The Baker National 2026

Baker University is inviting national artists to apply to the Baker National (February 13–April 3, 2026) held in the Holt-Russell Gallery on the campus of Baker University. All mediums are welcome except installation pieces, digital art and time-based pieces (videos, music, etc.). Best in Show receives $500.00 and a solo show in the Holt Russell Gallery during academic year 2027-28. Other awards are to be given at juror discretion.

The Holt-Russell Gallery is a place for student, regional and national contemporary artists to show their work in a gallery setting, serving as an educational experience for the Baker University Art Program and for the Douglas County community. The juror is Kent Michael Smith, Director of the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art at Kansas State University, who brings more than 25 years of experience in contemporary art and an artist-centered approach to exhibition development.

Open to all artists over 18 living in the United States. All artwork must have been completed in the last 5 years (no earlier than 2020) and must be original works (no giclees or reproductions). Baker University faculty, staff and students are ineligible to apply. Application fee is $40.00 for up to 5 artworks.