57th Annual Smoky Hill Art Competition & Exhibition

The Hays Arts Council announces the 57th Annual Smoky Hill Art Competition & Exhibition, open to Kansas artists working in both 2-D and 3-D media. The exhibition will be held at 1010 Main St, Hays, Kansas from April 25 – June 6, 2026.

Eligibility is open to Kansas artists working in 2-D and 3-D media. All work must be original, completed within the last two years, and not previously exhibited in the Smoky Hill Exhibition. Artists may submit up to four works. The entry fee is $30 for submission of up to two works, with additional works submitted for $5 each. The submission deadline is Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Notification of acceptance or rejection will be sent by March 30, 2026.

Multiple cash awards totaling $3,000 will be awarded at the juror's discretion. The juror is Hilary Cole, Gallery Director and Art Consultant at Leopold Gallery in Kansas City, Missouri. Works may be offered for sale; the Hays Arts Council retains a 33⅓% commission on all sales, with artist payments issued on or before June 15, 2026. Accepted works must be delivered April 13–17, 2026. Works must fit through a standard doorway (approximately 36" x 78"). All 2-D work must be professionally framed and include secure hanging hardware. Floor sculptures must include protective padding for gallery floors. Hand-delivered works may be collected beginning June 9, 2026, and return shipments will be completed by June 14, 2026. An opening reception will be held April 25th, 2026, 10 AM - 4 PM as part of the Hays Arts Council Spring Art Walk. A print and/or digital catalog of accepted works and awards will be available at the Hays Arts Center and online.