Finding a legitimate student art call takes longer than it should. Most lists mix student opportunities with open calls, skip fee details, and never explain what makes an organizer trustworthy.
I reviewed active calls on EntryThingy and selected 10 that are genuinely built for students. You'll find a free chalk art festival in Denver's museum district, a juried illustration show with a dedicated $5 student category in Philadelphia, a national architecture competition open to U.S. university students, and several free exhibitions at established galleries across the country.
Some of these apply directly through EntryThingy. Others are external calls I verified independently. Either way, the organizer, fees, and requirements are clearly laid out so you know what you're getting into before you apply.
How I Built This List of Student Art Calls
I used the same verification process here as I do for all EntryThingy curated lists, including our photography calls and painting calls.
I started on EntryThingy's calls dashboard and typed "student" or "university" into the search bar. That alone returned 67 active calls from galleries, museums, universities, and nonprofits across the country. You can see exactly what that looks like in the screenshot below:
From there, I narrowed things down. You can filter by medium if you're looking for something specific (photography, illustration, sculpture), by deadline month if you're working around a school schedule, or by state and city if you need something local.
I also checked "Free only" to separate no-cost opportunities from paid ones, which matters a lot when you're a student on a tight budget.
After filtering, I manually reviewed each call against three criteria:
- Student-specific value: Does this offer a dedicated student category, reduced fees, scholarships, or mentorship? Or are students just thrown into the same pool as career artists?
- Organizer legitimacy: Is this run by a real university, established gallery, arts council, or nonprofit with a track record? Can I find their previous exhibitions or programs?
- Clear requirements: Are the submission terms easy to understand? Do they explain who can apply, what to submit, and when you'll hear back?
The 10 calls in this list are a mix of free art calls and low-cost opportunities, because both matter. Some of the best student programs charge a small fee but offer mentorship, professional feedback, or cash prizes that make it worthwhile. Where fees apply, I've explained exactly what you get in return.
10 Art Calls for Students to Apply in 2026
1. Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival – Emerging Artist Program
The Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival offers a dedicated Emerging Artist Program for Franklin County residents and students who have never exhibited in a juried arts festival, with reduced fees ($15 jury fee, $75 booth space) and required mentorship workshops.
- Organization: Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival
- Medium: All visual arts (painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, fiber, etc.)
- Eligibility: Franklin County (OH) residents and students who have never exhibited in a juried arts festival
- Deadline: February 22, 2026, 12:00 AM EST
- Entry Fee: $15 jury fee (50% discount with Emerging Artist Program) + $75 booth space if accepted (vs. $150 regular booth)
- What You Get: 10'x10' tented booth space at September 7, 2026 festival (10,000 visitors expected), mentorship workshops and meetings, opportunity to earn Artist Awards ($200–$600) plus automatic acceptance into next year's festival with waived booth fees. Average artist sales: $3,000.
- Festival Date: September 7, 2026, 10 AM–5 PM
The Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival has been celebrating arts in the community since 1966. Held adjacent to Northam Park in Upper Arlington, Ohio, the festival attracts approximately 10,000 visitors annually and accepts about 120 artists. The festival provides artist-friendly amenities including drive-up loading/unloading, free parking with shuttle, continental breakfast, and optional setup the day before.
This is one of the best emerging artist programs I've seen for students. Accepted emerging artists must attend workshops and meetings before the festival, providing real education and support for first-time exhibitors. The festival has a strong sales track record (average $3,000 per artist), and emerging artists can earn awards that include automatic acceptance into next year's show with waived fees.
Submission highlights:
- Images: 3 images of individual artwork (no booth image required for emerging artists)
- File specs: High-quality images without artist signatures or identifying marks (anonymous jury process)
- Jury fee: $15 (contact Jodi Hatfield at jhatfield@uaoh.net for discount code)
- Artist notification: April 15, 2026
- Payment due: June 15, 2026 (full booth fee)
- Cancellation: Full refund (minus jury fee) if cancelled by July 15, 2026
- Important: Up to 5 emerging artist spaces available; must attend all pre-festival workshops
2. Phillustration 17 – Philadelphia Sketch Club
The Philadelphia Sketch Club seeks illustrative works for its annual juried exhibition, with dedicated student awards (First, Second, Third Place) and strong encouragement for student entries across traditional and digital media.
- Organization: Philadelphia Sketch Club
- Medium: Illustration (sequential, editorial, children's book, advertising, self-promotional, traditional or digital)
- Eligibility: Open to all illustrators (student entries strongly encouraged)
- Deadline: March 13, 2026, 11:59 PM
- Entry Fee: $5 for first piece, $10 each additional (up to 10 submissions). Non-members: $20 first, $10 each additional
- What You Get: Exhibition at Philadelphia Sketch Club (April 5–26, 2026) with separate Student Category awards (First, Second, Third Place plus Honorable Mentions). All accepted works displayed in a free online gallery. Gallery retains 25% commission on sales. Max 2 works per artist accepted.
- Exhibition Dates: April 5–26, 2026. Reception: April 12, 1–3 PM (awards at 2 PM)
Philadelphia Sketch Club is one of the oldest artist-run organizations in the United States, dedicated to supporting illustrators and visual artists through exhibitions, workshops, and community programming. Their Phillustration exhibition specifically celebrates illustrative work across all applications—from children's books to editorial to self-promotional—with a commitment to elevating student work through dedicated awards.
This is an affordable, student-friendly juried exhibition with a clear focus on illustration. The $5 student entry fee (for PSC members or students) is one of the lowest available, and the dedicated Student Category means you're competing with peers, not seasoned professionals.
The show accepts both traditional and digital illustration and explicitly welcomes unpublished, self-promotional, and student work. The reception and awards ceremony provide networking opportunities with the Philadelphia illustration community.
Submission highlights:
- Images: 1–10 works (max 2 accepted per artist)
- File specs: 50MB max per image | JPG, PNG, GIF
- Medium: Traditional or digital illustration (no AI-generated work)
- Size limit: 40 inches max in any dimension (including frame), 30 lbs max weight
- Framing: Must be framed and wired to hang with eyehooks (no freestanding sculpture)
- Important: All work must be for sale — PSC retains 25% commission. Work must be original and not previously shown at PSC.
- Jury decision: Week of March 17, 2026
3. Denver Chalk Art Festival 2026 – Denver Chalk Art
Denver Chalk Art Festival offers a Youth Challenge category for high school students to create large-scale chalk art alongside 200 professional and amateur artists, transforming Denver's museum district into a colorful street museum over two days.
- Organization: Denver Chalk Art (produced with CherryArts, a nonprofit)
- Medium: Chalk/soft pastel street art (8'x8' squares)
- Eligibility: High school-aged students (Youth Challenge category)
- Deadline: March 15, 2026, 11:59 PM MDT
- Entry Fee: See festival website for Youth Challenge pricing
- What You Get: Participation in two-day public chalk art festival (June 6–7, 2026), materials provided (24 soft pastels, water, breakfast/lunch), VIP party invitation, awards ceremony Sunday at 5 PM. Free admission for thousands of festival attendees to view work.
- Festival Dates: June 6–7, 2026
Denver Chalk Art produces this award-winning festival in partnership with CherryArts, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting arts awareness and education in Denver. The festival transforms Denver's historical museum district into a vibrant street museum, following Renaissance Italian street painting traditions (madonnari). Over 200 artists participate annually, attracting thousands of spectators who enjoy food, live music, and watching chalk art come to life.
This is a rare opportunity for high school students to participate in a major public art festival with a legitimate nonprofit organizer. The Youth Challenge provides a dedicated category for student artists, meaning you're not competing with professional chalk artists.
The festival provides all materials (chalk, water, meals), making it accessible even if you've never done street art before. The two-day format allows students to experience the full creative process in a public setting, and the awards ceremony provides recognition. This is excellent for portfolios and college applications.
Submission highlights:
- Images: 4 total (1 proposed chalk art + 3 past artwork in any medium)
- Square size: 8'x8' (or must hit 8 feet in one direction)
- Medium: Non-oil-based soft chalk/pastels in solid form only
- Jury decision: April 1, 2026
- Important: Artists work both Saturday and Sunday; must get written permission to reproduce another living artist's work
4. Young Contemporaries 2026 – Laband Art Gallery, Loyola Marymount University
The 42nd Annual Juried Student Exhibition at Loyola Marymount University, juried by two art-world professionals, with cash prizes, special commendations, and Art Department scholarships for participating students.
- Organization: Laband Art Gallery, Loyola Marymount University
- Medium: All media
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled at Loyola Marymount University
- Deadline: March 21, 2026, 5:00 PM PT
- Entry Fee: Free
- What You Get: In-person exhibition at Laband Art Gallery (April 23–May 16, 2026) with cash prizes for outstanding works, special commendations, and Art Department scholarships for participants. Juried by Cara Megan Lewis (Deputy Director, The Wende Museum) and Vicki Phung Smith (Curator, The Skirball Cultural Center).
- Exhibition Dates: April 23–May 16, 2026
Laband Art Gallery at Loyola Marymount University has hosted the Young Contemporaries juried student exhibition for 42 years, providing undergraduate students with professional exhibition experience and recognition. The gallery invites art-world professionals to jury the exhibition each year, exposing students to industry-standard selection processes.
This is a well-established student exhibition (42 years running) at a major Los Angeles university, juried by museum professionals from The Wende Museum and The Skirball Cultural Center.
For LMU students, this is free entry with significant benefits: cash prizes, Art Department scholarships, and the experience of having work selected by actual museum curators. The jurors evaluate based on "strength of ideas and realization" rather than technical perfection, making it accessible to students at all skill levels.
Submission highlights:
- Medium: All media accepted
- Jury process: Evaluated on strength of ideas and realization (no set theme)
- Notification: End of March 2026
- Questions: Contact Molly Corey, Gallery Manager, at mcorey@lmu.edu
5. 10th Annual Promising Artists Exhibition – Grosse Pointe Artists Association
Grosse Pointe Artists Association's exhibition for current high school students and recent Promising Artists program alumni with free entry, cash prizes ($100 Best of Show), and professional juried exhibition experience.
- Organization: Grosse Pointe Artists Association
- Medium: All media (no commercial kits, prefabricated models, or hobby crafts)
- Eligibility: High school students and past Promising Artists Exhibition participants
- Deadline: April 20, 2026, 12:00 AM
- Entry Fee: Free (waived $43 fee for this show)
- What You Get: Exhibition at GPAA gallery at The War Memorial (May 5–29, 2026) with cash prizes: Best of Show ($100), Second Place ($75), Third Place ($50), and two Honorable Mentions. Juried by Antonina Salami, art director and CCS alumna.
- Exhibition Dates: May 5–29, 2026
Grosse Pointe Artists Association is a Michigan-based arts organization dedicated to supporting emerging and established artists through exhibitions, education, and community programming. Their Promising Artists program specifically provides high school students with opportunities to showcase work and experience professional juried exhibition processes.
This is a free exhibition for high school students with reasonable cash prizes and a young juror (recent college graduate) who understands student work. The 10th annual edition shows this is an established program with a track record of supporting student artists. GPAA waives the normal $43 entry fee for this show, making it accessible to all students.
Submission highlights:
- Images: 1 to 3 pieces (up to 3 per student)
- File specs: 15MB max per image, at least 600x600 pixels | JPG only
- Entry fee: Free (GPAA waives $43 fee)
- Jury decision: April 24, 2026
- Delivery: May 2, 10 AM to 12 PM at The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
- Important: 2D work must be professionally mounted/framed and wired (no clip-on or poster frames)
6. Design and Build National Architecture Competition: Soundscapes in Structure
Museum of Outdoor Arts' 7th Annual National Design and Build Competition invites undergraduate and graduate students to design a state-of-the-art amphitheater bandshell for a wetland site, with $24,000 in cash prizes and juried by leading architecture and design professionals.
- Organization: Museum of Outdoor Arts
- Medium: Drawing, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Sculpture (conceptual design proposals)
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students, graduate students, and interdisciplinary teams in art, architecture, landscape architecture, design, and related disciplines (national competition)
- Deadline: April 26, 2026, 12:00 AM PDT
- Entry Fee: Free
- What You Get: Cash prizes totaling $24,000: First Place ($10,000), Second Place ($7,500), Third Place ($5,000), Honorable Mention ($1,500).
- Competition Timeline: Finalists selected May 2026, video presentations due June 2026, winners announced July 2026
Museum of Outdoor Arts (MOA) is based in Greenwood Village, Colorado, and is dedicated to integrating contemporary art into public spaces. Their annual Design and Build Competition, now in its 7th year, provides undergraduate and graduate students with opportunities to develop large-scale conceptual designs that explore the intersection of art, architecture, and landscape.
This is a high-value student competition ($24,000 in prizes) from a legitimate museum with professional jury members from leading architecture and design firms.
Students must address acoustic excellence, structural innovation on challenging terrain, accessibility, sustainability, and visual identity. The requirement for physical scale models (not just digital renderings) teaches fabrication skills, and instructors can integrate this into curriculum. Previous winners must wait one year before re-entering, ensuring fresh talent gets opportunities.
Submission highlights:
- Deliverables: Conceptual drawings, written narrative, physical scale model
- Design challenge: Amphitheater bandshell for wetland site (must not obstruct public sight lines)
- Finalist phase: Selected finalists create video presentations (June 2026)
- Important: U.S. citizenship required to claim cash prizes, but non-U.S. citizens can participate if enrolled in a U.S. university
7. Pennswood Art Gallery Emerging Artist Exhibit – Bucks Classical
Pennswood Art Gallery seeks classical-style paintings and drawings from students of Bucks County Classical Arts Center, with free entry and juried by professional artist and PAFA instructor Linda Gist.
- Organization: Pennswood Art Gallery
- Medium: Paintings and drawings in classical style
- Eligibility: Students of Bucks County Classical Arts Center only
- Deadline: May 11, 2026
- Entry Fee: Free
- What You Get: Exhibition at Pennswood Art Gallery (July 12–August 30, 2026) with juried selection and awards. Gallery retains 20% commission on sales.
- Exhibition Dates: July 12–August 30, 2026
Pennswood Art Gallery is a community gallery in Newtown, Pennsylvania, dedicated to showcasing traditional and classical artwork. The gallery partners with Bucks County Classical Arts Center to provide exhibition opportunities specifically for students studying classical techniques in painting and drawing.
This is a free exhibition specifically for students of Bucks County Classical Arts Center, providing professional gallery experience for those studying traditional techniques. The requirement to submit a student "entry key" confirms enrollment, and the two-month exhibition run provides extended visibility.
The juror (Linda Gist) is a PAFA instructor with museum-level credentials, meaning students receive feedback from a professional working in classical traditions. The 20% gallery commission is reasonable, and artists retain 80% of sales proceeds.
Submission highlights:
- Images: 2 to 5 total (must include student "entry key" as one piece, plus up to 4 additional pieces)
- File specs: 20MB max per image, 1200 to 1800px wide at 300 dpi | JPG, PNG
- Medium: Classical-style paintings and drawings only
- Jury decision: May 20, 2026
- Important: Must submit entry key to confirm student status; artist responsible for shipping and delivery
8. Power of Water Open Show – Louisa Arts Center
Louisa Arts Center seeks artwork exploring the theme "Power of Water," with free entry for students under 18 and juried by internationally recognized artist Ann Cheeks.
- Organization: Louisa Arts Center
- Medium: All 2D and 3D media (drawing, painting, collage, photography, sculpture, low relief, etc.)
- Eligibility: Open to all local artists
- Deadline: May 21, 2026, 5:00 PM (online entry closes) | In-person entry: May 23, 9–11 AM
- Entry Fee: $5 per artwork (up to 3 pieces). Free for students under 18 (call 540-967-5200 for coupon code)
- What You Get: Exhibition at Louisa Arts Center (May 29–July 17, 2026) with opening reception June 12. Gallery retains 30% commission on sales.
- Exhibition Dates: May 29–July 17, 2026 | Opening Reception: June 12, 6–8 PM
Louisa Arts Center is a Virginia-based community arts organization providing exhibition opportunities for local artists through thematic open shows. The center hosts multiple exhibitions annually with professional curation, opening receptions, and online galleries.
This is a free opportunity for students under 18 (just call for the coupon code), making it accessible to high school artists exploring the theme "Power of Water." The in-person submission requirement ensures local/regional participation, and the $5 fee for non-students is minimal (up to 3 pieces).
The curator (Ann Cheeks) has both fine art credentials and experience working with young artists. The two-month exhibition run provides extended visibility, and the opening reception offers networking opportunities with the Virginia arts community.
Submission highlights:
- Images: Up to 3 artworks per artist
- Fee: $5 per piece. Free for students under 18
- File specs: JPEG or PNG, 5MB max per file
- Theme: Power of Water
- Delivery: In-person only, May 23, 9 to 11 AM at Louisa Arts Center (no shipping accepted)
- Artist notification: May 25, 2026
9. AHA! Art Immersive Exhibit – Wailoa Center / Hawaiʻi Island Art Alliance
A month-long exhibition at Wailoa Center celebrating inclusive arts in honor of the Americans with Disabilities Act, with first entry free for Hawaii Island students and monetary prizes awarded.
- Organization: Wailoa Center / Hawaiʻi Island Art Alliance (HIAA)
- Medium: All media (painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, mixed media, digital, sculpture, ceramics, glass, woodwork, video)
- Eligibility: All Hawaii 2D, 3D, and video artists
- Deadline: June 9, 2026, 5:00 PM HST
- Entry Fee: $20 per submission (up to 5 entries). Hawaii Island students: First entry FREE (use code 'HIStudent')
- What You Get: Month-long exhibition at Wailoa Center (July 3–August 6, 2026) with opening reception, monetary prizes, and artist-friendly sales commission (75% to artist, 25% to HIAA).
- Exhibition Dates: July 3–August 6, 2026 | Opening Reception: July 3, 5–7 PM
Wailoa Center, operated by Hawaiʻi State Parks, partners with Full Life, Abled Hawaiʻi Artists (AHA), and Hawaiʻi Island Art Alliance (HIAA) to present AHA! Art Immersive. This exhibition celebrates the spectrum of creativity and advances inclusive arts entrepreneurship in honor of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The center is located in Hilo, Hawaii.
This is an excellent opportunity for Hawaii Island students with the first entry completely free, and additional entries are only $20 each. The exhibition celebrates inclusive arts and welcomes all media (2D, 3D, video), making it accessible to students working in any discipline.
The artist-friendly 75/25 commission split (75% to artist) is better than most galleries, and the month-long exhibition run provides sustained visibility. The partnership with Hawaii State Parks gives this legitimacy, and the ADA-focused mission creates a supportive, inclusive environment for emerging artists.
Submission highlights:
- Images: Up to 5 entries (images, audio, or video files)
- File specs: 5MB max per file
- Student discount: First entry FREE for Hawaii Island students (code 'HIStudent'), then $20 per additional entry
- Eligibility: Work created in past 10 years, not previously exhibited at Wailoa Center, no reproductions or AI-generated art
- Size limits: 2D works max 7' tall x 9' wide; 3D works max 10' tall or 6' wide
- Artist notification: June 12, 2026
10. Waukee Arts Festival – Waukee Area Arts Council
The 11th Annual Waukee Arts Festival offers discounted student artist booth spaces ($65 vs. $100 regular) at a major Midwest art fair drawing 13,000+ visitors, with judged awards up to $500 and artist support services.
- Organization: Waukee Area Arts Council
- Medium: All handmade visual art (no commercially made items or resale)
- Eligibility: Student artists (all ages)
- Deadline: Application deadline TBD (booth fees increase $25 after April 18, 2026)
- Entry Fee: $65 for student artist booth (10'x10' tent space) | Regular booths: $100 single, $175 double
- What You Get: Two-day festival booth space (Friday 5–8 PM, Saturday 10 AM–8 PM) with 13,000+ attendee traffic, judged awards (Best of Show $500, Second $300, Third $200), artist support (shuttles, water stations, booth sitters, overnight security, Artist Lane concessions). All proceeds benefit community arts and scholarships for local high school students.
- Festival Dates: July 17–18, 2026
Waukee Area Arts Council is an Iowa-based nonprofit presenting the annual Waukee Arts Festival in Centennial Park. The festival features 100+ artist exhibits, headlining concerts, food vendors, and kids activities. The event draws over 13,000 people from across the Midwest and supports local arts education through scholarships for high school students pursuing arts degrees.
This is one of the most affordable art fair opportunities for students with a $65 booth at a festival drawing 13,000+ visitors (regular booths are $100). The festival provides substantial artist support: shuttles to parking, free water, booth sitters/volunteers, overnight security, and relaxed setup times.
The judged awards are significant ($500 Best of Show), and proceeds benefit scholarships for local high school art students, meaning your participation directly supports other emerging artists. The two-day format allows students to experience a full art fair cycle.
Submission highlights:
- Booth cost: $65 for student artists (single 10'x10' tent space)
- Fee increase: Booth fees increase $25 after April 18, 2026
- Requirements: Only handmade items by artist (no commercial items or resale); tent required and must be secured for wind
- Participation: Must exhibit both Friday evening (5 to 8 PM) and Saturday (10 AM to 8 PM)
- Setup: Relaxed setup Friday 8 AM to 3 PM; exhibits must be in place 1 hour before opening
- Awards: Best of Show ($500), Second ($300), Third ($200)
Find More Student Art Calls on EntryThingy
There are more student opportunities on EntryThingy than we could fit in one list. You can search by keyword, filter by medium, location, deadline, or entry fee, and browse everything in one place without jumping between sites.
Applying is straightforward. For calls hosted directly on EntryThingy, you'll need a free account, which takes about 30 seconds to create.
Some calls in this list are external opportunities verified by our team, meaning you apply through the organizer's own website. You will see this on the EntryThingy platform: everything is transparent.
Either way, every listing includes the organizer's background, full submission requirements, and direct contact information so you know exactly what you're signing up for before you apply.
Browse all student art calls on EntryThingy — filtered by medium, deadline, location, or fee.
Browse Student Art Calls