The Baker National 2027

The Baker National 2027 (February 17– April 9, 2027) presents a national survey of contemporary art in an all-media juried exhibition. Hosted by the Holt Russell Gallery-Baker University in Baldwin City, KS

Baker University is inviting national artists to apply to the Baker National (February13–April 3, 2026) held in the Holt-Russell Gallery on the campus of Baker University. All mediums are welcome except installation pieces, digital art and time-based pieces (videos, music, etc.). Best in Show receives 500.00 and a solo show in the Holt Russell Gallery during academic year 2028-29. Other awards are to be given at juror discretion.

Key Dates:

Application Deadline- January 15, 2027

Artist Notification- January 29, 2027 

Delivery and shipping of Accepted Works by February 12, 2027

Exhibition Opening Reception- Friday, February 19th, 2027 5-7pm

Exhibition Closes- Friday April 9th, 2027

Pickup and Return of Accepted Work- April 12-21, 2027

About the Juror

Ron Michael is Director of the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery in Lindsborg, KS. Prior to being named director in 2014, he served as Curator for 14 years and Registrar for 3 years. As an artist, he has exhibited in many regional and national exhibitions, taught art courses at the collegiate level, juried numerous art competitions, and has been involved with several regional arts organizations. 

In the spring of 2000, Michael received and M.F.A in ceramics from the University of Kansas. Prior to working at the Sandzén Gallery and attending graduate school at KU, he served as a reference librarian for the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, CA and taught high school art in Seneca, KS. He received a Master's in Library Science from Emporia State University in 1995. He also holds two undergraduate degrees from Fort Hays state University: a B.F.A in ceramics and a B.A. in communications.

The Holt-Russell Gallery is a place for student, regional and national contemporary artists to show their work in a gallery setting, serving as an educational experience for the Baker University Art Program and for the Douglas County community. 

Application Fee is $40.00 for up to 5 artworks

Open to all artists over 18 living in the United States.  All artwork must have been completed in the last 10 years (no earlier than 2017) and original works (no giclees’ or reproductions). Baker University faculty, staff and students are ineligible to apply to the Baker National 2026.