Cape Fear Studios' National 2D Competition 2026

Cape Fear Studios announces its 15th National 2D Competition, a juried competition open to all artists 18 or older in the United States. The exhibit will be on display June 26 - August 25, 2026 in the Cape Fear Studios Main Gallery in Fayetteville, NC.

Awards include: Best in Show $1000, First Place $750, Second Place $500, and Honorable Mention (2) $50 each. The show juror is JJ Jiang, a signature member of the Oil Painters of America (OPA), American Watercolor Society (AWS), and National Watercolor Society (NWS). His work has been featured in Watercolor Artist magazine, SPLASH 21, The Art of Watercolour magazine, Southwest Art magazine, and Fine Art Connoisseur magazine.

Entry specifications: Maximum two 2-dimensional entries per artist. Works must be completed in the past 2 years, not copied from other artists or published materials, and not previously exhibited in Cumberland County, NC. Works must be for sale and may not exceed 36" x 36" including frame. All work must be properly wired for hanging; sawtooth hangers are not permitted. Plexiglass is required on all shipped works on paper. Accepted media includes all 2D painting and drawing media, hand pulled prints, and collage. Diptychs and triptychs are accepted only when created as a single concept in multiple frames. Photographs, recolored image transfers, and digitally produced images will not be accepted.

Entry fee is $35 for the first entry and $15 for the second entry. Artists will be notified of acceptance or decline no later than May 27, 2026. Labels with artist's name, contact information, title, medium, and price should be attached to the back of artwork in the upper right corner. The artist is responsible for insurance and shipping costs.