Abstract National Exhibition

Mark Arts in Wichita, Kansas, invites artists to submit works for the biennial Abstract National Exhibition opening January 9, 2026. Artists may submit original two-dimensional or three-dimensional abstract, nonobjective or nonrepresentational works. Media may include, but is not limited to: watercolor, oil, gouache, sculpture, photographs, acrylics, inks, printmaking, graphite, charcoal, ceramics, pastel, collage, ready-made assemblage, and mixed media. Artwork must be for sale, created in the last two years, and not previously exhibited in Wichita, Kansas.

Denver artist Joan Fullerton will serve as the juror for the exhibition. Mark Arts is proud to offer $3,000 in cash awards to attract leading artists from across the country, including $1,500 for first place. 

Please read the full prospectus for full rules and details.

DESCRIPTION

Mark Arts in Wichita, Kansas, invites artists to submit works for the biennial Abstract National Exhibition opening January 9, 2026. Artists may submit original two-dimensional or three-dimensional abstract, nonobjective or nonrepresentational works. Media may include, but is not limited to: watercolor, oil, gouache, sculpture, photographs, acrylics, inks, printmaking, graphite, charcoal, ceramics, pastel, collage, ready-made assemblage, and mixed media. Artwork must be for sale, created in the last two years, and not previously exhibited in Wichita, Kansas.

Denver artist Joan Fullerton will serve as the juror for the exhibition. Mark Arts is proud to offer $3,000 in cash awards to attract leading artists from across the country, including $1,500 for first place. 

JUROR | JOAN FULLERTON

Joan Fullerton is an acclaimed international artist and educator devoted to uplifting others. Her fine-art career of more than 50 years has produced hundreds of poetic paintings hanging in museums and private collections worldwide. She is an expert creativity coach who inspires uninhibited humor, the ability to trust your impulses, and to play like a child.

Fullerton has an MFA in painting and is an award-winning college art instructor. After 13 years of gaining valuable teaching experience in the classroom, she lived, painted, and exhibited full-time in Taos, New Mexico. With a move to the Denver area, Fullerton has evolved her unique teaching methods into a workshop format. As her reputation grew, she expanded beyond the studio to audiences across the globe.

Featured in several television interviews, painting blogs, magazine articles, and books, including the #1 bestseller Radical Self Love, Fullerton is also the author of "Paint Yourself Free," an online art experience.

JUDGING

Entries will be judged from digital images submitted through CaFE Entry or by digital photography submitted with paper form. If upon delivery, an accepted artwork is found to have been misrepresented it may be disqualified. Award winners will be selected by the juror and all decisions are final.

AWARDS

Mark Arts is proud to offer $3,000 in cash awards to attract leading artists from across the country, including $1,500 for first place. 

CATALOG

Mark Arts will publish an illustrated catalog with all accepted entries. A complimentary copy will be mailed to each accepted artist at the conclusion of the exhibition.

CALENDAR

• Friday, November 7: Mailed entries must be received by 5:00 pm CST
• Friday, November 7: On-line registration closes at 11:59 pm Mountain Time
• Friday, November 14: Jury results sent by 5:00 pm CST
• Wednesday, December 17: Deadline for receipt of artwork
• Friday, January 9: Exhibition Opening Reception
• Saturday, January 10 & Sunday, January 11: Artisan Academy educational workshop
• Saturday, March 21: Exhibition closes
• Tuesday, March 24: Hand-delivered artwork picked up
• Friday, April 1: Shipped artwork released to carrier

MEDIA LIMITATIONS

Artists may submit up to four original two-dimensional or three-dimensional abstract, nonobjective or nonrepresentational works. Media may include, but is not limited to: watercolor, oil, gouache, sculpture, photographs, acrylics, inks, printmaking, graphite, charcoal, ceramics, pastel, collage, ready-made assemblage, and mixed media. Works created by artificial intelligence will not be accepted. Artwork must be ready to exhibit, for sale, created between August 1, 2023-November 7, 2025, and not previously exhibited in Wichita, Kansas.  New media and video, as well as artwork that hangs from the ceiling, will not be accepted due to gallery limitations. All artworks must be display-ready with display hardware included. Two-dimensional work must be glazed or framed appropriately. Three-dimensional artwork will be displayed on pedestals. Artwork should promote an environment conducive to welcoming all audiences to Mark Arts, including families, school tours and community outreach programs. All artworks must be for sale.

ELIGIBILITY

Mark Arts encourages artists of diverse backgrounds and perspectives to submit work for consideration. The exhibition is open to all artists living and working in the United States, both amateur and professional.