Call For Entries

The Art League of Ocean City promotes local artists through exhibits at the OC Center for the Arts and offsite satellite galleries, gift shop and vendor events, social media, eblasts, monthly newsletters mailed to membership, and online artists directory featuring members of the Art League. The Art League works with local news media outlets to highlight artists in press releases, newspaper articles, tv interviews, radio spots, newspaper ads, and more.

Member Benefits for Artists:

Click here to join or renew your membership.

Each month one of the galleries at the Ocean City Center for the Arts features artwork by local and regional artists, many of whom are members of the Art League of Ocean City. This provides an opportunity for artists of all levels and mediums to show their work in a professional gallery. Cash prizes and ribbons are awarded by qualified judges and artists may choose to sell their works. The Art League of Ocean City is committed to featuring a broad spectrum of artists from diverse backgrounds (including race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion) and encourage all to participate.

Please click here for the Exhibit Entry FormYou’re encouraged to fill out your entry form ahead of time but blank copies will be available as needed.


Current/Upcoming Calls for Entry:

October 2026: Fem-in-essence — Women’s Exhibit

Curated by Deb Rolig

This exhibition celebrates resilient, nurturing, and empowered women through art. Artists are challenged to express an aspect of the feminine experience that is uniquely their own through their chosen art form.

Artists may enter up to two pieces of original artwork for consideration; all media, 2D and 3D. Open to female-identifying artists only.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Artwork Drop Off: Sun. September 27 & Mon. September 28 – CLICK HERE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Exhibit Dates: October 2–31, 2026

Opening Reception: First Friday, October 2, 5–7pm

Artwork Pick Up: Sun. November 1 & Mon. November 2

Entry fee: $10 per piece for Art League members, $20 for non-members (up to two pieces per artist). Entry fees are non-refundable. Not a member yet? Click here to join. Benefits include discounts on classes and more!

Eligibility: Artist must be 18 years or older and may submit up to two pieces of original artwork for consideration. Work must have been created in the past three years and never before shown at an Art League judged show. Hanging artwork must be securely framed or gallery wrapped and properly wired for hanging. Maximum outside frame dimensions may not exceed 32×40”. Please click here for complete entry requirements.

Sales: The Art League of Ocean City receives a commission of thirty percent (30%) of the sale price of artwork and all sales of artwork exhibited must be processed through the Art League.


2027 Calendar & 2026 Annual Report Artwork

See your artwork featured in an Art League publication!

Artists are invited to submit artwork for consideration for the Art League of Ocean City’s 2027 Calendar & 2026 Annual Report. Selected artwork will be reproduced in our widely distributed calendar, showcasing the creativity of our artist community to Art League members, supporters, and the public.

This opportunity does not include an in-person exhibition. Artwork will be juried by Art League of Ocean City staff.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Online Entry Deadline: Monday, October 5 – CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Entry fee: $10 for Art League members / $20 for non-members.


January 2027: Shared Visions

Be part of the Art League’s annual collaboration between local artists and writers! Artists are invited to submit artwork for consideration for Shared Visions, where selected works will serve as inspiration for local writers to create original stories and short prose.

Selected artwork and the writing it inspires will come together for a unique collaborative exhibition in January 2027. All media are welcome.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Online Entry Deadline: Monday, October 12 – CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Dates for artwork Drop-off: Sun. January 3 & Mon. January 4, 2027 (by appointment)

Exhibit Dates: January 8–30, 2027

Artwork Pick Up: Sun. January 31 (by appointment)

Entry fee: $10 per piece for Art League members, $20 for non-members (up to two pieces per artist). Entry fees are non-refundable. Not a member yet? Click here to join. Benefits include discounts on classes and more!

Eligibility: Artist must be 18 years or older and may submit up to two pieces of original artwork for consideration. Work must have been created in the past three years and never before shown at an Art League judged show. Hanging artwork must be securely framed or gallery wrapped and properly wired for hanging. Maximum outside frame dimensions may not exceed 32×40”. Please click here for complete entry requirements.

Sales: The Art League of Ocean City receives a commission of thirty percent (30%) of the sale price of artwork and all sales of artwork exhibited must be processed through the Art League.


Stigma Highlighted: Beyond the Label — Portrait Exhibit

Stigma Highlighted: Beyond the Label connects local artists with families who have lost loved ones to addiction to create meaningful portraits that celebrate the person beyond the stigma.

Through art and shared stories, this community legacy project will honor each individual’s personality, passions, accomplishments, and lasting impact.

WE’RE SEEKING PARTICIPANTS

ARTISTS

Help tell someone’s story through art. Experienced local artists are invited to apply to create a portrait honoring an individual whose life was lost to addiction.

FAMILIES & LOVED ONES

Help us honor someone you love. Maryland families who have lost a loved one to addiction are invited to apply to have their loved one’s portrait and story included in the project.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Online Entry Deadline: Friday, October 16

Entry fee: No entry fee.

Portraits & stories will be exhibited at Salisbury University in Spring 2027 and the Art League of Ocean City in September 2027.

Following the exhibitions, participating families will receive the original portrait as a lasting tribute.

Click Here for Artist Application

Click Here for Participant Application


November 2026: Everyday Heroes

From first responders and veterans to volunteers, caregivers, and neighbors lending a helping hand, this exhibition celebrates the spirit of compassion, courage, and connection that strengthens us all.

Artists may enter up to two pieces of original artwork for consideration; all media, 2D and 3D.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Artwork Drop Off: Sun. November 1 & Mon. November 2 – CLICK HERE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Exhibit Dates: November 6–28, 2026

Opening Reception: First Friday, November 6, 5–7pm

Artwork Pick Up: Sun. November 29 & Mon. November 30

Entry fee: $10 per piece for Art League members, $20 for non-members (up to two pieces per artist). Entry fees are non-refundable. Not a member yet? Click here to join. Benefits include discounts on classes and more!

Eligibility: Artist must be 18 years or older and may submit up to two pieces of original artwork for consideration. Work must have been created in the past three years and never before shown at an Art League judged show. Hanging artwork must be securely framed or gallery wrapped and properly wired for hanging. Maximum outside frame dimensions may not exceed 32×40”. Please click here for complete entry requirements.

Sales: The Art League of Ocean City receives a commission of thirty percent (30%) of the sale price of artwork and all sales of artwork exhibited must be processed through the Art League.


December 2026: Members Annual Juried Show

Showcase your best work in the Art League of Ocean City’s annual exhibition celebrating our artist members! Artists may submit original artwork in the theme and medium of their choice for consideration in this juried exhibition.

Artists may enter up to two pieces of original artwork for consideration; all media, 2D and 3D. Open to Art League of Ocean City members only. Entries may be up to 36×48”.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Online Entry Opens: Monday, October 5 – CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Online Entry Deadline: Monday, November 2

Dates for delivery of accepted work: Sun Nov 29- Mon Nov 30 (by appointment)

Exhibit Dates: December 4 – January 2

Opening Reception: First Friday, December 4, 5–7pm

Artwork Pick Up: Sun. January 3 & Mon. January 4, 2027

Entry fee: $10 per piece for Art League members (up to two pieces per artist). Entry fees are non-refundable.

Eligibility: Artist must be 18 years or older and a current member of the Art League of Ocean City. Artists may submit up to two pieces of original artwork for consideration. Work must have been created in the past three years and never before shown at an Art League judged show. Hanging artwork must be securely framed or gallery wrapped and properly wired for hanging. For this exhibition, entries may be up to 36×48”. Please click here for complete entry requirements.

Sales: The Art League of Ocean City receives a commission of thirty percent (30%) of the sale price of artwork and all sales of artwork exhibited must be processed through the Art League.


December 2026: Small Works

Small art makes a great gift!

This special holiday exhibition features small, priced-to-sell original artwork, giving visitors the opportunity to take home something unique while supporting local artists.

Artists may enter up to two pieces of original hanging artwork measuring 12×12” or smaller. Entry fees are half price for this exhibition.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Artwork Drop Off: Sun. November 29 & Mon. November 30 – CLICK HERE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Exhibit Dates: December 4–26, 2026

Opening Reception: First Friday, December 4, 5–7pm

Artwork Pick Up: Sun. January 3 & Mon. January 4, 2027

Entry fee: Half-price entry: $5 per piece for Art League members, $10 for non-members (up to two pieces per artist). Entry fees are non-refundable. Not a member yet? Click here to join. Benefits include discounts on classes and more!

Eligibility: Artist must be 18 years or older and may submit up to two pieces of original hanging artwork. Artwork may not exceed 12×12”. Work must have been created in the past three years and must be appropriately presented and properly wired for hanging. Please click here for complete entry requirements.

Sales: The Art League of Ocean City receives a commission of thirty percent (30%) of the sale price of artwork and all sales of artwork exhibited must be processed through the Art League.


Trees for the Arts

Get ready to decorate to win! Trees for the Arts is a holiday tree decorating contest at Winterfest of Lights, and the tree with the most votes will take home a $1,000 prize!

Participants will transform a 7½-foot artificial Christmas tree with a creative, themed, over-the-top, and kid-friendly design. Voting will take place online for $1 per vote, and each tree will have its own QR code — so be sure to spread the word and rally your friends, family, and followers!

Participation Fee: $40 — includes your tree and access to an electrical outlet. Participants provide all decorations, lights, extension cords, and supplies.

Decorating Dates: November 11 & 12, 9am–3pm
Winterfest of Lights: November 19 – January 2
Teardown: January 4, 5 or 6, 9am–3pm

To enter and for more information please contact Aubrey Sizemore at Aubrey@artleagueofoceancity.org


From Our Kitchens, Our Stories — Cookbook Recipes & Artwork

Artists will have the opportunity to submit artwork for consideration for From Our Kitchens, Our Stories, a special cookbook created in collaboration with the October 2026 Fem-in-essence Women’s Exhibit.

Recipes will be collected during an October 2026 event, followed by a separate Call to Artists for artwork to be featured in the cookbook. Open to female-identifying artists only.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Online Entry Deadline: TBD

Entry fee: TBD

More details and submission information coming soon.


Click here for a printable 2026 Group Show Schedule.

Click here for Group Show Exhibit Requirements

Ideas for upcoming group show themes? Share your input here.

Additional Information: The Art League has the right to refuse any artwork that does not meet its exhibit criteria.


Current/Upcoming Calls to Student Artists:

None at this time, please check back!


Appointment Links:

Thank you for helping us stay organized!

Because art appreciation is highly subjective, the Art League of Ocean City makes every effort to select qualified judges from a variety of art professionals, working artists and gallery owners. All judges are expected to recognize quality works based on the artists’ understanding of the principles and elements of design and the ability to use their chosen media.

mayshow3Winner Gerilyn Gaskill with Beverly Bassford daughtersStudio E 1 Spotlight Gallery

Exhibit Applications:

Submit a proposal for a solo show to hang in the main gallery. Please click here to submit online.

Rent Studio E for the month as “artist in residence”. Please click here to apply online.

Apply for a “mini show” in the Spotlight Gallery, located in the first floor classroom. Please click here to apply online.

Apply to be the featured artisan for the month in the gift shop area. Please click here to apply online.

Submit a proposal the new Staircase Gallery. Please click here to submit online.

/Apply for a year-long space in Studios A-D as a resident studio artist. Please click here to apply online.


Gift Shop:

Art League members may put work for sale in our retail area. Each artist is allowed to submit up to 4 pieces for sale. Items will be displayed on a “space available” basis. Items should be clearly marked with price and artist’s name. Inventory forms will be supplied to record items for sale. Acceptable mediums include: paintings (shrink-wrapped original and giclee prints), matted photography, pottery, jewelry, glass, fiber arts, wood, and metal. All items for sale must be hand made entirely by the artist. No manufactured items are allowed. Items accepted for sale are subject to approval and a 30% commission will be retained by the ALOC on all sales. For more information, contact Kacie Neeb at kacie@artleagueofoceancity.org or call 410-524-9433.

New Artists: please click here to submit an application to sell your artwork in the Gift Shop.

Returning Artists: please click here for our revised Gift Shop requirements.

Artwork must be picked up/ dropped off by appointment – please click here to reserve your timeslot.