2026 Yellow Springs Art Show Poster Competition Information

Showcase your talent and be part of a cherished tradition by entering the 2026 Yellow Springs Art Show Poster Competition! The exhibition will run in person from Saturday, December 6 through Sunday, December 14, 2025, with the winner announced on Friday, December 5!

The selected artwork will serve as the official image for the 53rd Annual Yellow Springs Art Show, featured prominently on the show poster and full-color catalog. The winning poster competition artwork will be sold in a silent auction during the 2026 show. The artist will receive 70% of the listed inventory price, any additional proceeds from the silent auction will benefit Historic Yellow Springs.

The winning artist will receive a reduced commission rate of 30% instead of standard 40% on all works sold during the 2026 Art Show—a special honor extended only to the poster artist.

Participation is optional, but we encourage artists to take advantage of this exciting opportunity to gain visibility and recognition.

Eligibility

Open to all current Yellow Springs Art Show artists who have not been selected as the Poster Artist in the past five years.

Artwork Requirements

  • Each artist may submit two original, framed pieces: one to be considered for the poster and one additional piece of your choice.
  • Portfolio pieces will not be accepted.

Poster Submission Subject Matter

The primary competition piece must include a direct visual reference to Historic Yellow Springs. This can include the village, its buildings, landscapes, people, or history.

Need inspiration or guidance? Schedule a research appointment with Cara Conley, Moore Archivist at HYS.

Schedule a Research Appointment

You are also welcome to visit the grounds to take your own photos or join us for the Town Tours and Village Walks event on Thursday, August 21 from 5 – 7 pm for a tour of the grounds.

Judging Criteria

  • Subject matter must reference Historic Yellow Springs.
  • In honor of the America 250 Celebration in 2026, submissions that reference the Revolutionary War Hospital building will receive additional consideration.
  • The winning image must reproduce well in print and digital formats.
  • It should be adaptable for promotional use, including on billboards and digital media.

Framing Guidelines

  • All artwork must be professionally framed with clean mats and uncoated hanging wire.
  • Gallery-wrapped canvases are accepted unframed but must have finished (painted) edges.

Key Dates

Friday, November 14, 2025

Online inventory submission link sent to participating artists

Friday, November 21, 2025

Inventory deadline

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Artwork drop-off (9 AM – 12 PM)

Friday, December 5, 2025

Winner announced

December 6–14, 2025

Exhibition open daily (10 AM – 4 PM)

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Pick-up for non-competition artwork (10 AM – 2 PM)

Please note: Poster competition entries will remain with HYS through the conclusion of the spring show.

How to Enter

If you wish to participate in the Poster Competition, check the box on your Artist Acceptance Form.

Deadline to submit the form is October 20, 2025 — no exceptions.

Let your work become the visual identity of one of Chester County’s most beloved art traditions. We can’t wait to see what you create!