2nd Annual Kit Gilbert Juried Showcase

The Gilbert Center, located in Downtown Ruston, LA is proud to present the 2nd Annual Kit Gilbert Juried Showcase. The Showcase celebrates the creativity and talent of artists from across the country. This exhibition will feature a wide variety of media and styles, offering a platform for both emerging and established artists to showcase their work. Honoring Kit Gilbert’s lasting impact on the arts community, the show aims to foster artistic growth and connection.

Exhibition Timeline

• Submissions Accepted Beginning: July 20, 2026
• Submission Deadline: October 5, 2026 at 11:59pm Central Time
• Artist Notification: October 19, 2026, via email
• Artwork Delivery: No Later than November 7th, 2026
• Exhibition Dates: November 16, 2026 - January 15, 2027
• Opening Reception: November 19, 2026  |  5:30pm - 8:00pm

About Our Juror

Julie Crews, Huntsville, AL — Julie Crews is an accomplished oil painter who has participated in various exhibitions showcasing her work. Originally from Asheville, North Carolina, she has also called places like southern California—where her awkward high-school self thrived—northern California, which helped her transition into her 20s, and a decade in Louisiana, which expanded her artistic vision, home. Julie earned her Associate of Arts from Brigham Young University-Idaho and now resides in Huntsville, Alabama, with her husband and five children. She operates an open studio and gallery at the historic Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment, a 122-year-old cotton mill. Julie Crews art reflects the nurturing life of family; while in her studio, she escapes domestic ties, yet her canvases are filled with scenes from her life: backyard fires, children swimming, and moments from her errands around town. The flow of traffic, changes in weather, and the moods of her loved ones significantly influence her work. By recreating these scenes, she captures the emotional undercurrents of her existence, making them a permanent part of her artistic journey.

Honoring Our Namesake

Kit Gilbert, Ruston, LA — Kit Gilbert was a beloved Ruston artist whose creative spirit and impactful work left a lasting legacy in the community. Known for her unique artistic voice and dedication to her craft, Kit inspired many through both her art and her generous, vibrant presence. This annual showcase honors her life, her contributions to the arts scene, and the enduring influence of her work.

About the Gilbert Center

The Gilbert Center is a legacy project of the Ross Lynn Charitable Foundation. It carries forward the combined legacies of artists Ross Lynn and Kit Gilbert, offering a dynamic and inclusive space that celebrates the arts and nurtures the creative spirit. It embodies their passion for creativity, their dedication to fostering artistic talent, and their vision of creating space for the enrichment of lives.

Awards/Cash Prizes

Juror’s Choice/Best-in-Show ($750) — The Best in Show Prize honors the most exceptional work in the exhibition, recognizing an artist whose submission best embodies the spirit of Kit Gilbert’s artistic legacy. This award celebrates creativity, innovation, and technical excellence. The recipient will receive a cash prize of $750 and a certificate of achievement, marking their work as a standout favorite of our juror.

People’s Choice ($500) — The People’s Choice Award invites visitors to have their say by voting for the artwork that resonates most with them the night of the opening reception. This award celebrates the power of connection and community engagement, reflecting Kit Gilbert’s dedication to fostering artistic dialogue. The winning artist will receive a cash prize of $500 and a certificate of achievement, marking their work as a standout favorite of the exhibition’s audience.

• Entry fee: $12 per artwork
• Maximum of three (3) entries per artist
• All fees are non-refundable
• All entries must be submitted online using the official Juried Showcase submission form (Call for Entry)
• Each submission must include:
  • High-resolution image of the artwork
  • Title
  • Medium
  • Dimensions
  • Price (if applicable)
  • Artist statement (250 words or less)

2D Works

• Must be ready to hang upon arrival (wired, cleated, bracketed, or with a hook). Note: Works without appropriate hanging hardware will be rejected.
• Unframed works on paper or unmounted photographs will not be accepted.
• Maximum dimensions: 84 inches tall x 60 inches wide

3D Works

• Must be accompanied by an installation description or image.
• Must include complete dimensions (height, width, depth).
• Maximum size: 84” height, 36” x 36” footprint
• Maximum weight: 150 lbs
• Ceramic Works must be fired. Due to the fragile nature of clay, greenware (unfired ceramics) will not be accepted.
   

Shipping and Delivery

• Artists are responsible for delivery and pickup of all artwork to/from the Gilbert Center
• If the artist opts to ship their work, the artist is responsible for all costs associated with shipping and must supply a return label

Sales and Commission

• Creative Exchange (Gilbert Center Partner) will handle all sales, applicable taxes, and fees
• The Gilbert Center will retain a 30% commission on any works sold
• Artists will receive payment (minus commission and fees) within one month of the exhibition’s close.
   

• Open to artists 18 years or older, residing in the United States
• All artwork must be original and created since 2020
• There is no specific theme for this showcase—any original work completed within the timeframe is welcome
• All media will be considered: Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Mixed Media, Textile, Digital Art, Ceramics, 3D Works, Video (5 min max), etc.
• Artwork generated by artificial intelligence (AI) will not be accepted. Submitted work must demonstrate the artist's creative input and intent.

Supported by our Gallery Sponsors

• Creative Exchange, Ruston, LA
• Buie's Photo Shoppe and Studio, Ruston, LA
• Ruston Cultural District