Arts Explosion 2026

The 4th-annual Federal Way Arts Explosion Festival brings a professional juried art competition to both adult and youth artists from around the region.  Artists can submit in five categories: 2D, Photography, 3D Art, Artisan Work, Miniatures, and Youth.

We are happy to continue offering youth artists the opportunity to submit from all school districts at the high school level (ages 15-18) in any of the above categories.

Located at the beautiful, picturesque Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center.  Artists are invited to submit work and may apply in more than one category.  

The 4th-annual Federal Way Arts Explosion Festival brings a juried art competition to both adult and youth artists from around the region.  Artists can submit in five categories: 

2D Art: ready to hang on the wall, paintings (digital/physical), prints, drawings

Photography: ready to hang on the wall, black and white, color, printed, framed

3D Art: Self standing, secured to pedestal or hanging relief from wall, non-functional 3D art of any material, sculpture

Artisan Work: Self standing, can hang from wall, wood, furniture, mosaic, glass, fiber art, jewelry

Miniatures: same media specifications as 2D Art: paintings, prints and drawings (generally about 5'x5") 

Youth: same media specifications as any of the other categories - for youth ages 15-18 only

Located at the beautiful, picturesque Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center.  Artists are invited to submit work and may apply in more than one category.  (For youth ages 15-18 only - Use code YOUTH25 at checkout for discount).

All artwork must be delivered in person. No artwork will be shipped or received via mail.

There will be $4,400 in prizes. Artwork will be on display and open to the public for purchase.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Entries Accepted beginning 1/20

Entry Deadline 3/19

Notification of acceptance (or not) - no later than 4/16

Intake of accepted work to the PAEC 5/27

Judging and "Vernissage" First Viewing by appointment only 5/28

Artist's Reception and Awards Announcements 5/29

Festival Open to Public 5/29-5/31

Artists may submit up to five entries.   All entries will first be juried from digital images and then be sent invitations to join or be asked to submit again next year.  You will be notified by April 16th if you are invited or if your work will not be included in this year's event.  Awards will be judged by jurors from the original works of art.  Apply online through CaFE, at https://www.callforentry.org.  You will need to create an account (unless you already have one).  It is FREE to create an account!  Follow instructions for each entry.

Make sure to select the accurate category your artwork falls under when filling out your entries.

The General Entry fee is $25.00 per piece of work submitted and is non-refundable regardless of acceptance into the show. MINIATURE Entry fee: $5.00 per piece of work submitted - Use code MINI80 at checkout to receive discount*.

*Because of the way fees are set up, proceed with selecting the $25.00 entry fee and then use coupon code MINI80 so you will be charged accordingly i.e. one mini = $5.00, two minis = $10.00, etc. 

The Entry fee for students is FREE. Students use code YOUTH25 at checkout! If your artwork does not fit the description of a YOUTH or MINIATURE and attempt to use a coupon code, you will be disqualified. 

Entries must be original, entirely the work of the applicant, and created within the past three years (since March 15, 2023).  Work must have been done without the supervision of an instructor.  Copies of existing artworks or works solely based on copyrighted artworks are not eligible.  All artwork must be gallery-ready for display, with no saw-tooth hangers. Refunds will not be granted to applicants who are not in compliance with this agreement. Each artist is permitted one large piece of artwork which does not exceed 40 inches in width and 40 inches in height (including frame) due to the space limitations of our display area. Weight limitations are up to 30lbs for work that need to hang for display.