The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa has opened the entry period for its annual West Alabama Juried Art Show, offering local visual artists a platform to showcase their talent and compete for a total of $1,600 in cash prizes.
Key Dates and Submission Details
Artists residing in Tuscaloosa County may submit entries from November 16 through December 4, 2026. Each applicant can enter up to three original works—either two‑dimensional or three‑dimensional—in any medium, provided the pieces have not been shown in a prior West Alabama Juried Show and were not created as part of a class or workshop.
All submissions must meet size and weight limits: no larger than four feet by four feet and no heavier than 50 pounds. The entry fee is $35 per artist, which covers up to three works. Completed applications and digital images of the artwork should be emailed to [email protected] by the December 4 deadline.
Award Structure and Exhibition
The competition will award a $1,000 Best of Show prize, a $500 Gail Skidmore Memorial Award of Excellence, and an additional $100 award for other distinguished entries. All winning pieces will be displayed at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center from January 19 through February 19, 2027.
The Center, located at 620 Greensboro Avenue in downtown Tuscaloosa, will also host an opening reception and awards presentation on February 5, 2027, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event coincides with the city’s First Friday celebration, inviting the public to enjoy the artwork alongside local vendors and live entertainment.
Community Impact
Since its inception in the 1980s, the West Alabama Juried Art Show has served as a gathering point for the region’s visual‑arts community. “The Juried Show not only highlights the talent and creativity among the visual arts community in Tuscaloosa, but also continues to bring the artists together as it has since the 1980s,” said Sandra Wolfe, Executive Director of the Arts Council.
By limiting eligibility to Tuscaloosa County residents, the competition reinforces the council’s commitment to nurturing home‑grown talent and fostering a sense of pride in local cultural achievements.
How to Participate
Artists interested in entering should review the full set of entry requirements, which are available on the Arts Council’s website. For any additional questions, they can contact Kevin Ledgewood at [email protected].
With modest entry fees, clear guidelines, and meaningful cash awards, the West Alabama Juried Art Show offers a valuable opportunity for Tuscaloosa’s visual artists to gain exposure, receive professional recognition, and contribute to the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.
