Art in the West

Art in the West is an invite-only fine art exhibition featuring works representing the High Desert region of the United States by contemporary artists. All accepted works are on display throughout the High Desert Museum, including Schnitzer Hall, Collins Gallery, Desertarium Gallery, and Spirit of the West Hall. An online gallery and auction site features all works for silent bidding and/or max bid purchases.

Up to five works may be submitted for consideration. Art must be original and completed within the last three years. Eligible media include oil, watercolor, acrylic, gouache, pastel, pen & ink, charcoal, etching, woodcut/block, stone lithograph, serigraph, photography, bronze/metal sculpture, ceramic sculpture, wood sculpture, stone sculpture, mixed-media works, fiber/textile arts, basketry, beadwork, glass, digital art, and non-traditional practices. Fine art prints are allowed, but not giclées or wet paintings. Maximum weight for framed artwork is 50 pounds. All works must be exhibit-ready and framed with hardware attached. Two-dimensional works must be covered with glass or Plexiglas.

The event utilizes a silent auction wall sale with an online bidding platform opening at a minimum bid determined by the artist. A "buy-it-now" option is available at 200% of the declared value. The High Desert Museum retains a 50% commission on all artwork sold. Artists may elect to donate 100% of sales. Artist biography must be 150 words or less, written in third person, and include name, preferred medium, training, artistic achievements, and cultural background if relevant. Exhibition dates are July 18 - October 4, 2026. Notification of acceptance is May 12, 2026. Artwork delivery begins June 15, 2026 with a deadline of July 3, 2026. Unsold artwork must be collected by October 30, 2026, or will be forfeited. Artist payments will be processed and mailed by October 19, 2026.