Exhibit Your Artwork at NoCo Arts

Explore current and upcoming calls for art at NoCo ARTS in Newton, NC. Review exhibit opportunities, submission details, important dates, and application information all in one place.

Current and Upcoming Calls For Art

Find the Right Exhibit Opportunity

Review current and upcoming exhibit opportunities at NoCo ARTS. Open each call to view details, deadlines, fees, guidelines, and application information.

Featured Call Now Taking Applications

Spirit of the Wild Exhibition

Spirit of the Wild celebrates the untamed beauty, energy, and mystery of the natural world. Bringing together diverse artistic interpretations of wildlife, landscapes, and the places where nature and spirit intersect, this exhibition invites viewers to reconnect with the wonder, freedom, and powerful presence of the wild. Click HERE to see full submission guidelines.

Submission Deadline September 12, 2026
Application Status Applications Open
Spirit of the Wild Exhibition

About This Exhibit

Spirit of the Wild explores the profound connection between the human spirit and the natural world—the places where we go to breathe more deeply, listen more closely, and remember what truly matters.

Nature is more than a landscape. It is a source of healing, inspiration, transformation, and renewal. From the rhythm of water and the shelter of trees to the fleeting beauty of flowers, changing skies, shifting light, and the textures of the earth, the natural world continually reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves.

Through Spirit of the Wild, NoCo ARTS invites artists to explore the ways nature shapes our emotional, physical, and creative lives. The exhibition encourages artists to look beyond literal representations of the landscape and consider nature as an experience—something that can evoke memory, emotion, wonder, solitude, resilience, and connection.

Eligibility and Media

Artist Eligibility

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Must be a US Resident


Artwork Eligibility

  • AI-generated submissions will NOT be accepted
  • Must be original work of artist submitting application
  • Visual artwork must not exceed 48” x 60” in dimension


Artistic Mediums (not limited to):

  • Painting
  • Drawing
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture
  • Ceramics
  • Fiber arts
  • Mixed media
  • Digital and new media
  • Collage
  • Three-dimensional work

Artists working outside traditional categories are encouraged to submit.

Genres Encouraged

We are seeking artwork that captures the spirit, energy, emotion, and experience of the natural world.

Artists are encouraged to consider questions such as:

  • Where do we find stillness in an increasingly noisy world?
  • How does nature restore, challenge, or transform us?
  • What does the idea of “wild” mean to you?
  • How can color, texture, light, movement, and form communicate the feeling of being immersed in nature?
  • What can nature teach us about resilience, impermanence, growth, and transformation?
  • Where does the human experience intersect with the natural world?

Artwork may interpret these ideas literally, abstractly, symbolically, or conceptually.

From a quiet forest or expansive mountain landscape to a storm-lit sky, a garden in bloom, the rhythm of the ocean, or an entirely imagined natural environment, we invite artists to share their personal interpretation of what it means to encounter the wild.

Submission Guidelines

Artists should submit original artwork that responds to the exhibition theme. To apply, please read guidelines CAREFULLY.

  • Complete application form below in its entirety.
  • Submit the following items via email to BOTH traci@nocoartsnc.com AND kat@nocoartsnc.com:
  1. Up to five (5) high-resolution images of artwork to be considered. Filename should include Artist Name and Title. (ie. JaneDoe_BlueSkies.jpg)
  2. An inventory list that includes: Title of Artwork, Medium, Dimensions, Retail Price*
  3. Statement for each work submitted.
  4. Artist Bio
  5. Artist Statement
  • Deadline for submissions is Saturday, September 12th, 2026.
  • There are no submission fees, however, if you are selected to participate in this exhibition, a $50 Participation Fee will be required by September 19, 2026. The Participation Fee is waived for NoCo ARTS Members. Click HERE to learn more about our Membership.

*The price listed for each submission is the official price of each piece displayed in the gallery. NoCo ARTS retains 40% of sales for Non-Member Artists and 30% for Member Artists. NoCo ARTS also files sales tax on all sales on behalf of the artist.

Selection Criteria

Submissions will be reviewed with consideration given to:

  • Connection to the exhibition theme
  • Originality and artistic voice
  • Craftsmanship and quality
  • Composition and visual impact
  • Creativity and interpretation
  • Professional presentation

Important Dates

Submission Deadline: September 12, 2026

Acceptance Notification: September 16, 2026

Exhibition Dates: October 07, 2026 through November 15, 2026

Artist Reception Date: October 10, 2026

Artist Reception: TBD

Submission Fee There are no submission fees.
Participation Fee $50 per artist | This fee is waived for NoCo ARTS Members

Before You Apply

  • Notification of Acceptance will be emailed by the end of day on September 16th, 2026.
  • Artist Agreement and Participation Fee* deadline is September 19th, 2026.
  • In-person delivery of artwork must be scheduled with NoCo ARTS during normal business hours on September 30 - October 3, 2026.
  • Shipping expenses for artwork delivered to and from NoCo ARTS/Exhibiting Artist will be paid for by the artist.
  • All artwork must be gallery-ready upon delivery. Any artwork delivered without proper hardware will not be displayed in the gallery.
  • In-person pick up of artwork from NoCo ARTS will be scheduled for November 15th immediately after Artist Q+A or November 18th - 22nd during normal business hours.
  • Exhibiting Artists will be asked to participate in at least one Exhibition Experience which may include the Artist Q+A, an in-person demonstration/presentation, workshop, or interview with local media outlets.
Download Prospectus

Apply for an Exhibit Opportunity

Please review the submissions guideline in the appropriate Artist Call above BEFORE completing the application form below.

Select the exhibition opportunity you are interested in followed by filling in each field.

Thank you!

Create, Connect, and Be Part of the NoCo Arts Community

NoCo Arts brings together artists, makers, instructors, and the local community through exhibits, workshops, memberships, and creative events in Downtown Newton NC. Whether you want to attend an event, join as a member, or spend more time around local art and creativity, there is always something happening at NoCo Arts.
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