Artist Calls

To submit your art for consideration for our exhibitions and
​to find out about our open artist calls - click on the links below.

2026 Open Artist Calls and Upcoming Exhibitions
Click on exhibition titles to see art call

TEACHERS AND STUDENTS EXHIBITION IN THE JEAN RAWLS CLASSROOM.
Submission Date: Closed
Exhibition Dates: September 11 - November 8, 2026
It’s back, our annual Teachers and students Exhibition and we heard you loud and clear so we will be hosting it in the Jean Rawls Classroom at the center. We are looking forward to seeing how the instructors have influenced their students and even vice versa. The theme is open but there are some important guidelines to follow. The submission is open to students that have taken classes at the Virginia Beach Art Center during 2026. You do not have to be currently enrolled but may have taken a class earlier in the year, this also includes students that are or have taken private classes.


A THING OF BEAUTY @ Towne Pavilion Center 1
Submission Date: Closed
Exhibition Dates: August 14, 2026 - January 10, 2027
"A thing of beauty is a joy forever," are the famous opening lines from the English Romantic poet John Keats' long poem Endymion. It suggests that beauty is an everlasting source of joy and energy that never fades away or loses its value, even in the world we live today. How can these words inspire you to create, using your imagination and skill to connect us to the beauty of your art.

ANIMALIA
Submission Date: Closed
Exhibition Dates: September 4 - September 27
Animals of all kinds! From the tiniest microorganism to the largest animal on earth, they are all living things and contribute to our world. The options are too many to name! Impress us with your interpretation of Animalia.

FINE ART FUNDRAISER ART CALL
Submission Date: Closed
Fundraising Dates: August 28 - September 6
​Artists are invited to donate original artwork in support of the Virginia Beach Art Center’s 2026 Fine Art Fundraising, taking place August 28–September 6.

AWARE' 26 "Love Our Earth"
Submission Date: Closed
Exhibition Dates: October 2 - November 1
This amazing planet we call earth is approximately 4.54 billion years old, with an incredible small margin of error of about 50 million years. This amazing celestial body has endured many changes and is continually in flux with ever changing environments. Modern humans have inhabited the earth for about 300.000 years with other human lineage stretching to about 6 million years. With evolution perfecting our species we are the custodians of this planet. It is upon us to love it and take care of it for future generations to come. We challenge you to create art that will enlighten the community and teach us how to ensure we are taking care of the planet. This year we have partnered with Lynnhaven River Now (LRNow) to aid us in disseminating the AWARE'26 message,
​"Love Our Earth".

AWARE'26 "Love Our Earth" Community Project
This year our community project is a Tree of Life which will be constructed in the middle of our main gallery and will contain approximately 500 images created by the community. The appropriately called Tree of Life is about the past, present and future of the globe. The images that will hang depict insects, flora and fauna, mammals, the cosmos, dinosaurs, humanity, aquatic creatures, and birds. 

FIGURE IT OUT
Submission Date: By 11:59pm October 15
Exhibition Dates: November 6 - 29
Figure it Out is a celebration of the human form whether it be realistic, abstracted or inspired by different artistic approaches. Think hard about this one since the theme has been heavily interpreted for millennia. All types of art celebrating the human form are heavily encouraged to be submitted. 

STEP OUT
Submission Date: By 11:59pm November 12
Exhibition Dates: December 4 - 23
Step beyond your comfort zone and your usual artistic routine by exploring a new muse and experimenting with a medium you have not used before. Take a leap of faith, gain a fresh perspective, and embrace artistic growth.
This exhibit is open only to artists who participated in any 2026 exhibition held at the Virginia Beach Center or satellite location.
​
HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE MARKET
Submission Date: Closed
The Virginia Beach Art Center will be hosting two weekends of Holiday Boutique Markets. The first weekend will be Black Friday November 27, Small Business Weekend Saturday November 28, and Sunday November 29.
​Second weekend: December 12 - 13

2027 EXHIBITIONS

IMPACT
Submission Date: By 11:59pm December 10
Exhibition Dates: January 8 - 31, 2027
Impact is the significant effect or influence that something has on something else. We are all significant and have influence in our world. Whether it be big or small, loud or quiet, let’s use our creative gifts to impact each other to think, feel and move in a positive way.

FABULOUS FORGERIES "WITH A TWIST"
Submission Date: By 11:59pm January 14
Exhibition Dates: February 5 - 28, 2027
Our most ICONIC exhibit returns with a TWIST! Is it a twist of lime, words, a curve in the road or a surprising plot or a twist in an iconic painting. This year your only assignment is to give your artwork of choice a TWIST.

INSPIRED BY WORDS
Submission Date: By 11:59pm February 11
Exhibition Dates: March 5 - 28, 2027
Written language and visual art have always been closely connected. Words developed over time from images to abstract sounds and, eventually, to the language we use today. Both words and art communicate meaning, ideas, and emotions. Create a work inspired entirely by words!

SOLO EXHIBITION
Accepting Applications
Calling all artists to apply for a solo exhibit in the Jean Rawls classroom. This is a great space to attract collectors who will also see your artworks during our monthly exhibition openings and while they are taking one of our art courses offered at the center. 

We are proudly
sponsored by the
​following organizations: