About the Call
The Winter 2027 Editorial Cover Selection recognizes a single work that will serve as the cover for an upcoming Vintage issue of the Pennsylvania Journal of Arts and Sciences. The selected piece is presented as the cover image across both digital and print formats, representing the tone and identity of the issue as a whole.
Works are considered for their ability to function as a strong, self-contained image, with particular attention to composition, clarity, and visual presence. The selection process prioritizes work that holds impact both at full scale and in reproduction, maintaining integrity across formats.
The chosen artist is featured prominently on the issue's cover and included in accompanying editorial materials; this includes but is not limited to spotlight interviews, prominent social media promotion, and a feature in the magazine newsletter. Finalists are selected for publication within the issue.
Works are considered for their ability to function as a strong, self-contained image, with particular attention to composition, clarity, and visual presence. The selection process prioritizes work that holds impact both at full scale and in reproduction, maintaining integrity across formats.
The chosen artist is featured prominently on the issue's cover and included in accompanying editorial materials; this includes but is not limited to spotlight interviews, prominent social media promotion, and a feature in the magazine newsletter. Finalists are selected for publication within the issue.
Regular applications are due Thursday, October 29, 2026, while early submissions are due Friday, September 4, 2026. Early applications are highly encouraged. Early submissions will be prioritized in the event that two pieces of artwork are both deemed an ideal cover piece.
Artist Eligibility
The competition is open internationally to emerging and established artists working at any stage of their practice. Artists may submit independently or as part of a collaborative practice.
Artwork Requirements
- Original works in any visual medium are eligible, including painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, collage, mixed media, digital art, sculpture, installation, and other image-based practices.
- Submitted work must be original to the artist and available for publication and promotional use in connection with the competition and resulting issue.
- Both previously exhibited and unpublished works are eligible.
- Works previously published elsewhere may be submitted provided the artist retains the rights necessary for PJAS publication.
- Because the selected work will appear on the cover, submissions should be capable of effective reproduction in print and digital formats.
- Three-dimensional, installation, and other non-flat works must be represented by a high-resolution photograph suitable for publication.
- Artists may choose to interpret the Vintage theme of the issue as they wish. Applicants may submit up to 8 works for consideration.
Artists may apply with the following materials:
- Work Sample(s)
- High-resolution image files suitable for cover presentation
- Title of Work
- Medium and Dimensions
- Brief Description
- Optional context or statement
Entry Fee
- $14 for up to 8 works
Application fees are non-refundable and apply to the editorial review of submitted materials; payment does not guarantee selection or publication.
Terms and Conditions
By submitting, the artist confirms that the submitted work is original and that they hold the rights necessary to authorize its publication. Artists retain copyright and ownership of their work.
Submission grants the Pennsylvania Journal of Arts & Sciences non-exclusive permission to reproduce selected work in connection with the competition, the associated issue, PJAS editorial coverage, its website, newsletter, social media, and promotional materials. PJAS may crop, resize, or otherwise format images as reasonably necessary for cover, print, digital, and promotional presentation without materially altering the work.
Selection as a finalist does not guarantee cover placement. One work will be selected for the Winter 2027 Editorial Cover Selection, and finalists may be selected for publication within the corresponding issue. PJAS reserves editorial discretion over selection, placement, layout, and publication.
Artists are responsible for providing accurate titles, credits, and personal information, as well as publication-quality image files when requested. PJAS may withdraw a selection if required materials cannot be supplied or if questions concerning authorship or publication rights arise.
Submission constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.
Submission grants the Pennsylvania Journal of Arts & Sciences non-exclusive permission to reproduce selected work in connection with the competition, the associated issue, PJAS editorial coverage, its website, newsletter, social media, and promotional materials. PJAS may crop, resize, or otherwise format images as reasonably necessary for cover, print, digital, and promotional presentation without materially altering the work.
Selection as a finalist does not guarantee cover placement. One work will be selected for the Winter 2027 Editorial Cover Selection, and finalists may be selected for publication within the corresponding issue. PJAS reserves editorial discretion over selection, placement, layout, and publication.
Artists are responsible for providing accurate titles, credits, and personal information, as well as publication-quality image files when requested. PJAS may withdraw a selection if required materials cannot be supplied or if questions concerning authorship or publication rights arise.
Submission constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.
About the Organization
The Pennsylvania Journal of Arts & Sciences (PJAS) is an independent publication devoted to contemporary creative work. It brings together visual art, poetry, and writing in a format that moves easily between disciplines without treating them as separate categories.
PJAS publishes online at pjasmag.org throughout the year and releases four print issues annually. The print editions are more selective, shaped through an editorial process that favors work with a clear sense of form and direction.
PJAS publishes online at pjasmag.org throughout the year and releases four print issues annually. The print editions are more selective, shaped through an editorial process that favors work with a clear sense of form and direction.
Follow @pjasmag for updates and selected features.
Questions
For inquiries: [email protected]
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
- You will pay for your entry by credit or debit card using our secure checkout system.
- After your entry is submitted and paid for, you may log back in to review your entry, edit artist and image information, and add or substitute images up until the entry deadline (October 29, 2026.)
- Entry fees are not refundable and must be submitted and paid by the entry deadline.
- Entries cannot be accepted or changed after the deadline. Incomplete entries will be disqualified.
Notifications Are Posted in Your Account
Results will be posted in your ShowSubmit account by the end of the day on November 16, 2026. You will also receive an email.
Log in and check your account. We are unable to answer individual inquiries about results.
Support
Questions about this exhibition?
Contact ([email protected]) for questions about the prospectus, PJAS, eligibility, artwork requirements, 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.