CALL TO ARTISTS

Coming up in February 2026: Open Adjudicated Art Exhibit celebrating visual art and The Kootenays | "Unusual Angles" | February 5 - March 1, 2026

With this year's theme "Unusual Angles" we are looking to celebrate The Kootenays from unique perspectives.

Anyone can enter up to 3 artworks in any medium

Entry fees are as follows:

- 1 artwork $45: click/tap here to pay the entry fee.

- 2 artworks $75: click/tap here to pay the entry fee.

- 3 artworks $90: click/tap here to pay the entry fee.

Click/tap here to find more information and the entry form.

Deadline for entry and artworks: Sunday, January 25, 2026

What's in it for YOU?

1. The awesome experience of being part of this celebration of visual art & The Kootenays with other artists and art collectors.

2. A guaranteed spot for your artwork(s) in the online gallery for a month.

3. A guaranteed spot for your artwork(s) in the web shop for a month.

4. Exposure on our website, in our newsletter, on social media, in local news outlets, at the opening reception, and in the art gallery for a month.

5. A chance at winning the $100 (minimum) Inspiration Award (selected by draw from all artworks that didn't make the shortlist).

6. A chance at having your artwork(s) selected to be showcased at Art Gallery Kimberley in a high traffic location in Kimberley's Platzl for a month.

7. A chance at having your artwork(s) short-listed for the Kootenay Art Prize.

8. A chance at winning the $500 (minimum) Kootenay Art Prize (selected by draw from shortlist).

9. Added value to your CV.

10. An invitation to celebrate with fellow artists, family, and friends at the opening reception.

Number of artworks selected to be showcased in the art gallery: 20-25 depending on dimensions. Minimum number of entries: 20. Number of artworks to be shortlisted: 10. Kootenay Art Prize min. $500, Inspiration Award min. $100.

All entry fees are non-refundable.

Award process

One of the cons of juried exhibitions is the fact that adjudicators’ choices are subjective. Jurors have limitations: they don’t know the background and intention of the artists, and it is hard to compare artworks that are sometimes vastly different. The chosen artworks are always a reflection of the adjudicators. For the artists, entering a juried exhibition can be an emotional rollercoaster.

In order to make the selection process more rewarding and positive for everyone involved, the following idea of broader encouragement was created. The adjudicators will look at the selected artworks in the gallery and choose 10 artworks to appear on a shortlist. Finally, a random draw will determine which of the shortlisted artworks will receive the Kootenay Art Prize. Furthermore, all artworks that didn't make the shortlist will have a chance to win the Inspiration Award which will also be chosen by draw.