Opportunities and Resources for Artists
Calls for Entry Calendar 2026
CVA SHOP — Closed — Jan. 19 2026
Art by the Foot 2026 — Coming Soon — August 2026
37th Annual Midwest Seasons — Coming Soon — September 2026
Call for Mural Proposals - Village of Stratford 250th Celebration Mural
The Marathon County Historical Society along with the CVA, Stratford Area Historical Society and Village of Stratford invites design proposals from mural artists for a site-specific mural. This new mural will be located on the Community Hall building on 118900 Larch Street in Stratford, Wisconsin. A selection committee of Marathon County community members, representing local visual arts and historical organizations, the City of Stratford and other partners will review the applications and select the winning design proposal.
In the spirit of America250’s mission to reflect on our shared past and look toward the future, a strong mural proposal will represent the community and local history. To accurately tell the story of Stratford, the mural will focus on several foundational pillars of local history, serving as a visual time capsule of the community's rich heritage. Artist(s) are encouraged to review the provided historical imagery and the Stratford Centennial Book (1891 - 1991) for contextual background: search.library.wisc.edu/digital/A3HJHCZDP766FE8M
Additional reference photos are available in the slideshow below:
This should be a photo-worthy mural, with clean graphic lines, and strike as innovative and creative. The selected artist(s) will receive a $4,500 stipend for the design, publication rights, and installation of an 11' x 8.5' mural. Onsite primed panels, site preparation materials, exterior paints, and a final UV-protective topcoat will be provided.
Proposals must include preliminary concept sketches, an itemized budget and material list, professional references, and a portfolio featuring 3 to 5 high-resolution images of completed outdoor murals that demonstrate mastery of scale and durability.
Call Opens: July 8, 2026
Submissions Due: August 4, 2026 at midnight central time
Notification: Artists will be notified by or on August 14th, 2026
Mural Installation Dates: August - September, 2026
Community Celebration: Following the completion of the mural, there will be a community celebration.
Proposals from experienced mural artists with examples of past mural work will be prioritized, as well as artists living and working in Central WI.
Submit your proposal here: https://form.jotform.com/261875110699163
This mural was made possible through the generous support of the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, the B.A. & Ester Greenheck Foundation and Marathon County.
Learn, grow, and connect with other artists:
New to showing your Art? Enter WRAP!
If you are a WI resident and looking to start showing your art, the Wisconsin Regional Art Program is for you!
Proposals for Solo and Group Exhibition
*** At this time, proposal Submissions are closed for 2027 ***
Proposals Due: June 15, 2026, at 11:59 pm
Proposals received after June 15th will not be reviewed until summer 2027
Review Notification: August 15, 2026
Proposals received after June 15th will not be reviewed until summer 2027
We currently accept show proposals from artists living in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, and Iowa. Submissions with addresses outside of these geographical areas will not be reviewed.
At this time, the CVA only accepts digital proposals, and all exhibiting artists are expected to be able to communicate and share information digitally.
About Opportunities. The CVA has a limited number of slots for Solo and small group shows (2-4 shows). We do a variety of exhbits: juried shows, community group shows, and invitationals throughout the year. To provide more opportunities to artists who submit proposals, we may curate a pairing of artists for a show. Proposals that are not accepted for solo exhibits are kept on file for exhibit opportunities, ie, invitational exhibits.
Artist Agreement Brief
WORK MUST BE ORIGINAL TO THE ARTIST - Original artwork would, for example, be the first version of a painting an artist creates, not any subsequent prints, reproductions, or imitations of the artwork. Artists may use reference photos they took themself, or study from multiple references to create a composition that is unique to the new work.
LIABILITY- All work selected for the exhibit will be insured by the CVA against damage and theft while in the care of the gallery. Entrants are responsible for insuring work while in transit to and from the exhibit. All work must remain in the gallery for the entirety of the show. The CVA cannot insure any artwork for an amount in excess of 70% of its retail value. Any irregularities must be reported within 30 days of the return of artwork. Submission of this application form constitutes agreement to all conditions listed in this prospectus.
SALES- Artists are encouraged to place their work for sale. If a piece of artwork is sold, a sales commission of 30% of the sale price will be retained by the CVA. Sold work must remain in the gallery the entire length of the exhibit. Payment will be made to the artist after the exhibit closes.
RIGHTS RESERVED- The CVA reserves the right not to display work that fails to meet jury expectations.
