Legacy & Light Call for Artists

All mediums of artwork will be considered for this exhibition. Nontraditional mediums are welcomed. Artwork must be original artworks created in the past 5 years by past artist(s) that have displayed artwork at the Chesapeake Arts Center or other locations hosted by CAC, this includes: current (The Weight We Carry exhibition) or past exhibiting artists, students, staff, instructors, volunteers, and/or supporters. Artwork that has been previously exhibited cannot be shown more than once in CAC's exhibitions. Deadline for applications is May 29, 2026.

Applications are reviewed on a first come, first serve basis. Interested artists must fill out a completed application in order to be considered. Limit 1 artwork per artist accepted for the exhibition. Artist can submit up to (5) images for consideration. One application per artist.

ABOUT:  In 2026, the Chesapeake Arts Center celebrates 25 years of serving the community through creativity, connection, and cultural enrichment. Since opening in 2001, CAC has become a welcoming home for artists, students, families, and neighbors throughout North Anne Arundel County, the Brooklyn Park community, and the greater Maryland region.

• IMPORTANT: Accepted artwork cannot exceed $825 in value (either for sale or the value for insurance purposes)

• Must be 18 or over to apply OR Must be 12 and older to apply (If under the age of 18, an adult must check the box part of the application that the artwork was created by a minor and the CAC as permission to sell and use the artwork)

• Artwork cannot exceed 18x24 inches (including frame) for artworks on canvas, wood panel, framed, unframed, etc. This includes all artworks that can hang on the wall. Artwork must be ready to hang.

• Framed work (photographs, prints, drawings, etc.)  must have hanging wire or other robust hanging hardware securely attached to the back. Wire must be attached properly to the back of the artwork (when the artwork is displayed on the wall, no wire is permitted to sit higher than the artwork on the wall. (Please make sure the wire is not longer than the frame of the artwork)

• Works on canvas or panel must either have a deep enough gallery profile to hang straight on screws (minimum is about ¾”) or have a hanging wire attached securely to the back.

• Any work delivered to CAC without proper hanging hardware or a proper gallery profile will not be accepted for the exhibition.

•  Sculptural works (if applicable) include orientation directions as well as any other important information.

• Artwork (such as photographs) must be framed. If the artwork is on canvas, sculpture, or other materials that are unable to be framed, the Artist has communicated with CAC and CAC has approved the artwork to be displayed without a frame and alternative hanging information has been approved. Approved unframed artworks must have neat, professional edges

• All artworks that can be mounted to the wall must not exceed 8 lbs.

• Pedestals are limited. We suggest that applicants who would use a pedestal for their artwork submit their artwork as soon as possible in order to be considered.

• All artwork must be hand-delivered and picked up to Chesapeake Arts Center by the important dates listed below

**CAC has the sole discretion to reject any artwork(s) at any time prior to or during the exhibition. In addition, CAC is permitted to use images and produce content for marketing purposes, including promoting the event and other Anniversary marketing campaigns.**

DEADLINES: Chesapeake Arts Center's 25th Anniversary Legacy Exhibition will be on display in Chesapeake Arts Center's Hal Gomer Gallery from June 24, 2026, to August 30, 2026. Applications are reviewed by the gallery committee and must be submitted by Friday, May 29, 2026

Deadline for both exhibition applications – Friday, May 29, 2026. For more information and where to apply, please see the links below –