Artist Spotlight 2026

About This Call

Once a year, the Associated Artists of Winston-Salem (AAWS) furnishes the Main Gallery of Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts for a highly competitive juried exhibit called ARTIST SPOTLIGHT. This exhibition showcases recent bodies of 2-D and 3-D work from a select number of AAWS members. Since few artists are chosen and the Art Council's Main Gallery is highly traveled, this is a valuable and renowned opportunity. Monetary awards for First, Second, and Third place will be awarded.

AAWS artists are encouraged to submit a curated, cohesive selection of recent works for this exhibition. Artists may submit up to 20 pieces, of which 5-8 are chosen. A cohesive body of work contains a common thread that reveals an artist's commitment to a theme, concept, or aesthetics when observed by the viewer. For example, a singular vision of style, color, or mark-making shows subject matter that shares consistent elements. A cohesive selection of work is integral to the creative and professional growth of an artist's career since it gives patrons, audiences, and curators a solid foundation for identifying your work.

Featured artists will display their artwork in the Main Gallery of the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts from November 6, 2026 – January 30, 2027.

Venue

Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts 251 North Spruce Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Awards

• First Place: $250
• Second Place: $125
• Third Place: $75

Entry Fees

• AAWS Members may submit up to 20 artworks.
• $50 per artist for the first 6 artworks.
• $5 for each additional artwork, up to 20.
• Each selected artist will exhibit approximately 5-8 pieces of 2-D or 3-D work, depending on the size of the work entered.

Entry fees must be paid when submitting images to Showsubmit.com and are NOT refundable. Since this is a juried exhibition, entering images and paying the entree fee does NOT guarantee that any of your work will appear in this show.

Eligibility

Any member of Associated Artists of Winston-Salem, Inc. who has not been featured in a prior ARTIST SPOTLIGHT exhibit in the past three (3) years may enter this exhibition. This exhibition is extremely competitive.

Reminder: the images you submit digitally are used in the Jury process. Please ensure that the images submitted are clear, high quality, and representative of your work so you have the best chance of being chosen for this exhibit.

Art Requirements

2-dimensional and 3-dimensional work in all fine-art media are eligible, however:

• All artworks must be able to hang or sit safely in the gallery.
• 2-D artwork may not exceed 50 inches horizontally, including the frame, or 50 pounds in weight.
• 3-D artwork must be able to fit through a standard door and may not weigh more than 100 pounds or exceed 8 feet in any dimension.
• All work entered must be original to and created by the artist.
• Entered artwork cannot have been displayed in any previous AAWS exhibit inside the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts that lasted for at least a month.
• All 2-dimensional works must be framed in a professional manner with wire attachment and be ready to hang.
• No "alligator" type hangers.
• Canvases must be framed, or gallery wrapped with no visible staples or unpainted canvas.
• Canvases with wet paint will not be accepted.
• Works on paper should be protected by glass or Plexiglas.
• Improperly presented work will not be accepted.
• Printed reproductions of paintings or drawings will not be exhibited.
• Hand-pulled prints, original digital prints, and photographs are all acceptable.

Sales

Work may be for sale; NFS is allowed. Artists set the sales price. The artist will receive 70% of the price, and AAWS will retain 30%. North Carolina sales tax is added to the sales price. All artists must complete an inventory sheet and label their work properly to exhibit. If the work is not for sale, please mark it as NFS and include an insurance value on your Entry Form.

Artwork Drop-off

Monday, November 2, 4–6pm

If selected, artwork should be dropped off at the Main Gallery in the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, 251 N. Spruce Street, Winston Salem, NC 27101.

Jurors and Method of Selection

Artists and pieces in the show are selected by digital image by a panel of three to five jurors who are acclaimed local artists. They will select the artists and the specific pieces of art included in the exhibition. AAWS reserves the right to refuse art that does not conform to entry representation.

Artwork Pick-Up

We CANNOT store art left after the show is over. Please be prepared to pick up the art on Saturday, January 30, 2027, 10am–2pm.

Insurance

AAWS and the Arts Council will take every reasonable precaution to prevent loss of or damage to your work but will not be responsible for any loss or damage. Your personal homeowners or renter's insurance policy may cover your artwork.