Extinction: AVA's Fall 2026 Juried Exhibition

AVA Community Art Center in Gillette, WY invites artists to submit three (3) artworks for consideration in the Extinction Juried Exhibition. The deadline to submit to this exhibit is June 16th, 2026 by 11:59pm.

Extinction explores the disappearance of species, the quiet vanishing of life forms that once shaped our planet.

AVA Community Art Center in Gillette, WY invites artists to submit three (3) artworks for consideration in the Extinction Juried Exhibition. The deadline to submit to this exhibit is June 16th, 2026 by 11:59pm.

Extinction explores the disappearance of species, the quiet vanishing of life forms that once shaped our planet.

When a species dies out, no living representatives remain. Sometimes this happens slowly, through natural change. Other times, it happens far too quickly, as the environment shifts faster than life can adapt.

Today, scientists believe we are living through a sixth mass extinction. Extinction invites artists to reflect on that reality: the fragility of biodiversity, the urgency of environmental change, and the emotional, spiritual, and ecological weight of loss. 

AVA welcomes interpretations that are poetic, scientific, symbolic, or deeply personal. How does extinction manifest in your work as memory, warning, adaptation, or rebirth?

AVA Community Art Center in Gillette, WY invites artists to submit three (3) artworks for consideration in the Extinction Exhibition. The exhibition will feature up to thirty (30) individual artworks, based on juror selections. Awards for Best In Show, Second Place and Third Place are to be allocated based on a juried selection process. Additionally, one (1) People’s Choice award will be selected based on public votes and winners will be announced during a public Artists’ Reception.

Best In Show - $500.00

Second Place - $250.00

Third Place - $150.00

People’s Choice - $100.00

All submissions will be considered by a guest Juror, more details to be announced soon!

The deadline to submit to Extinction is June 16th, 2026 by 11:59pm.

Please read the following details carefully before submitting:

•   2D and 3D original artwork in any medium will be considered for acceptance into the exhibition & art auction.

•   Artwork must have been created on or after Jan. 2022. Artworks previously displayed at AVA are not eligible.

•   Submitted artwork dimensions are restricted to forty-eight inches (48”) in any direction, inclusive of matting and framing.

•   Artists must be 16 years or older to enter this show.

•   All work submitted must be Artist’s original work. Artwork that will not be considered for inclusion in the exhibition includes:

• Celebrity Portraits or Fan Art
• Giclee Prints or Reproduction Prints of Original Artworks
• Artwork created from a Tutorial
• Direct Copies or Replications of another Artwork belonging to anyone besides the Participating Artist
• Photo Reference or Artwork blatantly infringing on copyright laws

By entering AVA’s Exhibition, the Participating Artist certifies that he or she holds the copyright for this material and the copyright remains with said Artist. The Artist also certifies that the work submitted is original and does not infringe on any existing copyright. If artwork includes image of any person, artist certifies that a model release for such person has been obtained.

 •   Each Individual Artwork submission must include at least one (1) high resolution digital image.

•   Submitting artists must pay a one-time submission fee of $15.00; only one payment is required for submission of up to three (3) artworks. All entry fees are final and are non-refundable.

•   Submitted artwork must be finished and display ready when turned in to AVA.

•   Artists may frame their own artworks, however finished framing must look professional.

•   No sawtooth hangers, clip frames, plastic framing, French Cleat hanging systems, or pre-drilled stainless post hanging systems.

•   Artworks on canvas must be framed.

•   All mats and backings should be made from acid free materials.

•   Hanging wire and display hardware must be firmly attached and safe for artwork to be hung.  

•   AVA reserves the right to reject artwork due to framing finishes or may request additional steps be taken by the artist before artwork will be displayed.

•   Upon acceptance into the exhibition, artist agrees to deliver each accepted artwork to AVA between the dates of July 22nd - 30th, 2026. AVA reserves the right to reject any artwork delivered after the due date.

•   Accepted artwork must remain at AVA for the entire duration of the exhibition between August 1st - 29th, 2026. All unsold artwork must be picked up by September 5th, 2026.

• AVA’s exhibitions facilitate annual operational health and longevity for AVA Community Art Center. All proceeds from this event directly support AVA’s mission of enriching lives by creating the bridge between the Visual Arts and our community.
• Participating artists will receive a 65% commission split with current enrollment as an AVA Member, or 55% as a non-member. Participating artists can enroll as AVA members at www.avacenter.org.
• Upon acceptance, Artists are required to provide a short biography of relevant information pertaining to their artwork and professional artist experiences to be included in AVA Marketing and media related to this exhibition. Artists may also provide a business card or relevant professional links to their website or digital platforms to be included with the purchase of the artwork.