VMRC Juried Art Exhibition 2026

The Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community (VMRC) in Harrisonburg, VA hosts an annual Juried Art Exhibition with a history dating back to 2004. The purpose of the Exhibition is to showcase working artists to enhance the lives of VMRC residents, staff, and visitors. The Exhibition is professionally installed in the Park Gables Gallery, located in the main building on the VMRC campus. The spacious gallery with plenty of natural light can accommodate approximately 100 works of art and is open to the public.

Three divisions are offered: Division 1: Drawing/Painting/Printmaking; Division 2: Photography/Digital Artworks; Division 3: 3-dimensional/Fabric/Other Media. The application fee of $40 covers the entry of up to three works, regardless of Division. Juror selections are based on mastery of design, technique, conceptual quality and creativity. Works generated by artificial intelligence will not be accepted in any Division. Two-dimensional works must be no larger than 72" by 90" including frame. Three-dimensional works displayed on pedestals must be no larger than 84" by 30" by 40"; smaller 3-D works must be suitably prepared for hanging. Works weighing more than 50 pounds require advance approval. All entries must be family-friendly with no nudity. No jewelry, installation art, video or audio enhancements are permitted.

Cash awards include: Best In Show ($1,000), Best In Division ($500 each, 3 awards), Honorable Mention ($250 each, 6 awards), Juror's Choice ($250 each, 3 awards), Popular Choice ($250 each, 3 awards), Anne Pauley Award ($750 for first-time exhibitors), and Park Gables Gallery Grant ($1,500 for continuing study). Sale of exhibited work is encouraged with no commission charged. The submission deadline is March 7, 2026. Artists will be notified of jurying results on April 2. The exhibition opens to the public on May 31 and closes on June 26. The reception and awards ceremony is June 7. Eligible artists must reside in the United States and submit original works created after January 1, 2024 that have not been displayed in the VMRC Juried Exhibition previously.