---
title: Ray and Nancy Loeschner Art Competition
description: >-
  Juried competition for artists 18+ in 2D media; winning entries join Meijer
  Gardens' permanent collection.
url: 'https://www.artsume.com/programs/01f92528-19bc-4316-bbf5-11ad22a197ec'
type: program
status: open
createdAt: '2026-09-29'
updatedAt: '2026-10-11'
programType: Exhibition
organization: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
organizationUrl: 'https://www.artsume.com/o/frederik-meijer-gardens-sculpture-park'
deadline: '2026-12-01'
location: 'Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids, MI, United States'
isOnline: false
compensationRange: 'Two $5,000 awards: one for two-dimensional art, one for photography.'
disciplines:
  - two-dimensional
  - painting
  - drawing
  - printmaking
  - pastel
  - digital art
  - mixed media
  - photography
---

# Ray and Nancy Loeschner Art Competition

**Hosted by:** Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

**Type:** Exhibition | **Location:** Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids, MI, United States | **Deadline:** December 1, 2026

## About This Program

### About This Call

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is pleased to announce a call for entries for the 2026 Ray and Nancy Loeschner Art Competition. The competition is open to all artists who are 18 years old and older working in a two-dimensional format.

Artists who have been inspired by Meijer Gardens are encouraged to submit original artwork. While artists are not required to visit Meijer Gardens to enter the competition, they are welcome to work on-site for inspiration, as well as glean inspiration from photographs and videos. The winning entries will become part of the Meijer Gardens' permanent collection. They will be displayed and may be reproduced (e.g. posters, note cards), with full credit to the artists, to promote the beauty and inspiration the organization provides.

There is NO ENTRY FEE to register or apply.

### Awards

**Award Value: $5,000.00**

In 2002, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park unveiled the Ray and Nancy Loeschner Art Competition for two-dimensional art. This award encourages entries by artists inspired by Meijer Gardens rendered in two-dimensional form: painting, drawing, prints, pastels, digital and mixed media.

**Award Value: $5,000.00**

Since 2018, The Ray and Nancy Loeschner Photography Award has been designated for photography inspired by the grounds and collections of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Works may be color, black/white, analog film, or digital photos.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Geographic Eligibility:** International
- **Disciplines:** two-dimensional, painting, drawing, printmaking, pastel, digital art, mixed media, photography
- **Age Requirements:** 18+ years old
- **Note:** Open to all artists who are 18 years old and older working in a two-dimensional format (including photography). Artists are not required to visit Meijer Gardens to enter.

## Compensation & Benefits

Two $5,000 awards: one for two-dimensional art, one for photography.

**Includes:** Prize

## Timeline

- **Opens:** September 28, 2026
- **Deadline:** December 1, 2026

## How to Apply

Apply at: https://loeschnerartcompetition-2026.artcall.org/pages/awards