Have a local artist opportunity to promote?
Submit your information here and LVA will spread the word! (* LVA only promotes opportunities within a 350 mile radius of Louisville, Kentucky.)

"Artist opportunity" refers to an exhibit, residency, art fair, grant, award, workshop, or RFP.

If you have an event change or need something edited that has already been posted, please reach out to Taylor@louisvillevisualart.org

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Deadline: January 23, 2026 

Artist Opportunity Type: Exhibition
Entry Fee: $0
Open to (any restrictions on entries):
Open to artists and makers 18+ residing in Kentucky and surrounding states, working in fiber, leather, textile, or mixed media. Works must be original, handcrafted handbags created by the artist.
Exhibition/Event Dates: March 7, 2026 - April 25, 2026
Event Location (City/Venue): The Little Loomhouse, 328 Kenwood Hill Road, louisville, ky, 40214
Contact: normadrish@littleloomhouse.org
Additional Information: Fashioned to Carry takes a stylish and lighthearted look at the handbag — part fashion, part function, and always along for the ride. This exhibition invites artists to showcase handcrafted purses that play with shape, construction, materials, and design. Whether sleek, classic, or a little daring, each bag celebrates the creativity and craftsmanship that make handbags so irresistible.
Visitors will see works that blend structure, texture, and flair — pieces that prove the things we carry can be both beautiful and cleverly built.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Each artist may submit up to 3 handbags.
Please include:
•    2–4 clear images of each work (front, back, and one detail shot)
•    Title, materials, size, and year completed
•    Retail or insurance value (optional)
•    Artist name, email, and phone number
•    Optional: Website or Instagram handle
CRAFTSMANSHIP STANDARDS
Submissions must show:
•    Clean, secure stitching or construction
•    Quality materials and finish (no loose threads, glue marks, or unstable parts)
•    Neat closures, lining, and edges
•    Structural integrity suitable for display
•    Clear design intention and professional presentation
CURATION & SELECTION
This is a curated exhibition.
Entries will be reviewed for:
1.    Craftsmanship & Technique
2.    Design & Aesthetic Quality
3.    Material Use & Construction
4.    Originality & Creativity
5.    Presentation Readiness
IMPORTANT DATES
•    Submission Deadline:  January 23, 2026
•    Notification of Acceptance:   January 26, 2026
•    Artwork Delivery:  NLT February 27, 2026 at 3pm
•    Exhibition Opens:   March  7, 2026
•    Reception:  March 7, 2026, 2-4pm
•    Artwork Pickup:  March 7 - 13, 2026

More Information

Deadline: January 31, 2026 

Artist Opportunity Type: Award
Entry Fee: $20
Open to (any restrictions on entries): Open to artist/photographers worldwide, 18+
Exhibition/Event Dates: February 15, 2026
Event Location (City/Venue): Online
Contact: info@koisartistaward.com
Additional Information: Blue Koi Gallery invites artists and photographers to submit their strongest work to the Open Theme Art Competition. A space where your creativity sets the direction. With no restrictions on subject, style, or medium, this call is your opportunity to share the art that defines you. Whether your work is bold or quiet, abstract or representational, this exhibition is designed to let your creative voice stand out and be seen.
If you have work you’re proud of, this is the moment to submit it. Let your work reach new audiences and earn the recognition it deserves.
Submit your work here: https://koisartistaward.com/open-theme-art-competiton
Open to artists worldwide, 18+
All mediums and skill levels welcome.
150.00 Cash Award
Entry Fee:
$20 for 2 works
$6 for each additional

More Information

Deadline: January 31, 2026 

Artist Opportunity Type: Exhibition
Entry Fee: $0
Open to (any restrictions on entries): Must identify as a woman
Exhibition/Event Dates: March 20th-April 20th
Event Location (City/Venue): Lyric Theatre, 300 E St, Lexington KY, 40508
Contact: mavenlyricexperience@gmail.com
Additional Information: The Maven:Woman’s Art Experience, curated by Jayda Johnson, Brianna Armstrong, and Charles Rice (founder of Kula Gallery), is a juried art exhibition showcasing 20–30 women visual artists from both Kentucky and across the country. It will take place March 20- April 20th, 2026, at the historic Lyric Theatre in Lexington, KY. Each selected artist will exhibit up to 5 ready-to-hang pieces. Participation is free, with artists chosen by a 3-member curatorial
panel. The exhibit launches with a Early Viewing during Art Hop on March 20th 5-8pm where the gallery and theater will be open and an Opening Night celebration on March 21st and includes artist talks, community programming, and youth workshops, gallery exhibition, film festival, fashion show, and live performances, DJ, arts vendors, and food and drink vendors.

More Information

Deadline: February 20, 2026 

Artist Opportunity Type: Exhibition
Entry Fee: $0
Open to (any restrictions on entries): Women artist only. canvas size limited to 48x60, no student work or AI, sculpture size limited  to table top size.  Submissions limited to 5 pieces.
Exhibition/Event Dates: Feb 28 thru March 28
Event Location (City/Venue): Chestnuts and Pearls Art Gallery, 157 E Main New Albany, IN
Contact: innbridge@aol.com
Additional Information: Feb 28- March 28, 
The Matriarch Revolution: We are not going back.
celebrating females and female artists during Women’s History month.  Not just mothers but all females!
artist reception Feb 28, 1-3.  Guest curator Jada Lynn Dixon

More Information

Deadline: February 1, 2026 

Artist Opportunity Type: Exhibition
Entry Fee: $0
Open to (any restrictions on entries): Whether you make jewelry, hats, eyewear, footwear, handbags, scarves, or any other fashion accessories, we want you
Exhibition/Event Dates: Spring 2026
Event Location (City/Venue): KMAC
Contact: kris@kmacmuseum.org
Additional Information: Whether you make jewelry, hats, eyewear, footwear,
handbags, scarves, or any other fashion accessories,
we want you in our COUTURISM Showcase.
Curated by Julia Comer and hosted by the KMAC
Shop in conjunction with the 2025 KMAC Couture, the
COUTURISM Showcase designs will be featured on the
runway during the intermission of KMAC Couture 2026
and in the KMAC Shop for a period to be determined
after KMAC Couture.
Items need to be available for sale and moderately
priced.
Please submit your entry no later than midnight
February 1st, 2026.

More Information

Deadline: February 28, 2026 

Artist Opportunity Type: Award
Entry Fee: $20
Open to (any restrictions on entries):Open worldwide, 18+
Exhibition/Event Dates: March 15, 2026
Event Location (City/Venue): online
Contact: info@koisartistaward.com
Additional Information:We invite artists and photographers to submit their work for the Human Form Art Competition. This theme celebrates the beauty, strength, and complexity of the human figure in all its expressions. From realism to abstraction, gesture to movement, this call honors the timeless inspiration artists find in the human body.
Whether through painting, photography, sculpture, or mixed media, we encourage you to explore the essence of form, motion, and presence, capturing the spirit that connects us all.
Open to all artists worldwide, 18 years and older. Submissions in all mediums and skill levels are welcome. 
First Prize – $150 Cash, Digital award package, awards, global exposure, certificate and promotion.
Entry Fee:
$20 for 2 images
$6 for each additional image
The deadline to submit is February 28, 2026
https://koisartistaward.com/human-form-art-competiton-2026/
How to Enter
1. Complete the online entry form
2. Upload your images and artwork details
3. Pay the applicable entry fee
Receive confirmation of your entry and stay tuned for winner announcements

More Information

Deadline: February 28, 2026 

Artist Opportunity Type: Fair or Festival
Entry Fee: $100
Open to (any restrictions on entries): - Fine Artists (Painters, Ceramicists, Potters, etc.) 
- Artisans (Potters, Candle Makers, Body + Soap Makers, Crochet Artists, Custom Clothing Designers, etc.)
- Arts Organizations, Groups
Exhibition/Event Dates: March 28th, 2026
Event Location (City/Venue): Revelry Boutique + Gallery, 742 E Market St
Contact: jacob@revelrygallery.com
Additional Information: Revelry Gallery is thrilled to present our Artist Alley event! This special pop-up market brings together a curated selection of talented local artists, makers, and creatives, offering a unique opportunity for the community to engage directly with Louisville’s finest. Attendees can explore an inspiring array of original artwork, handmade goods, and one-of-a-kind creations while connecting with the artists behind them. For this opportunity, you are not required to be a consigned member of Revelry Boutique + Gallery. Our goal is to introduce new artists to the NULU neighborhood through a market-style experience. You may be a Fine Artist, Artisan, or Goods vendor to be considered for the Artist Alley event. 
- Your 50% down payment will be sent to your email upon application approval, and the final 50% will be invoiced prior to the event date.
- In case of inclement weather, Revelry will provide a full refund of your vendor fee.
- Booth Area for tent or display use 10’ x 10’: Please provide your own tables, displays for Merchandise, and indicate whether you will need access to electricity.
- Please ensure you have a proper Point of Sale System for your booth (PayPal, Square, Venmo, etc.).  
- All vendors will be required to pay a booth fee upon notification of acceptance. For 10' x 10' booths, this is a $200 Vendor Fee. 
- You are responsible for all hand-made products you choose to sell in this event. Any lost, stolen, or damaged merchandise is not liable by Revelry Boutique + Gallery.
- We are confined to a small space at Revelry and cannot afford to store any booth materials. Before submitting your application, please note the following: 
a. Our Artist Alley is active from 12-6pm.
b. Set-up will begin at 9:30am and Take-Down will begin directly after the event from 6-8pm.
Please visit our Artist Alley Quick Guide to learn more. If you are interested in applying, please submit an application via the jotform link.

More Information

Deadline: February 28, 2026 

Artist Opportunity Type: Fair or Festival
Entry Fee: $200
Open to (any restrictions on entries): - Fine Artists (Painters, Ceramicists, Potters, etc.) 
- Artisans (Potters, Candle Makers, Body + Soap Makers, Crochet Artists, Custom Clothing Designers, etc.)
- Arts Organizations, Groups
Exhibition/Event Dates: March 28th, 2026
Event Location (City/Venue): Revelry Boutique + Gallery, 742 E Market St
Contact: jacob@revelrygallery.com
Additional Information: Revelry Gallery is thrilled to present our Artist Alley event! This special pop-up market brings together a curated selection of talented local artists, makers, and creatives, offering a unique opportunity for the community to engage directly with Louisville’s finest. Attendees can explore an inspiring array of original artwork, handmade goods, and one-of-a-kind creations while connecting with the artists behind them. For this opportunity, you are not required to be a consigned member of Revelry Boutique + Gallery. Our goal is to introduce new artists to the NULU neighborhood through a market-style experience. You may be a Fine Artist, Artisan, or Goods vendor to be considered for the Artist Alley event. 
- Your 50% down payment will be sent to your email upon application approval, and the final 50% will be invoiced prior to the event date.
- In case of inclement weather, Revelry will provide a full refund of your vendor fee.
- Booth Area for tent or display use 10’ x 10’: Please provide your own tables, displays for Merchandise, and indicate whether you will need access to electricity.
- Please ensure you have a proper Point of Sale System for your booth (PayPal, Square, Venmo, etc.).  
- All vendors will be required to pay a booth fee upon notification of acceptance. For 10' x 10' booths, this is a $200 Vendor Fee. 
- You are responsible for all hand-made products you choose to sell in this event. Any lost, stolen, or damaged merchandise is not liable by Revelry Boutique + Gallery.
- We are confined to a small space at Revelry and cannot afford to store any booth materials. Before submitting your application, please note the following: 
a. Our Artist Alley is active from 12-6pm.
b. Set-up will begin at 9:30am and Take-Down will begin directly after the event from 6-8pm.
Please visit our Artist Alley Quick Guide to learn more. If you are interested in applying, please submit an application via the jotform link.

More Information

Deadline: March 1, 2026

Artist Opportunity Type: Exhibition
Entry Fee: $0
Open to (any restrictions on entries): Artists in the Kentuckiana area
Exhibition/Event Dates: May 20- August 10, 2026.
Event Location (City/Venue): Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, 800 W Main Street
Contact: kc.colorado@sluggermuseum.com
Additional Information: Lou On Lumber is an annual juried exhibit showcased at Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory that aims to celebrate Louisville's rich culture through the eyes of local artists. We are looking for five Kentuckiana artists to cover the barrels of five Louisville Slugger bats with imagery that follows the theme of ‘hometown pride.’
Louisville is one of the oldest cities west of the Appalachian Mountains with a rich history to spark inspiration. Not only has the city birthed sports icons like Louisville Slugger bats, Muhammad Ali, and the Derby, but also film and music stars like Jennifer Lawrence and the Grammy Award-winning Louisville Orchestra. The city maintains a distinct indie scene at the heart of Bardstown Road in the Highlands and a strong college sports fanbase for the University of Louisville. Perhaps inspiration lies in the architectural treasures of the city, such as the Old Louisville neighborhood’s Victorian-style homes or the Louisville Water Tower, the oldest water tower in the U.S.
We encourage you to use imagery of all local landmarks, events, and icons that invoke the feeling of ‘hometown pride’ for you in your submission. Don’t feel limited to only using one medium or sticking with a 2D design, we want this submission to reflect your personal style and creative peak! Artists will be selected from the application pool by the museum’s curatorial team and a jury made up of curators and artists from the community (jurors to be announced). The five finalists will then have approximately eight weeks from the date they receive their bats to complete their proposed designs before May 20 - the installation date.
Hillerich & Bradsby Co. - makers of Louisville Slugger - will provide the selected artists with $200, which they will receive along with their bats at the beginning of the work period. Each selected artist will receive two bats, although only one will be for display. Bat handles will be painted black. Bats will be displayed together horizontally.
The five finished bats will be on display at Louisville Slugger Museum through August 10, 2026 – a period in which about 100,000 guests will have a chance to see the artists’ work!

More Information

Deadline: March 19, 2026

Artist Opportunity Type: Grant
Entry Fee: $35
Open to (any restrictions on entries): Visual Artists and Photographers 18 years and older, from all around the world, are eligible to apply. All media and genres are accepted. All applicants retain the right to the work they submit. Apply today at https://innovateartistgrants.org
Exhibition/Event Dates: Deadline: Thursday, March 19, 2026 – Submit by 11:59PM Pacific Standard Time
Event Location (City/Venue): Online
Contact: email@innovateartistgrants.org
Additional Information:  Visual Artists and Photographers 18 years and older, from all around the world, are eligible to apply. All media and genres are accepted. All applicants retain the right to the work they submit. All applicants are required to submit through our online application. No email applications are accepted. Apply today at https://innovateartistgrants.org

More Information

Deadline: May 10, 2026

Artist Opportunity Type: Fair or festival 
Entry Fee: $35
Open to (any restrictions on entries): All artists, all mediums. No buy and sell products.
Exhibition/Event Dates: September 12 & 13, 2026
Event Location (City/Venue): Big Four Bridge Lawn, Waterfront Park, 1103 River Road
Contact: INFO@bigfourartsfestival.com
Additional Information: The Big Four Arts Festival in Louisville, KY has been the most attended (15k+) two-day event ever held at Waterfront Park. The 10th B4AF 2026, the weekend following Labor Day, will be held at Waterfront Park on the Big Four Bridge Lawn. The venue is tree-lined walks overlooking the Ohio River, designed for festivals and special events..
2025 was a huge success, JOIN US in 2026!
Such was the overall success of the B4AF that Louisville's Tourism Bureau presented us the Rose Award for bringing in so much commerce. In 23", 24", & 25" we were selected Top 200, by Sunshine Artist Magazine, #27 in under 8 years!
Festival dates:
Saturday Sept 12th, 10 am-7 pm
Sunday Sept 13th, 10 am-5 pm
Friday Sept 11th Artist set up, 9am - 5pm

More Information

Deadline: December 28, 2026

Artist Opportunity Type: Workshop
Entry Fee: $5 person/$10 per family
Open to (any restrictions on entries): All ages and skill levels. Beginners welcome!!!
Exhibition/Event Dates: 1/12/2026-12/28/2026
Event Location (City/Venue): Belmar Studio Arts, 1206 Belmar Dr. Louisville, KY
Contact: bart@belmarstudioarts.com
Additional Information: Community Drawing Lab is a project that focuses on bringing people together to enjoy the possibilities and benefits of Drawing, together. The mission of Community Drawing Lab, is to create a safe, supportive environment for exploring self-expression and community thru the act of Drawing.
Drawing supplies provided - pencils, pens, soft pastels, oil pastels, charcoal, colored pencils, markers, loose papers, sketchbooks as well as the necessary supports - easels, still life objects, clamp lights, fabrics for backdrops, mirrors for self-portraits. There are books of art work, animal photo references and drawing instruction. Feel free to bring your own supplies as well.
• This is an all ages event. There is a baby changing station in the restroom.
• Belmar Studio Arts is handicap accessible.
• There is a suggested fee of @ $5 per person/$10 per family to help me cover supplies.
• There is some parking on site. And Aldi across the street has ample parking for overflow.
For more information about the space and Bart Galloway, owner and lead teacher go to:
https://www.belmarstudioarts.com/
https://www.bartgalloway.com/

Deadline: December 30, 2026

Artist Opportunity Type: Workshop
Entry Fee: $25 per session (discount for multiple sessions per week)
Open to (any restrictions on entries): All ages and skill levels are welcome. No experience necessary.
Exhibition/Event Dates: 1/12/2026-12/30/2026
Event Location (City/Venue): Belmar Studio Arts, 1206 Belmar Dr. Louisville, KY
Contact: bart@belmarstudioarts.com
Additional Information: Belmar Studio Arts offers weekly Drawing and Painting classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm. No registration required.
All ages and skill levels. No experience necessary. Beginners welcome!
$25 per session. There are discounts for attending multiple sessions a week. Some supplies included.
Owner and Instructor Bart Galloway has over 30 years experience teaching Drawing and Painting to students of all ages and abilities.
We will meet you where you are at in your creative journey: Want to dip your toe in for a few hours to see what's possible? Draw and paint with your young child or grandchild? Have homeschool students that want to rachet up their visual arts projects? Reconnect with ideas and processes you've taken a hiatus from? Or you're deep into a piece (or series) and are looking for an objective sounding board to help with problems of composition, subject vs object, color or thematic presentation?
For more information call Bart at 502-496-3729.
Email is bart@belmarstudioarts.com.
www.belmarstudioarts.com
www.bartgalloway.com

Deadline: December 31, 2026

Artist Opportunity Type: Workshop
Entry Fee: $45
Open to (any restrictions on entries): Offering clay classes by appointment. Up to 4 participants per class. Classes are from 2 to 4 hours in length. $45 per person. Class includes 5 pounds of white Stoneware clay, use of studio tools and glazes, and kiln firing for up to 3 pieces (Additional pieces can be fired for an additional fee.)
Exhibition/Event Dates: 01/24/2026 thru 12/20/2026
Event Location (City/Venue): Private artist's studio, Off Valley Station Road, louisville, KY
Contact: clayhandsinky@yahoo.com
Additional Information: Must reserve class with $10 per person non-refundable deposit. 
No refunds for missed classes. Nor for cancellations within 24 hours of class start time. 
Contact via email for questions or reservations. clayhandsinky@yahoo.com

www.clayhandsinky.com

Founded in 1909, Louisville Visual Art (LVA) nurtures our city's diverse artists throughout their creative lifecycles with youth art education, professional artist development, and art in public spaces. Since 1925, we've inspired future generations of creative leaders through Children's Fine Art Classes (CFAC). Our outreach programs span the Louisville Metro, enriching diverse communities. From our creative hub in the Portland neighborhood, we encourage artists through the Artists Talk with LVA radio show, Curate Purchase Inspire (CPI), Open Studio Weekend, and weekly calls for artists.

Our Contact Information

Louisville Visual Art

1538 Lytle St. Louisville, KY 40203
502.584.8166
www.louisvillevisualart.org

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to Louisville Visual Art with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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