2026 Emerging Artists Exhibition
The Exhibition:
The term “emerging artist” applies to anyone early in their art career and with no current or previous gallery representation. All 2D and 3D art forms are welcome: painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, digital, mixed media, printmaking, etc.) Five artwork samples are required to apply. These five artworks will be used in consideration for determining finalists and do not have to be the final artworks exhibited.
A jury of current artist members will select finalists to show 3-5 artworks in the gallery for the month of January 2026 in our featured show space. An opening reception will be hosted by ACG during the first weekend of the show (date to be determined). Throughout the month, visitors will be able to vote for their favorite artist in the show. The winning artist of the Audience Choice Award will receive a 3-month mentorship, which includes display space in the gallery, work-day shadowing opportunities, and mentoring by members.
Eligibility:
Entry is open to artists who are 18 years or older with no history of professional gallery representation. Please note: it is possible that an artist has shown work publicly without having an established relationship with a professional gallery. Artists local to the Omaha-metro and surrounding areas are invited to apply (within a 75-mile radius or drivable distance). Eligible applicants must submit consistent works in any artistic medium. AI generated art or art created with the assistance of AI technology are ineligible. We are looking for artists with their own style and vision and work created with a high level of craftsmanship. Artists who applied to previous Emerging Artists Exhibitions at ACG are welcome and encouraged to apply again!
Application for Emerging Artists Exhibition:
The application is now open. The deadline to submit your materials is Friday, October 31, 2025 at midnight.
To enter please complete and submit this entry form.
Artists selected for interviews will be notified in early November 2025. These brief interviews will give our selection committee an opportunity to speak directly to the selected applicants and view their work in person before making final decisions.
Artists selected as finalists will be notified by the end of November 2025 and exhibit in the show in January 2026.
The Audience Choice Award winner will be announced following the final day of the exhibition after all votes have been tallied.
The Artists’ Co-op has been showing the work of respected regional artists since 1975. This cooperative group of artists conducts educational and cultural outreach activities, and it maintains and staffs a gallery that features works in a wide variety of media, including sculpture, weaving, painting, pottery, photography, glass, jewelry, printmaking, and drawing. Monthly opening receptions provide opportunities to meet member artists and learn more about their work.
