heART of the Valley art & artisan show & sale – May 1 to July 18, 2026

Community Artists

• Early Bird Deadline: March 20, 2026 at a reduced rate of $15.
• Regular Entry is $20 and will be considered until April 5, 2026 as space permits.
• Community Artists are invited to submit original 2D or 3D artworks in any medium including but not limited to paintings, photography, sculpture, wordwork, fibre arts, stained glass, pottery, and makers of one-of-a-kind, non-perishable goods, etc.
  Community can include hobbyists, dabblers, new, amateur, or self-taught artists, or for people who may experience barriers to entry.
• Large pieces or any item requiring special installation other than hanging on a nail or placement on a table needs to be pre-arranged.

Youth Artists

• Emerging Artists (13-18) FREE entry until April 5, 2026
• Future Artists (12 & under) FREE entry until April 5, 2026
• Youth Artists are invited to submit original 2D or 3D artworks in any medium including but not limited to paintings, photographs, sculpture, woodwork, fibre arts, pottery, and makers of one-of-a-kind (non perishable goods), etc.
• Artwork is restricted to the following size guidelines:
  • 2D art, maximum 18”x18”, on stretched canvas or in a ready-to-hang wired frame
  • 3D art, maximum 12”x12”x12”, that can be placed on a display table

How to Apply: Printable | Online

How to Apply: Printable | Online

How to Apply: Printable | Online

Multiple Entries Permitted

Artists may enter two pieces, and may enter in more than one category if applicable, as space permits. A third piece may be allowed, inquire for details.

For example, applicants can submit 2 paintings, or a painting and a sculpture, in one category, or may enter a framed photograph in the Artists & Artisan category & also submit a separate entry such as a carved wooden bowl in the Community category as a hobbyist.

Each entry requires a separate completed application form and entry fee payment. (Payments can be combined in one e-transfer.)

Voting

Artists are encouraged to attend the exhibit to vote, as well as invite their friends and family to support the event by voting and purchasing art. Ballots will be available during regular museum hours from May 1, 2026 to July 11, 2026 until 2:30 pm at the Awards Reception.

Museum visitors may enter one ballot per each visit to the exhibit.

Voting ballots are ranked with options to select your first and second favourite art piece in each category. In the unlikely event of a tie in any category, the show organizer, Museum Director and/or Board of Directors will determine the winner.

Awards Reception

A reception will be held to present awards on July 11 from 2-4 pm. Friends, family and art enthusiasts are welcome.

Guests are encouraged to vote with one final ballot at the reception. Voting ends promptly at 2:30 pm. Winners will be announced as soon as the final ballots are tallied by board members.

Light refreshments and live acoustic music will be provided.

Sales

Artists are invited to sell their work during the show but may exhibit a piece that is ‘Not For Sale’. Entrants are to indicate if their work is for sale, and determine the sale value, via their entry application.

Artists will receive 75% of the sale, and the museum will retain 25%. The artist may opt to donate a higher percentage to the museum on their entry form. No changes can be made after the application is submitted. Charitable Receipts will be provided for the 25% donation portion of a sale for contributions of $25 or more. No receipt will be issued for entry fees.

If your piece is sold during the show you will be contacted on or before July 18, 2026 by email. In that case, you are welcome to attend the pick up date, otherwise, a cheque and receipt (if applicable), will be mailed to the address provided on your entry form.

To see images of past winners please visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/heartshow

In-person registration and art drop off will take place on Friday, April 17 OR Saturday April 18 from 1-3 ONLY.
Please do not take your art to the museum on other days. Early drop off of art will be rejected without refund. If you are unable to attend the intake, you may send a proxy in your place or request an alternative drop off date by email by April 10th.

Labels will be provided by the museum.
It is the artist’s responsibility, or their proxy, to review the provided art label and wall label for accuracy at intake registration. No changes can be made after intake is completed and any errors therein are the responsibility of the artist.

If you cannot attend, please provide your proxy with the following typed or neatly printed information so that they can verify accuracy: Artist Name, Email Address, Title, Medium, Year Completed, Size in INCHES: 2D: “W x “H or 3D: “L x “W x “H
Please also answer the following questions:
Is your piece for sale? Yes / No. Price/Value (if not for sale): $______.
If your piece is not for sale, a value still must be included.

Ensure art is ready for display.
All work must be ready to hang or display, and be suitable for installation.
– All 2D artwork must be wired for easy hanging. Ensure that the wire is 2″ below the top edge of the work. Artwork that is not wired properly or cannot be safely displayed will not be hung in the show and no refund will be provided.
– All 3D artwork must be able to be set on a display table without special instruction.

Art must be completely dry, set, cured, and/or protected. It is recommended that delicate, intricate work should be protected by a frame behind glass. Works on paper or board must be in a wired frame ready for hanging.

Please be mindful of weight. Large pieces and those framed with heavy glass may pose hanging challenges.

Artwork that is not dry, wired, or ready-to-hang, or cannot be safely hung or displayed on a table during the curating process may be rejected without refund.

Additional Notes:
– Any special installation needs are the sole responsibility of the artist and requires advanced notice by appointment only arranged via email before April 5th. Please include a photo of the art piece, a photo of how it is to be installed, and dimensions for consideration.
– This is a family friendly exhibit and art that is deemed inappropriate will be rejected without refund.

Pick Up

Art is to remain for the entirety of the exhibit period.

Unsold art can be picked up on Sunday, July 19 OR Monday, July 20 from 1-3 pm ONLY.

If a proxy is being sent to pick up your art, please email heartofthevalleyartshow@gmail.com with their first and last name by July 18, or your art may not be released.

*Early pick up exception – Vendors in the Macdonald Craft Fair on Saturday July 18 may pick up their art after the craft fair, if arrangements are made by July 15th via email heartofthevalleyartshow@gmail.com.

Art left at the museum after July 20, 2026 may be subject to a storage fee. Art that is not picked up by July 31, 2026 will be considered a donation to the museum auction, unless late pick up arrangements have been made via in advance.

Patrons who purchased art can pick up their piece(s) through the reception desk at the museum during regular open hours after the show ends.

The show was created and is directed by an experienced artist, event coordinator, juried art show director & curator.

Although all reasonable efforts will be made to ensure art is carefully handled and displayed by volunteers, it is recommended that art is insured, particularly that which is of significant value. The museum cannot and does not guarantee full protection of your art in this free public space.

By submitting an application, each artist agrees the artwork is left at their own risk and Macdonald Museum, employees, board members, members, volunteers, sponsors, or affiliates are not responsible for any loss or damage.

The gallery is accessible with a ramp, elevators, accessible washrooms and automatic doors.

Terms subject to change at the discretion of the Macdonald Museum.

Contact

Still have questions?

All art show related inquiries: heartofthevalleyartshow@gmail.com
Museum specific inquiries: macdonald.museum@outlook.com

Art Show  www.facebook.com/groups/heartshow