Calls for Artists
Browse our curated list of juried exhibitions, solo shows, group shows, festivals, and more calls for artists in Northeast Ohio.
DEADLINE: August 11th, 2025
Legends of the Wild Murals ↗
Akron Zoo
The Akron Zoo is seeking a muralist to create two murals for updated habitats featuring South American animals such as tamarins, saki monkeys, birds, and tortoises. The murals will replace existing Madagascar-themed artwork and must depict the South American rainforest using durable, scrub-resistant materials. The project runs from January 2 to March 25, 2026, with annual touch-ups required through 2032. Budget: $10,000–$13,000.
DEADLINE: August 11th, 2025
Public Art Murals on Lee Road, Shaker Heights--RFQ/Call for Artists ↗
City of Shaker Heights
The City of Shaker Heights invites experienced visual artists to apply for a public art project in the Chagrin-Lee commercial district. Two artists will be selected to lead community engagement and design one mural each (~200 sq. ft.), reflecting the neighborhood’s rich history, culture, and diversity. Final designs will be submitted in digital format and installed using heated vinyl on district buildings.
DEADLINE: August 11th, 2025
Contemporary printed matter ↗
SHED Projects
Be part of a show that surveys in-progress, collected, published, or secret printed works. @_ma_le.na & @c0linmartinez are organizing a show of contemporary printed matter September 20 & 21 at SHED Projects in Cleveland, Ohio. Send your art books, your library-printed zines, written scribbles, your framed poetry, and a physical copy of your blog. Email submissions.survey@gmail.com by August 11th with images of the work you would like to show, a small description of your practice, who you are, and any questions you have.
DEADLINE: August 13th, 2025
Ghost Cities: Documenting Decay ↗
DEADLINE EXTENDED - Photo Cleveland, a new non-profit photography organization, is accepting local and national photography and film submissions for their inaugural show, Ghost Cities: Documenting Decay, opening 9/5 at the Brownhoist Gallery in Cleveland. Go to their events page for all the details and FAQs. https://photocleveland.org/events
DEADLINE: August 15th, 2025
Oddball Bizarro Market ↗
Kismet Systems
Oddball Bizarro Market is seeking vendors, makers, artists, and weirdos of all kinds for a community-driven, anti-elitist art market that celebrates humor, seriousness, and everything in between. Oddball Bizarro Market runs on a model of gift economics, bartering, and sliding-scale fees. No required vendor fees up front, no pressure to pay unless you’re able.
DEADLINE: August 15th, 2025
CAN You See Me Now - Illuminate the Archive ↗
Collective Arts Network (CAN)
Collective Arts Network (CAN) is now accepting submissions from Northeast Ohio artists to include their work in an immersive, projection-based exhibition taking place in November 2025. The immersive exhibition has three themes and they are currently accepting work for the theme: Illuminate the Archive → Memory, reflective, historical. Acceptable mediums include video art, short film loops, animation, generative art, motion graphics, digital collage, and other experimental media designed for projection. Images of 2D works such as photographs, paintings, drawings, and mixed media are also acceptable.
DEADLINE: August 17th, 2025
Lead a Workshop ↗
Genghis Con
Apply to lead a drawing-focused workshop at Genghis Con 2025, to be held November 30th, 2025. Workshop leaders will be compensated with a $100 (per workshop) stipend for their work. As a small press and independent comics convention, we are seeking educational workshops that will benefit our local comics-making, writing, and drawing ecosystem through hands-on experiences.
DEADLINE: August 17th, 2025
Crafted Couture: A Wearable Art Showcase ↗
Valley Art Center
Valley Art Center invites artists and designers to submit wearable art for Crafted Couture: A Wearable Art Showcase, an exhibition celebrating the bold intersections of fashion, function, and fine art. Artists are invited to submit up to three original, fully constructed works of wearable art.
2026 Featured Artists ↗
Riffs
Riffs is now accepting Artist Residency submissions for 2026! They're looking to feature 16 artists throughout the year.
DEADLINE: August 24th, 2025
CrowFest ↗
Mansfield Art Center
CrowFest is now accepting submissions through August 24 for its annual exhibition, taking place September 20 through October 31. This unique art show is dedicated entirely to the captivating world of crows. Artists working in all mediums are invited to explore and celebrate the intelligence, symbolism, myth, and personality of one of nature’s most iconic and often misunderstood birds.
DEADLINE: August 25th, 2025
Curatorial Qualifications for 2028 Exhibitions ↗
Ohio Arts Council
The Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery invites curators to submit qualifications for a 2028 exhibition that celebrates the talent and diversity of Ohio’s professional artists. Proposals should reflect strong curatorial experience, a clear conceptual vision, and a commitment to representing artists from across the state. Selected curators will collaborate with the gallery director to develop a 10-week show and receive a $3,500 honorarium.
DEADLINE: August 28th, 2025
Solo or two-person exhibitions ↗
Massillon Museum
MassMu is seeking applicants for solo or two-person exhibitions in Studio M gallery in the 2027/2028 season. Artists whose exhibitions are selected will also be featured in the Museum's podcast, MassMusings. The proposal deadline is August 28, 2025.
DEADLINE: August 28th, 2025
Student/Recent Grad Solo Exhibitions ↗
Massillon Museum
MassMu is seeking applicants for our student solo exhibitions in Studio M gallery in the winter of 2026. The proposal deadline is August 28, 2025. Artists whose exhibitions are selected will also be featured in the Museum's podcast, MassMusings. The application is open to any junior, senior, or recent graduate who is a Studio Art major (BA, BFA, MFA candidate, or recent graduate) attending a college or university in Northeast Ohio.
DEADLINE: August 29th, 2025
Curator or Curatorial Team for 2nd Annual ActLoCLE Online Juried Art Exhibition ↗
ActLoCLE
ActLoCLE is seeking a curator—or curatorial team—for their second annual online juried exhibition on actlocle.org, showcasing visual art from across Northeast Ohio. The curator will work closely with ActLoCLE’s jurors to review submissions and finalize selections. ActLoCLE will manage all technical logistics, including artist communications and web uploads. The curator will organize submitted artwork, prepare review materials for jurors, and provide a final list of selected artists. They will then collaborate with ActLoCLE to bring the exhibition online.
MOVING ON ↗
Gallery U Haul
Gallery U-Haul is seeking artists to share work exploring transitions, loss, liberation, and new beginnings at the mobile exhibition MOVING ON. DM @galleryuhaul for details.
DEADLINE: August 29th, 2025
Curator for ActLoCLE Online Juried Exhibition ↗
ActLoCLE
ActLoCLE is seeking a curator (or curatorial team) for their 2nd Annual Online Juried Art Exhibition, a digital showcase of visual art on actlocle.org featuring work from across Northeast Ohio.
DEADLINE: August 30th, 2025
Artist in Residence ↗
University Circle Inc.
University Circle Inc. (UCI) is seeking a local artist to serve as their 2025–2026 Artist in Residence, exhibiting work in UCI’s newly renovated Magnolia Office and UCPD spaces. This year-long residency supports UCI’s mission to answer the call for connection and community in Cleveland’s Circle of arts, culture, wellness, and learning.
DEADLINE: August 31st, 2025
Cleveland + Akron Bazaar Holiday 2025 ↗
Cleveland Bazaar
Cleveland Bazaar invites artists/makers to apply to all currently-scheduled holiday Bazaar shows in 2025. Cleveland Bazaar is northeast Ohio's longest-running indie handmade holiday popup.
DEADLINE: August 31st, 2025
2025 Ohio Veterans Art Exhibition ↗
Ohio Arts Council
Ohio’s active duty and veteran artists are invited to showcase their artistic talents in 2025 Ohio Veterans Art Exhibition, a wide-ranging and public event, which will be viewable in the first-floor lobby of the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts. Exhibition dates: October 21 - December 6.
DEADLINE: August 31st, 2025
Artists for Holiday Store ↗
Heights Arts
Heights Arts is seeking Northeast Ohio artists and makers to sell original art and handcrafted goods at the 24th Annual Holiday Store, open in November and December. This seasonal shop features ceramics, jewelry, prints, textiles, and more, with artists earning 60% commission on sales.
Visual Artists for Art Walk ↗
City of Euclid
The City of Euclid is seeking artists, performers, musicians, and creatives of all kinds to showcase their talents at the 2025 This is Euclid Art Walk on Saturday, September 20, 2025. This free, family-friendly event will take place in downtown Euclid from 12–6 pm, featuring live performances, art displays, interactive workshops, and opportunities for artists to sell their work.
DEADLINE: September 6th, 2025
Holiday Shop Artwork ↗
Valley Art Center
Valley Art Center is seeking artists to showcase work at their Holiday Shop from November 1–December 21, 2025. This curated seasonal collection offers a chance to connect with the community and share your creations with holiday shoppers during one of the busiest times of the year.
DEADLINE: September 7th, 2025
Aggregate III: Avalanche of Talent ↗
Kent State University
All artists living in the United States working in any medium are invited to submit work to Aggregate III, an exhibition that seeks to bring together and highlight the wide array of talents throughout the country. Cash prizes. Show Dates: October 10 – November 29, 2025, reception: October 10, 5 – 7 p.m.
DEADLINE: September 8th, 2025
2026 Artist Residency ↗
Vessel City
The Vessel City Residency invites artists to work in our gallery space for a period of 1–3 months. Open to individual artists or collaborative pairs working in any visual arts, design, or craft-based practice. Residents will have private use of the gallery studio and shared access to communal facilities. Each residency concludes with an open studio event to showcase work made during your time at VSL CTY.
DEADLINE: September 8th, 2025
CHROMA: Vol. 2: A Showcase of Color ↗
White Rabbit Galleries
White Rabbit Galleries invites artists to submit to CHROMA Vol. 2, the second year of this colorful show with all new original work. Exhibition dates: September 26-October 25. All mediums and subjects accepted.
DEADLINE: September 10th, 2025
The Community Art Show ↗
Tri-C
Student, amateur, and professional artists are invited to submit one work to this non-juried exhibition celebrating the creativity of the greater Cleveland area. All two-dimensional artworks measuring 24 inches or smaller in any direction will be accepted. o jury, no fee. Exhibition dates are September 15–October 16, 2025. Artwork drop-off is Monday, September 8 through Wednesday, September 10, from 9 AM to 7 PM.
DEADLINE: September 25th, 2025
Artists/Crafters for Artoberfest ↗
Massillon Community Arts Council
The Massillon Community Arts Council is seeking local artists and crafters to showcase original work at Artoberfest on October 4, 2025. This outdoor event in Massillon’s NEW QuARTer will feature art, handmade goods, and live performances, with booth spaces available for just $15.
DEADLINE: September 30th, 2025
Artist-in-Residency ↗
Akron Soul Train
Akron Soul Train welcomes regional artists from various disciplines, encompassing visual, performing, and written arts, to submit their applications. Residencies are typically one month, although they can be tailored. Residencies include stipend, recognition, and opportunities.
DEADLINE: October 4th, 2025
SH’BANG FEST 2025 ↗
Hildebrandt Artist Collective
Calling all Queer artists and makers! Submit your work to be included in Sh'Bang Fest 2025 on display at Hildebrandt Artist Collective from October 25th- December 13th. Show open to anyone identifying within the Queer realm.
DEADLINE: October 4th, 2025
Winter Shadow / Winter Light ↗
Pinwheel Gallery
Pinwheel Gallery is seeking artists to submit work for Winter Shadow/Winter Light. This themed winter exhibition (November 21 – January 2) invites artwork in any medium exploring the mysterious creatures, imagined worlds, and dark folklore born from long winter nights before the age of electric light.
DEADLINE: November 30th, 2025
Maker-in-Residence ↗
Akron Maker Space
The Akron Maker Space (AMS) is offering 8 three-month residencies. Makers-in-Residence (MiR) work on a project, share their skills, and engage with members. Includes a $1200 stipend, access to labs and equipment, and the opportunity to sell personal work.
Curatorial or Group Exhibition Proposals ↗
Morgan Conservatory
Morgan Conservatory has an open call for Curatorial or Group Exhibition proposals on a rolling basis. Open to Northeast Ohio artists and curators. Emerging artists and curators are strongly encouraged to apply.
Emerging Artist Exhibition Proposals ↗
McDonough Museum of Art
Call for submissions from new and emerging visual and performing/performance artists to McDonough Museum of Art, YSU's Center for Contemporary Art. A wide range of perspectives is encouraged. Must live within a 250-mile radius of Youngstown.
Exhibition Proposals ↗
McDonough Museum of Art
The McDonough Museum of Art invites submissions from artists with a proven exhibition history. All concepts selected for exhibition should be aligned with the mission and goals of the McDonough Museum of Art.
Ongoing Call for Exhibition Proposals ↗
Heights Arts
Heights Arts is accepting proposals for guest curators and exhibitions year-round, from individuals as well as groups residing in Northeast Ohio.
Exhibition Proposals ↗
Kelvin Smith Library
The Kelvin Smith Library (KSL) Exhibition Program welcomes exhibition proposals from the Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) community and from outside community members and organizations. KSL has several exhibition spaces supporting different types of exhibitions, including exhibits featuring the visual arts.
Exhibition Opportunity ↗
Cleveland Botanical Garden
Seeking artists to exhibit work connected to and inspired by botanical and natural worlds in three galleries at the Cleveland Botanical Garden throughout the year.
#Cleveland #University Circle #no application fee #rolling submissions
Fiber Class Proposals ↗
Praxis Fiber Workshop
Accepting class proposals on an ongoing basis. We love learning new techniques and welcome proposals dealing with fiber at any stage. We encourage innovative and experimental ideas. Formats may be 1 or 2-day Workshops or 3-5 week classes.
Solo Exhibition Proposals ↗
Ashtabula Arts Center
Apply for a solo exhibition at Ashtabula Arts Center using their solo show application form.
Group or Solo Show Proposals ↗
Young's Art Center
Young's Art Center is booking group and solo shows for local artists. Open to all visual art. Special interest in immersion, multi-media, installation, augmented reality, and interactive works. Work must be for sale. No fee to apply.
#Fairview Park #group exhibition #solo exhibition #rolling submissions
House Gallery Artists ↗
The Red Twig
Apply to be a consigned artist at the in-house art gallery at The Red Twig. Featuring over 1,000 square feet of display space, the gallery houses a variety of creative local and regional artists whose mediums range from paintings to sculptures, woodworking, and custom jewelry.
Exhibition Proposals ↗
The Galleries at Cleveland State University
The Galleries at Cleveland State University welcome proposals from artists, curators, and organizations that support their mission to educate, edify, and involve diverse audiences by presenting content that promotes the understanding of art and its relationship to society.
#Cleveland #Downtown #no application fee #rolling submissions
Apply to exhibit: Yellow Door Gallery ↗
The Red Twig
Apply to exhibit at Yellow Door Gallery in The Red Twig. The Red Twig hosts solo or duo exhibitions of local artists in their 800-square-foot curated exhibition space, Yellow Door Gallery.
Exhibition Proposals ↗
FAVA
FAVA (The Firelands Association for the Visual Arts) is accepting proposals from artists interested in exhibiting their work or curators interested in curating an exhibition at FAVA.
#Oberlin #group exhibition #solo exhibition #rolling submissions
Class Proposals ↗
FAVA
FAVA is looking for instructors! If you are a teaching artist near Oberlin, Ohio, and want to submit a proposal to teach a class or a few classes or teach during summer camp, submit your info online.
Teaching Artists ↗
Art House
Art House is currently accepting resumes for artists teaching in a range of different media. Art House provides art programming to a variety of groups, including early childhood, school-aged children, adults, and seniors. Programs take place onsite and offsite. Art House partners with diverse organizations and businesses and customizes programs to fit their needs.
Exhibition Proposals ↗
UNDERSTORY
UNDERSTORY, an artist-run exhibition space at 78th Street Studios, is accepting exhibition proposals from artists and curators with a connection to Northeast Ohio. No submission fee or exhibition fee.
Exhibition Proposals ↗
Phone Gallery
Phone Gallery is accepting proposals for exhibitions. Phone Gallery is Cleveland’s smallest art gallery and a creative space for visual arts display, with an emphasis on exposing emerging visual artists to the Greater Cleveland community and providing the Collinwood community with freely accessible art.
#Cleveland #Waterloo / Collinwood #rolling submissions #solo exhibition
Photo Poets: Street Photography ↗
CAN Journal
CAN Journal, Cleveland's magazine of the visual arts seeks street photography for a new quarterly feature. For consideration, email: ajajoiphoto@gmail.com Submissions will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
Artist of the Month Feature ↗
Kaiser Studios
Kaiser Studios is accepting submissions for their Artist of the Month feature! Each Artist of the Month will have their artwork promoted across their social media, website, and e-newsletter. They're looking for local, regional, and national artists working in any medium. No application fee.
#Cleveland #Online #feature #no application fee #rolling submissions
Fiddlehead Gallery ↗
Fiddlehead Gallery
Fiddlehead carries over 40 independent women artists whose work spans various styles and mediums. Fiddlehead always seeks new works, especially in the folk and upcycle categories. Fiddlehead purchases outright when possible and offers generous consignment contracts and commission requests. Interested in selling at Fiddlehead? Send email to info@fiddleheadgallery.com with an artist statement, bio, and examples of your work.
Featured Artist in Ohio's Arts Newspaper ↗
The Scribe
Submit your art to The Scribe newspaper! Once a month, The Scribe features Ohio artists, authors, writers, musicians, filmmakers and more. There's no cost or licensing, and it is entirely free for artists. The Scribe is Ohio's first state-wide arts newspaper, and is stocked in 17 Ohio cities.
Exhibition Opportunities ↗
Brownhoist Gallery
Brownhoist Gallery has openings for exhibitions! The gallery is situated inside the Brownhoist building, which is a big, beautiful, historic office building now home to a creative community. DM @thebrownhoistgallery on Instagram or email Gallery@TheBrownhoist.com. Opening/closing reception rental and curation fees apply. 30% commission on sales.
Exhibition Proposals ↗
The School of Art at Kent State University
Propose an exhibition in the Kent State University School of Art Galleries, KSU Downtown Gallery, located at 141 East Main Street, Kent, Ohio.