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2026 Easel Award

Get the 2026 requirements A printable copy of everything on this page to keep on hand.
Requirements (PDF)

Location & Registration

Where Grove City Hall Council Chamber
4035 Broadway
Grove City, OH 43123
Registration September 16 & 17 Wednesday and Thursday
5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Entry fee $30 per entry Maximum three entries. Artwork submitted to the Easel Award may not be entered in any other Arts in the Alley shows.

Theme

2026 Theme Life in Grove City

Entries should reflect the people, places, experiences, traditions, natural environment or character of the Grove City community.

Awards

Easel Award$2,000
People’s Choice$500
Easel Award winner. The winning artist receives a $2,000 purchase award from the City of Grove City and the artwork becomes part of the City’s permanent art collection. The artist retains copyright but grants the City permission to photograph and reproduce the artwork for award, event, collection and City communication purposes.
People’s Choice winner. A $500 non-purchase award from the City of Grove City. Ballots are collected until 2 PM on Sunday and the winner is notified by 2:30 PM.

Key Dates

  • Friday, Sept 18 · 3 to 5 PMJudging
  • Friday, Sept 18 · after 5 PMWinner notified
  • Sunday, Sept 20 · 2 PMPeople’s Choice ballots close
  • Sunday, Sept 20 · 2:30 PMPeople’s Choice winner notified
  • Sunday, Sept 20 · 3 PMAward ceremony, Heartland Stage in Town Center Park

Artist Statement New for 2026

Each entry must include an artist statement of no more than 150 words covering all of the following.

  • How the work relates to the theme.
  • The inspiration behind the piece.
  • Key techniques, materials or creative choices.
  • What the artist hopes viewers take away from the work.
  • Any use of AI or AI-assisted tools, and how they were used.
AI disclosure does not by itself determine eligibility, but every entry must comply with the competition rules below.

What Judges Consider

1

Theme

Interpretation of and connection to Life in Grove City, and how clearly or compellingly the artist communicates the theme.

2

Originality

Creativity, individuality and the artist’s unique approach to the subject.

3

Artistic Ability

Skill, technique, craftsmanship and effective use of the chosen medium.

4

Visual Impact

Composition, visual appeal and the overall impression of the artwork.

5

Presentation

Quality of framing or finishing and the artwork’s readiness for exhibition.

Eligibility

  • Entries must be original artwork created by the submitting artist and completed within the past two years.
  • Artwork previously entered in the Easel Award competition is not eligible for resubmission.
  • Both 2D and wall-mounted 3D artwork are eligible, and every entry must be designed and safely prepared for wall display.
  • Painting
  • Drawing
  • Photography
  • Textile art
  • Fiber art
  • Collage
  • Mixed media
  • Printmaking
  • Digital art, no AI
  • Wall-mounted 3D printing and digital fabrication designed by the artist
Not accepted. Video and audio, installations, free-standing 3D artwork, 3D printed or digitally fabricated artwork not originally designed by the submitting artist, and any AI generated work.

Originality and Reference Materials

All submissions must be the original creation of the submitting artist. Reference material that substantially contributes to the composition or subject of the finished artwork must be one of the following.

  • Created by the artist.
  • Used with permission of the creator or copyright holder.
  • Legally available for the artist’s intended use.
Artwork that substantially reproduces another artist’s work, a copyrighted photograph or any other protected work without permission is not eligible. References should inspire original expression, not direct reproduction.

Generative Artificial Intelligence

Artwork created in whole or in part using generative AI is not eligible. That includes AI generated images or visual elements that are altered, traced, painted over or incorporated into original work. Traditional digital art and photography are permitted when generative AI is not used to create visual content.

Artists may be asked to provide documentation of their creative process to verify authorship or eligibility. By entering, artists certify that their work complies with these requirements.

Presentation Requirements

Entries are publicly displayed and may become part of the City’s permanent collection, so they must arrive ready for safe, professional display.

  • Artwork, including the frame, may not exceed 36" x 36".
  • Artwork must be framed or have finished edges. Fragile work should be appropriately protected.
  • Entries must arrive ready to hang with securely attached picture wire.
  • Framing, matting and finishing are considered part of the overall presentation.
  • Artwork that cannot be safely displayed may be deemed ineligible.

Questions about the Easel Award?

Sheri Dunagan 614-439-7110 or sheri.dunagan@att.net

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