“Complementary”

Call for Artists

Prospectus 

Dates
Submission Deadline:
11:59 pm (Midnight), Feb 15, 2026
Reception: Saturday,  March 21st from 2pm to 4pm

Show Dates: March 6, 2026 through April 11, 2026

Art Delivery & Pickup Dates:
Art needs to be
dropped off at Artful Journey on February 24th or 25th between 10am and 3pm .
Art Pickup dates are April 14 & 15, 2026. If you cannot pick up on these dates, please arrange for someone else to pick up or contact the gallery office (309-632-4701) to make other arrangements. Art left over 30 days will become property of the gallery.

Exhibit Theme:
This
opportunity is to depict your interpretation of:  Complementary things

  • Objects that complete or enhance each other when brought together, such as colors, skills, or items.

  • Combining objects or items in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other or another.

  • All art must be Family Friendly or it will not be accepted

Venue:
Artful Journey
4701 N. University
Lower Level
Peoria, Illinois 61614

REQUIREMENTS

1. Open to all artists in the Illinois area
2. All art must be Family Friendly - no nudity or vulgarity 
3. Please attach an
artist statement to the submission form that we can post next to your work during the show.

2D art is required to be wired for hanging, no other hanging systems will be accepted.
3D artists if you have a pedestal for your art please contact the gallery at
artists@artfuljourney.art 

2D and 3D visual artworks need to be within the size limits below:
2D Sizes:
Each artist is allowed two pieces with one piece being a maximum of 20” x 16” (or 16”x20”)
and the second one being a maximum of 11”x14” (or 14”x11”)

3D Sizes
maximum size is 3 cubic feet (1’ x 1’ x 1’
)

Judge’s bio:
Christopher M. Gauthiér is an experimental image-maker from the American Midwest, with deep roots in the Chicago commercial photography industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cinema and Photography from Southern Illinois University (1997) and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Ohio University (2003). He has mentored emerging artists at Jackson State University, Utah State University, and currently serves as a full professor at Illinois Central College. Gauthiér has an extensive national and international exhibition record and has been a keynote speaker at several national autism conferences and art symposiums.

Awards:
1st Place - $200
2nd Place - $100
3rd Place - $75

Fees:
a. $27 for resident Artful Journey artists*
b. $32 for non-resident artists*

c. (Non Refundable)
d. Up to two (2) pieces of art may be submitted for the single price listed.

*Note: There is a $2 Discount for Check/Cash Payments.

Application Procedure:

  1. Read the Prospectus

  2. Complete the form referenced at the bottom of the Prospectus

  3. Submit form

  4. Remit payment either through online link in form, or mailing/dropping off check.

  5. Artists will be notified of acceptance on or before Tuesday, Feb 17, 2026.

Selection Process:  The gallery’s board will review submitted artwork to ensure it fits the theme and aesthetics. They will also be reviewing content to ensure it stays within family friendly boundaries of the gallery.

Insurance:
While the gallery will take every effort to keep your artwork safe & dry, the gallery takes no responsibility for its liability. Artists are responsible for obtaining their own insurance.

Pricing of art: All art must be priced, or marked NFS (for Not For Sale). 

Publicity: Artful Journey will advertise the event on our social media and through various marketing outlets as we do for all exhibits.  Participating artists will be given postcards and an image for advertising will be emailed. Artists are also expected to advertise through their social media and marketing sources and to invite their customers, friends, family, associates, etc to the Reception on March 21, 2026.

Sales: 100% of all sales go to the artist less processing fees by credit card merchants. No commission is kept by the gallery. All art is to remain on the walls/tables until the end of the show. Sold items will be red-dotted and can be picked up after the show is over.

Contact:
artists@artfuljourney.art with any questions or concerns.

Artful Journey website: www.ArtfulJourney.art

Submissions are Closed

Rev 020726

Artist Statement

An artist statement is a concise, personal, and written description of an artist’s work,articulating the purpose, inspiration, materials, and techniques behind their creations.