form.
Hand Delivery Only
Accepted artwork must be delivered to Art Complex Museum on Friday, May 22, 2026, 12–2pm or Saturday, May 23, 2026, 2–4pm
Additional Notification Information
Notifications will be emailed and posted in your ShowSubmit account by the end of the day on March 20, 2026.
If you do not receive your email, login and view the notification in your account. We cannot respond to inquiries regarding the status of notifications.
Image and Filename Specifications
- File Format: Submit original, high-quality JPEG image files. Other formats (e.g., PNG, TIFF) are not accepted.
- Crop Your Image: Ensure only the artwork itself is visible in the image. Do not show any visible matting, frames, or background distractions.
- Orientation: Make sure your image is oriented correctly (right side up) so that the artwork appears in its intended viewing direction.
- Image Size: You do not need to resize your image files before uploading. The system will automatically resize them. Smaller images cannot be enlarged to meet the requirements, so ensure your images are high resolution before uploading.
- File Names: You do not need to rename your files before uploading them. The system will handle any file naming requirements.
- File Size: There is a 30mb maximum file size limit. Larger image files will take longer to upload and process.
Additional Entry Information
- After your entry is submitted, you may log back in to review your entry, edit artist and image information, and substitute your image up until the entry deadline (March 16, 2026.)
- Entries cannot be accepted or changed after the deadline. Incomplete entries will be disqualified.
Support
Questions about this exhibition?
Contact Ruby Schiller ([email protected]) for questions about the Prospectus, ACM, eligibility, artwork requirements, drop-off, pick-up, sales, etc.
Need help with ShowSubmit?
Visit our Help Center or Entry Guide for guidance on image uploads, payments, and managing your entry. If you still need help, email ShowSubmit Support ([email protected]). We respond Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm Eastern.