Casa Bonita Murder Mystery - Who Done It?

NEXT Gallery is proud to host the 9th Annual Casa Bonita Art Show with the theme "Casa Bonita Murder Mystery - Who Done It?" All submissions must directly relate to the Casa Bonita restaurant in Lakewood, Colorado, featuring an 85-foot tall pink stucco tower, 30-foot indoor waterfall, cliff divers, mariachi music, puppet shows, and haunted cave. Artists, poets, and writers are asked to imagine a murder that takes place in Casa Bonita - where, when, who and how it happened, drawing inspiration from Agatha Christie, Alfred Hitchcock, Quentin Tarantino, Cocaine Bear, Clue, Sherlock Holmes, and Nancy Drew. Submissions can include wanted posters, movie posters, police interviews, newspaper headlines, crime scenes, and lineups.

In addition to visual art, the show accepts literary art including flash fiction (1000 words max) and poetry (1 page max). Previously published work with permission and simultaneous submissions are accepted, but absolutely no AI/ChatGPT work will be considered. A children's art show (13 and under) titled "Someone Swiped my Sopapilla!" invites kids to hide a sopapilla in their Casa Bonita picture featuring their favorite part of the restaurant. The children's entry fee is $15 and includes a 12"x12" canvas.

This national juried call offers cash prizes and Casa Bonita related swag. Entry fees are $35 for adults and $15 for children under 13. Artists will be notified by February 6, 2026, with accepted artwork drop-off on February 9, 2026. The exhibition runs from February 13 through March 1, 2026 at NEXT Gallery in the 40 West Arts Hub in Lakewood, Colorado. Sold artwork incurs a 30% commission, and unsold work must be picked up on March 1, 2026.