Crosscurrents 2026

Oglebay Institute’s multimedia exhibition Crosscurrents has been a staple of our art exhibition season for more than 40 years, showcasing some of the finest artwork from the tristate area & beyond.

Each year artists apply for a chance to exhibit in this annual show, held in the Hart Galleries of the historic Stifel Fine Arts Center. Works are chosen by a guest juror and cash prizes are awarded to winning artists.

$750 in first, second and third prizes will be awarded at the discretion of the juror.

Important dates for this exhibit:

• Exhibition dates: April 30 - June 13, 2026
• Deadline for entries: March 15, 2026
• Juror’s Notification emailed the week of: March 22
• Opening Reception: April 30, 2026
• Drop off accepted works dates: April 20 - 25
• Shipped works must arrive by: April 25 (Shipping is at the cost of the artist return shipping label must be included)
• Pick up dates after the close of the exhibit: June 15 - 20 (unsold work will be shipped back to the artist at this time)

Our Juror this year is Justus Cotterill. Cotterill's background and knowledge are extensive. He received a BFA in photography from The Cleveland Institute of Art and a MFA in printmaking from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, he has worked as a professor and gallery curator, is an active painter, and currently works as the Exhibitions Specialist for Erie Indemnity. 

Cotterill’s paintings walk a line between abstraction and narration. There are hints of things viewers might think they have seen before or color combinations that feel familiar but can’t place. Maybe people pick up on these subtleties in the work, maybe they don’t – the artist doesn’t think it’s critical either way. He tries to speak in a broader language but likes having these little bits that maybe only those who “know” will recognize.

He currently lives and works in Erie, PA

Procedures & Requirements:

• All entries must be completed online by 11:59 EST on March 15th, 2026 through CaFÈ. You will need to set up a free account at callforentry.org
• A nonrefundable $30 entry fee is required at the time of application.
• All 2-dimensional works must be properly framed and a wire for hanging must be attached securely to the back. Absolutely no sawtooth hangers. We encourage you to frame your work simply.
• Work must not exceed 40 inches in any direction. Framed Two-dimensional works larger than 24 x 30 must be framed using plexiglass in place of single pane glass.
• No Installations will be accepted. When in doubt email kclancy@oionline.com
• Please make sure that your prices are correct in your CaFE portfolio. We will not accept prices changes once a piece is entered for application to this exhibit.
• You must submit a high-resolution image (300 dpi) image for the jury process. The Stifel Fine Arts Center will use submitted images of accepted works for concurrent online exhibit, documentation, the exhibit catalog, and promotional materials for this exhibit.
• Shipping materials will be kept for returning work. However, no incidental packaging including bubble wrap or paper will be kept from hand delivered work by Oglebay Institute. Only boxes, crates and bins with proper labels including the artist’s contact information and the name of the piece will be kept for repackaging. Boxes and such may include paper & wraps. NO PACKING PEANUTS PLEASE
• Works left at Stifel Fine Arts Center more than 30 days past the pick-up dates (June 15-20) become the property of Stifel Fine Arts, will no longer be stored, and written proof of charitable contribution will be issued for its stated value.

• Open to visual artists 18 years and older residing in West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC.
• Artists may submit up to 3 works. Works must have been completed within the last calendar year and not been previously exhibited at the Stifel Fine Arts Center.