Arts Explosion 2026

The 4th-annual Federal Way Arts Explosion Festival is a juried art competition for adult and youth artists from around the region. Artists can submit in five categories: 2D Art (paintings, prints, drawings ready to hang), Photography (black and white or color, printed and framed), 3D Art (self-standing or wall-mounted sculpture), Artisan Work (wood, furniture, mosaic, glass, fiber art, jewelry), and Miniatures (paintings, prints, and drawings approximately 5'x5'). A Youth category is available for ages 15-18 only.

The festival takes place at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center. Artists may apply in more than one category and submit up to five entries total. All artwork must be delivered in person; no artwork will be shipped or received via mail. Entry fees are $25.00 per piece, with a discounted rate of $5.00 per miniature (use code MINI80). Youth entries are free with code YOUTH25. There will be $4,400 in prizes. Artwork will be on display and open to the public for purchase.

Eligibility: Entries must be original work created within the past three years (since March 15, 2023), done without instructor supervision. Copies or works based on copyrighted artworks are not eligible. All artwork must be gallery-ready with no saw-tooth hangers. Entries are juried from digital images; artists will be notified by April 16 of acceptance. Awards will be judged from original works. Festival dates: May 29-31, 2026. Artist's Reception and Awards Announcements: May 29. Intake of accepted work: May 27. Judging and Vernissage (first viewing by appointment only): May 28.