26th Annual Wills Creek Exhibition of Fine Art

The Will's Creek Exhibition of Fine Art—one of the Allegany Arts Council’s premier events—is accepting submissions through July 15th. Now in its 26th year, this juried contemporary art exhibition invites artists working in all media to engage with the issues shaping our world. The exhibition will run August 29–September 6, 2026, at the Allegany Museum in Cumberland, MD.

The Allegany Arts Council is pleased to announce a Call for Entry for its 26th Annual Wills Creek Exhibition of Contemporary Art. The exhibition will take place at the Allegany Museum Gallery in Cumberland, Maryland, from August 29 to September 6, 2026.

Reflecting Our Times

For over a quarter of a century, this juried exhibition has celebrated innovative artists who push creative boundaries. This year, we invite submissions that actively respond to the world in which we live. We are seeking contemporary, thoughtful work that explores modern identity, social dialogue, and personal narrative.

Whether working in traditional 2D or 3D disciplines, we encourage artists to submit work that prioritizes conceptual strength, creative material handling, and original vision.

• Note on Media: Artists of all genres are encouraged to apply. Small-scale or hybrid digital media are welcome, but large-scale video installations cannot be accommodated.

Prizes

Awards Total: $5,350
Best of Show $2000
First Place $1500
Second Place $1000
Third Place $500
Honorable Mention $250
People's Choice $100

Juror - Clement Akpang

We are honored to welcome Dr. Clement Akpang as our 2026 juror.
Dr. Akpang is an art historian, curator, and educator who explores how modern creators engage contemporary ideas through visual expression. He is an Assistant Professor of Art History at The George Washington University's Corcoran School of the Arts and Design, where he teaches and writes on modern and contemporary art, visual culture, and artistic innovation. As a theorist, he specializes in twentieth-century African art, African modernism, and materially oriented contemporary art.

Through his work as an international scholar, curator, and writer, Dr. Akpang has developed a broad appreciation for diverse artistic practices. As a juror for this exhibition, he values originality, clear artistic vision, conceptual depth, and excellence in execution. He brings an informed, balanced, and global perspective to evaluating work across disciplines, styles, and backgrounds.

Important Dates

Entry Deadline: July 25, 2026
Juror Review: July 26 - August 3
Artist acceptance notices sent by AAC: August 3
Work arrives at AAC: Aug 17-21 
Set-up at Allegany Museum: Aug. 28
Exhibition at the Allegany Museum: Aug 29- Sept. 6
26th Annual Will’s Creek Exhibition Opening: Sat, Aug 8/29, 6-8 pm

Artist Notifications 

Notification will be done by email, everyone who submits will be notified of the juror’s selections. If for any reason you do not hear from us by the notification date, please check the filters in your email account. Notification emails are sent to the email on file with CaFÉ.

Giving Back

A portion of the proceeds from the entry fees is donated to organizations committed to the arts and supporting artists.

How to Apply

All applicants must enter through www.callforentry.org. No entries will be accepted directly through the host organization. The entry fee is $30.00 for the first entry, and $10.00 for each additional entry, up to six (6) entries per artist. No more than two (2) works from any artist will be accepted into the show.

Media Preparation

Please only submit properly cropped images of your work that are in focus.

CaFÉ offers tips on their blog which you can find here www.callforentry.org/photographing-artwork/.

All images must be in JPEG/JPG format using CaFÉ guidelines. The image size must be 1,200 pixels or greater on the longest side. Maximum file size is 5 mb

Artists may not incorporate images produced by anyone or anything else (for example, clip art, replacement skies, stock photos or AI-generated images).

In addition, artwork must meet the following criteria:

1. All entries MUST be for sale.
2. Non-3D artwork may not exceed 36 inches in width and 40" in height (PLEASE NOTE: This includes the frame).
3. No entries will be accepted which have been previously exhibited in the Allegany Arts Council galleries.
4. Although there is no restriction on when entries were created, artists are encouraged to enter their latest work.
5. All two-dimensional works must be framed and wired for hanging; works without wiring will not be accepted or will be wired at the artist’s expense.
6. If three-dimensional, the artwork installation must be ready for display; free-standing, placed on a pedestal, or wired for hanging. Overall size may not exceed 54 inches in height and 36 inches in width and depth. Weight may not exceed 40 lbs. If needed, standard electrical AC power (60Hz, 120V) is available. Entries MUST meet the above definitions to qualify for jurying.

No substitution, exchange, modification, or withdrawal of works is permitted after they are accepted.