2026 CWA National Open Juried Exhibition

Connecticut Women Artists presents the National Open Juried Exhibition in the fall each year, showcasing selected works in a broad range of styles and media submitted by women artists from the United States. As one of the country's oldest women's art organizations, this exhibition is open to all US women artists aged 18 and older. Original works must have been created in the past 3 years and not previously exhibited in any CWA show. Accepted media include painting, mixed media, sculptural ceramics, drawing, collage, printmaking, fiber and textile art, sculpture, and photography. Not eligible: installation/performance art, photo reproductions, digital and AI generated art, giclee unless part of mixed media/collages, and art requiring hanging from the ceiling.

The exhibition runs Wednesday, August 26 - Friday, October 16, 2026, at Akus Gallery, Room 112, Fine Arts Instructional Center, Eastern Connecticut State University, 83 Windham St, Willimantic, CT 06226. Gallery hours are Monday, Tuesday, Friday: Noon - 4 pm; Wednesday, Thursday: Noon - 7 pm; Saturday: 11 am - 4 pm; closed Sunday. The opening reception is Friday, September 11, from 4 - 9 pm. Awards reception and ceremony is Saturday, September 19, 1 - 3 pm. The juror is Jeanne Ciravolo, University of Connecticut Assistant Professor in Residence and Director of the Alexey von Schlippe Gallery.

Submissions deadline is midnight Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Artists may submit up to 3 works through OnlineJuriedShows. Entry fees: CWA Members (current dues required): First entry $35, second/third entry $12 each. Non-Members: First entry $45, second/third entry $15 each. Two-dimensional work must not exceed 36" wide x 40" high and must be framed and ready to install with hanging hardware already attached. Three-dimensional work cannot exceed 40 lbs. Images should be in JPEG format, less than 4 mb, and 1920 pixels @ 72 dpi. Notification of acceptance is Tuesday, July 21. Drop-off of accepted work is Friday, August 14 & Saturday, August 15, 12 - 3 pm. Shipping via FedEx only must be received by Tuesday-Thursday, August 11-13. Pick-up of works is Saturday, October 17 & Monday, October 19, both days 12-3 pm. ECSU ships returned artwork via FedEx Monday-Thursday, October 19-22, 2026. $2,100 in awards will be given.