Sacred Rhythm/Sacred Pattern

In cooperation with the Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield (LAFS), in Springfield, Illinois, the Springfield Art Association (SAA) will host a juried exhibition of liturgical and sacred art as part of the biennial, interfaith Liturgical Arts Festival: Sacred Rhythm/Sacred Pattern. All spiritual interpretations, approaches and media are welcome. A theme of  rhythm and pattern is a subtext. We aim for an exhibition of work that will support diversity, promote understanding, and foster tolerance. 
May 1 - May 30, 2026

In cooperation with the Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield (LAFS), the Springfield Art Association (SAA) will host a juried exhibition of liturgical and sacred art as part of the biennial, interfaith Liturgical Arts Festival: Sacred Rhythm/Sacred Pattern. All spiritual interpretations, approaches and media are welcome. We aim for an exhibition of work that will support diversity, promote understanding, and foster tolerance. 
Eligibility 
This exhibition is open to all artists living in the United States, working in all media. All submitted artwork must explore a spiritual or religious theme. Work must be original and completed in the last three years. No previously submitted work will be accepted. All accepted works must be gallery ready with proper hardware for hanging, properly framed or edged, and structurally stable.
Entry Fee 
A $30 non-refundable entry fee is required per artist.  Each artist may submit up to three different works for consideration, one full image of each will be accepted.  Please include a written explanation of your work with your entry. Up to 1000 words will be accepted.
Cash Awards
A total of $1,500 in cash prizes will be awarded: Best of Show, First, Second and Third place. Works for this show will be chosen by a panel of judges representing a variety of  faiths and artistic practices. Different judges will chose the awards winners from the works as they are installed in the gallery. 
Sales
Works may be for sale.  The SAA and LAFS will share the 35% commission on sales from this exhibit.
Liability & Insurance
All artwork is insured while in the possession of the SAA.  Artists are responsible for insurance on in-bound and out-bound shipping.
Receiving & Removal of Art Work
Artists are responsible for all shipping costs to and from the SAA. All accepted work(s) must be received by the SAA no later than 5 pm on April 24, 2026. Hand delivered work must be delivered and picked up by the artist during office hours: Monday through Friday 9 to 5, Saturday 10 to 3.  Artists shipping their work must include prepaid labels for return shipping.  Wall hung work must be framed and/or equipped with hanging devices. All other work must be ready to install. The Springfield Art Association reserves the right to install accepted works in a manner deemed necessary for exhibit or security reasons. 
Publicity
SAA and LAFS reserve the right to photograph all exhibited works for promotional and  educational purposes. 
Opening Reception
An opening reception will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in the M.G. Nelson Family Gallery at the Springfield Art Association. Awards will be presented during this event at 6:15 PM. 
Calendar
March 18        Entry deadline
March 30       Notification of acceptance e-mailed/sent
April 24          Deadline for receipt of work
May 1            Exhibition Opens, 
May 2            Exhibition Reception 5:30– 7:30, Awards 6:30
May 30          Exhibition Closes
June 4           Work will be shipped out

Each artist may submit up to 3 works in any media. 1 full image will be accepted. All entries must be submitted through this website by March 18, 2026. All work must have been created in the past three years, no kits or mass produced works will be considered. No previously submitted works will be accepted. All 2D works must be framed or prepared with appropriate hanging hardware. Please indicate whether any 3D works exceed 50 pounds in total weight. 

All artists, living in the United States, 21 years of age and older are eligible to apply.