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Participate in the Art Gala
Artsville Fest invites visual artists, jazz musicians, and food vendors to apply for participation in the Art Gala: Speakeasy on the Square, a curated one-night art experience celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and community in downtown Clarksville.
Held on April 2, 2026 at ArtLink (98 Franklin Street), the Gala brings together original artwork, live jazz, elevated food experiences, and an engaged arts audience for an immersive evening supporting ArtLink Studio and the continued growth of Artsville’s cultural programming.
Visual Artists
Visual artists of all ages and experience levels are invited to submit original artwork for jury consideration. Selected works will be featured in the in-person Gala exhibition and Virtual Gallery, with opportunities for awards, sales, and audience engagement.
Eligible media may include painting, drawing, mixed media, photography, sculpture, fiber, digital work, and other original fine art.
View entry guidelines below.
Gala Food Vendor
Artsville Fest is also seeking a limited number of food vendors and culinary partners to provide high-quality food offerings during the Art Gala. Vendors should align with the elevated evening atmosphere and be able to serve efficiently in an indoor or controlled outdoor environment.
This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your brand to an arts-focused audience and participate in a premier downtown event.
Fill out the following application if you'd like to be a food vendor for the Art Gala.
Jazz Musicians
We are now accepting applications from jazz musicians and small ensembles interested in providing live music during the Gala. Performers will help create an elevated, speakeasy-inspired atmosphere throughout the evening.
Ideal applicants include solo artists, duos, trios, or small combos performing classic jazz standards, swing, blues-influenced jazz, or contemporary jazz styles.
Please email our performance director with your interest in participating.
Artist Entry Guidelines
1. Who can participate?
The Art Gala welcomes artists of all ages and experience levels. Artwork is accepted in the following categories:
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Elementary School
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Middle School
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High School
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Adult Amateur
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Adult Professional
Artists should submit work appropriate to their category at the time of entry.
2. Entry Cost
Youth Categories: $15 each
Adult Categories: $25 each
3. Submission Timeline
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Submissions Open: January 1, 2026
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Final Image Due for Virtual Gallery: March 1, 2026
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Online Voting Begins: March 5, 2026
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Final Entries Accepted: March 20, 2026
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Art Gala & Public Exhibition: April 2, 2026
Only artwork with a final image submitted by March 1 will be included in the Virtual Gallery and eligible for online voting.
4. Artwork Guidelines
Size & Weight Requirements
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2D artwork must not exceed 24 inches by 24 inches
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Sculptural work must weigh no more than 5 pounds and fit on a 24 inch by 24-inch platform
Ready to Hang
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All 2D artwork must be ready to hang at the time of drop-off, with appropriate hardware securely attached.
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Piece Completion
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Artwork does not need to be fully completed at the time of entry. However, artists must submit an image that accurately represents the final concept of the piece by March 1 to be included in the virtual gallery and get online votes toward the Fan Favorite Award.
5. Labeling Requirements
Each artwork must be clearly labeled with:
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Artist name
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Title of the piece
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Any additional relevant details
A labeling form will be provided closer to the event to ensure consistency across the exhibition.
6. Virtual Gallery & Voting Eligibility
Accepted artwork will be featured in the Art Gala Virtual Gallery, allowing the public to view and vote on submissions prior to the event.
To be included in the Virtual Gallery:
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A final image of the completed artwork must be submitted by March 1, 2026
Online voting runs from March 5 through April 2 at 6:00 PM and contributes toward the Fan Favorite Award, which includes a cash prize.
7. Sales Opportunity
Artists may choose to list their artwork for sale during the Art Gala.
If a piece is sold:
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A sales commission will be applied
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Specific commission details will be shared prior to the event
8. Awards and Recognition
Artwork will be eligible for multiple awards and recognition, including:
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Fan Favorite - $500 prize
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Best In Show - $250 prize
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Elementary School Winner - $50 gift card for Art Supplies
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Middle School Winner - $50 gift card for Art Supplies
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High School Winner - $75 gift card for Art Supplies
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Amateur Adult Winner - $100 gift card for Art Supplies
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Professional Adult Winner - $100 gift card for Art Supplies
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Additional Honors may include: Most Creative, Best Technique, Best Use of Color, Perspective, Original Content, Honorable Mentions and Committee Favorite
Judges and judging criteria will be announced closer to the event.
9. Public Exhibition
All accepted artwork will be featured in a public gallery exhibition during the Art Gala on April 2, 2026.
Artists are encouraged to attend the event, participate in the Artist Meet & Greet, and share their work with the community.
10. Artwork Drop off & Pick Up
Detailed instructions regarding:
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Artwork drop-off
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Artwork pick-up
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Installation timing
Instructions will be sent to accepted artists closer to the event date.
Ready To Submit?
Artists interested in participating in the Art Gala and being included in the Virtual Gallery may submit their artwork here.