OVERALL AWARDSBest of Show: $1000 / prizes
INDIVIDUAL AWARD CATEGORIESFirst Place: Cash / prizes
Second Place: Cash / prizes
Third Place: Cash / prizes
CATEGORIES2-D Representational: Representational subject matter in paint, watercolor, encaustic, acrylic, oil, mixed media, textiles, collage, gouache, ink, graphite, pastel, printmaking. Prints pulled by hand.
2-D Abstract: Abstract subject matter in paint, watercolor, encaustic, acrylic, oil, mixed media, textiles, collage, gouache, ink, graphite, pastel, printmaking. Prints pulled by hand.
3-D Representational: Representational subject matter in ceramics, sculpture, 3-D, assemblage, wood, metal, mixed media.
3-D Abstract: Abstract subject matter in ceramics, sculpture, 3-D, assemblage, wood, metal, mixed media.
Photography: Original camera-generated images.
Digit Art: Computer-enhanced digital imaging, digital collage, digital design.
ATTENTION: Artwork must have been created between January 1, 2023, through July 31, 2026. Earlier works will be disqualified. Works that were accepted to previous Art Hop calls will also be disqualified.
This exhibit does not accept subject matter, materials/media, etc. of the following subject matter:
1. Nudity
2. Political of any kind
3. Violence, implied or otherwise, toward humans or animals.
4. Racism of any kind.
Entry fees are non-refundable.$45 entry fee - For up to 3 artworks
$55 entry fee - For 4 or 5 artworks
Artists are limited to a maximum of 5 artworks per entry (submission). Only one entry (submission) can be accepted for each year's Art Hop.
Judge will score all online entries in their assigned category via EntryThingy during the first round of judging. Artists whose entries score well are invited to participate in the Art Hop exhibit and will receive instructions to hand-deliver or ship their work to Art Hop. A second round of in-person judging occurs just before the exhibit opens and will determine placements and cash awards. Awards are announced at the Art Hop reception ceremony.
Entry Instructions With each submission:
First Please determine the best category for your entries: 2-D Representational, 2-D Abstract, 3-D Representational, 3-D Abstract, Photography, or Digital Art.
Important EntryThingy software permits only
one category selection per each paid artist submission (entry).
Second (optional): You may include a description of the work. This is not mandatory but can make a difference if judges have questions or need clarification during judging.
Eligibility Specification Artists must own the copyright of artwork submitted. Only original art will be accepted.
No reproductions or giclées.
Artwork must be created solely by the entering artist. Artwork created in a class or under an instructor's guidance is ineligible for entry.
Accepted artwork must be available for the duration of the 2026 Art Hop exhibit. All artwork exhibited in Art Hop 2026 will be offered for sale. Not-for-sale (NFS) artwork will be rejected.
Should an artwork sell during the 2026 Art Hop, Hill Country Arts Focus will receive a 30% commission. The artist will receive the remaining 70%. Texas sales tax is collected and paid by HCAF.
ARTWORK REQUIREMENTS2-D, Photography, and Digital Wall Pieces Artwork Requirements:
Artwork must be no larger than 48 inches on any side and no smaller than 20 inches on any side. If artwork is framed, the frame must be included in the measurement. Each piece must be properly wrapped if shipped and ready to install with suitable hardware, preferably D-rings with wire. No saw tooth hangers or string, please. Artwork must have a professional presentation.
3-D, Ceramics, Sculpture Requirements:
3-D Floor pieces in any medium must be no larger than 48 inches on any side, not including pedestal, and no heavier than 50 lbs. If a sculpture requires a pedestal, a pedestal should be delivered with the entry. We have a very limited number of pedestals available for 3-D presentation.
Artwork failing to meet these dimensional requirement will not be shown to the judges and will not be accepted for exhibit.LabelingEach entry must be securely labeled on the back of the art with the title, artist's name, and phone or email address.
How to submit your artwork All artist entries are submitted and fees paid through Entry Thingy. Only jpg or pdf files are accepted. Images must be a minimum of 200 kb and a maximum of 10 mb. Entry fees may be paid by credit card or PayPal.
*** IMPORTANT CHANGE *** EntryThingy now allows you to edit your entry and change the artwork you have uploaded after you submit it and pay your entry fee.
After the call for art closes, you will not be allowed to change your entry information or your uploaded artwork.
For further information, contact [email protected] for further information.