(Photo courtesy of Edmonds Arts Festival)
3 Tips for Success
The Edmonds Arts Festival is now accepting submissions for the juried Gallery Arts portion of its 69th annual Festival. The Call-for-Artists is open until May 1, 2026, inviting regional artists to showcase their finest work at one of the Northwest’s longest-running and most celebrated art festivals.
Artists may submit work for possible inclusion in three premier gallery spaces: the Main Gallery, the Photography & Digital Arts Gallery, and the Small Works Marketplace.
Two distinct Gallery Arts calls provide multiple opportunities to participate:
CALL 1: Edmonds Arts Festival Gallery Arts Exhibition
Open to paintings, pastels, watercolor, drawings, printmaking, photography, digital art, mixed-media 2d, artisan works and sculpture.
CALL 2: Edmonds Arts Festival Small Works Marketplace
Open to miniatures, small paintings, and small artisan works.
Artists may submit up to four entries per call. Applications are available through the Festival website at: EdmondsArtsFestival.com/festival-applications.
$12,000 in Awards for 2026
The 2026 Gallery Arts exhibitions, led by co-directors Janet Jensen and Cheryl Waale, will award $12,000 in prizes to outstanding regional artists.
“The wonderful thing about the Gallery Arts portion of the Festival is that the two calls offer plenty of opportunities for artists to enter, be accepted, and win awards,” said Janet Jensen, co-director of Gallery Arts. “Artists can submit multiple small two-dimensional works, larger pieces, photography, digital art, sculpture, or artisan works. It’s up to each artist to decide what best represents their creative voice.”
Three Simple Steps to a Successful Application
To help artists navigate the submission process, Jensen offers three practical tips:
1. Read the Prospectus Carefully
Each call has its own detailed prospectus outlining eligibility requirements, size minimums and maximums, categories, and important guidelines. Review the appropriate prospectus thoroughly before beginning your application.
2. Prepare and Upload Strong Images
Visit CallforEntry.org and log into your account (or create one). Under “My Portfolio,” upload high-quality images of your artwork. You’ll complete a questionnaire for each piece, including price, medium, dimensions, and description. Artists who have entered previous shows can easily access past submissions within their portfolio.
3. Select the Correct Call and Category
Search for the specific call you wish to enter and select your artwork images. Be sure to choose the correct category from the drop-down menu for each entry. This ensures your work is reviewed by the appropriate juror. If you don’t do this step, the entry will automatically be categorized in the default category. Once the entry fee is paid, your application is complete.
A 69-Year Tradition of Art and Community
The 69th Edmonds Arts Festival will take place June 19-21, 2026, at the Frances Anderson Center in Edmonds. As one of the longest-running art festivals in the Northwest, the Festival draws more than 50,000 visitors annually and showcases juried 2D and 3D artwork from more than 400 regional artists. Works are exhibited across three galleries and are available for purchase throughout the weekend.
Edmonds holds the distinction of being Washington State’s first Certified Creative District, recognized for its deep commitment to the arts across all sectors of the community.
Every artwork purchased at the Edmonds Arts Festival supports the continuation of this beloved regional event and helps fund scholarships, grants for community art projects, and public art initiatives.
The 2026 Edmonds Arts Festival will take place Father’s Day weekend, June 19-21 at Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main Street, Edmonds, Washington 98020. Festival hours are Friday and Saturday, 10am to 7pm; and Sunday from 10am to 5pm.