Organizer Information
Idaho Falls Arts Council Juried Exhibition — The Idaho Falls Arts Council (IFAC) is a private, non-profit organization established in 1990 with the mission to educate, inform, and inspire the community through the arts. Based in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the Council serves as a regional cultural hub, managing several historic and contemporary venues including the Willard Arts Center, the Colonial Theater, and ARTitorium on Broadway. The organization is a key driver of the local creative economy, hosting a wide array of programming that spans from Broadway performances and youth educational workshops to high-caliber visual arts exhibitions. By fostering partnerships between artists and the public, the Council ensures that Southeast Idaho remains a vibrant center for cultural expression and artistic excellence.
Title & Description
18th Annual National Juried Exhibition at the Willard Arts Center
This landmark exhibition is an annual national competition that brings together a diverse collection of contemporary artwork from across the United States. Now in its eighteenth year, the exhibition provides a prestigious platform for artists to showcase their work in the Carr and Hall Galleries of the Willard Arts Center. The call is open to all themes and styles, encouraging a broad survey of current artistic trends and personal narratives. The 2026 exhibition will be juried by Yidan Guo, an accomplished artist and educator, who will select pieces that demonstrate exceptional technical skill and conceptual depth. Beyond the physical gallery showcase, the exhibition seeks to facilitate dialogue between artists and the rural Intermountain West, culminating in an opening reception and a published full-color catalogue.
Categories
The exhibition is inclusive of all Visual Arts and Fine Arts media. Specific disciplines include:
- Painting: Oil, Acrylic, Watercolour, and Encaustic.
- Drawing & Printmaking: Charcoal, Graphite, Lithography, Etching, and Silkscreen.
- Photography: Digital, Analogue, and Alternative Processes.
- Sculpture & 3D: Metal, Wood, Glass, and Installation.
- Ceramics & Pottery: Functional and Decorative.
- Fiber & Textile Art: Weaving, Quilting, and Embroidery.
- Digital & New Media: Including Video and Sound installations (limited by space requirements).
Eligibility
- National Reach: Open to all artists currently residing in the United States.
- Age Limit: Applicants must be at least 14 years of age or older (minors require parental consent).
- Originality: Works must be original, created within the last three years (2023–2026), and must not have been previously exhibited at the Willard Arts Center.
- Physicality: 2D works must be framed and ready to hang (wired). 3D works must be stable and fit through a standard 36-inch doorway.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected artists gain significant professional exposure and the opportunity to win a total of $1,625 in cash prizes:
- First Place: $750
- Second Place: $500
- Third Place: $250
- Curator's Choice: $125
- People's Choice: Awarded at the close of the show; this artist is featured on the following year's promotional materials.
- Exhibition: Professional installation in the Carr or Hall Galleries.
- Publication: All accepted artists are included in a high-quality, full-colour printed exhibition catalogue.
- Sales: Artists may list work for sale; the IFAC retains a 35% commission to support arts programming.
Application Fee
- General Entry: $40.00 for up to three (3) entries.
- IFAC Members: $35.00 for up to three (3) entries.
- Payment: Paid online via the application portal.
Application Requirements
- Digital Images: High-resolution JPEGs (up to 3 artworks).
- Artist Statement: A brief narrative (max 1,000 characters) about the work or your practice.
- Artwork Details: Title, medium, year of completion, dimensions, and retail price (or NFS status).
- Bio/Resume: A brief summary of your exhibition history and background.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 14 January 2026
- Notification of Selection: 30 January 2026
- Art Delivery Deadline: 27 February 2026
- Opening Reception: 12 March 2026
- Exhibition Dates: March 12, 2026 – June 7, 2026
Location
Idaho Falls, Idaho, United States
Additional Details
The Council places a strong emphasis on the "People's Choice" award, which allows the community to participate in the critical process. Artists are responsible for all shipping costs to and from the gallery; however, the IFAC provides insurance for the work while it is on the premises. The facility is ADA-compliant and welcoming to visitors of all abilities.
