Forgotten Artists: Homage to the Past

July 28 – Aug 24, 2027

@ YC Art Gallery, Prescott, AZ

Submissions Close: May 15, 2027

Artist Notification: June 5, 2027

Juror: TBA

Exhibition Concept Forgotten Artists is a research-driven exhibition that brings visibility to artists whose contributions have been historically overlooked, marginalized, or lost over time or not taught in art history. By reintroducing these figures into contemporary dialogue, the exhibition seeks to expand and challenge dominant narratives within art history.

Participating artists are invited to research and select a “forgotten” artist—one whose work, influence, or cultural significance has faded from public recognition—and create new work in response to that artist’s legacy. The selected artist may come from any culture and must be from a historical period between the 1700s and 1970. These contemporary interpretations act as both homage and critical inquiry, bridging past and present through creative reinterpretation.

Media & Artistic Approach   The exhibition will feature a diverse range of media, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary art practices. Works may include:

· 2D media: painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, and mixed media

· 3D media: jewelry, ceramics, sculpture (including welded and assemblage), woodworking, and installation

Artists are encouraged to engage deeply with both the formal qualities and conceptual frameworks of their chosen figure, translating historical influence into a contemporary visual language.

Research & Interpretation Component   A key element of Forgotten Artists' emphasis is on research and education. Each participating artist will submit a concise written statement (approximately 50–100 words) to accompany their work. This statement will:

· Identify the “forgotten” artist being referenced

· Provide relevant historical and cultural context

· Explain how this research informed the artist’s art style

· Why did the participating artist choose “forgotten” artist work

These texts will be displayed alongside the artwork, reinforcing the educational mission of the Yavapai College Art Gallery and fostering deeper engagement among viewers, artists, and art history.

 Example:   Sarah Biffin, born without arms and vestigial legs, painted using her mouth. She received a medal from the Society of Arts in 1821 and was known for her miniature portraits, still life, and calligraphy.

Questions?

Contact Edd Mastion, YC Prescott Art Gallery

928/776-2031

Edward.Mastion@yc.edu

Request for Proposals

Deadline: Friday, June 5, 2026 

Contact: Timothy.Hull@yc.edu

The Yavapai College Prescott Art Gallery invites artists to submit proposals to Transform a Vintage Phone Booth into an Interactive Sculpture.

 Pics & Video:  https://www.ycarts.org/phone-booth-artist-proposal

 Artists are encouraged to combine technology and aesthetics to create an interactive experience within the phone booth.

The sculpture will be installed on the Yavapai College Prescott Campus.

The winning artist will receive $1,000 for materials and construction, a $1,000 stipe-end, and a $500 travel allownce.

Access to the booth available on request.

Timothy.Hull@yc.edu

Call for Art: HeART of America 

October 1st - October 29th, 2026 

HeART of America is a juried exhibition at the Patty McMullen-Mikles Art Gallery exploring the symbols, icons, and stories that have shaped the American experience. From the American flag and the Statue of Liberty to historic landmarks, cultural traditions, and everyday objects that define life in the United States, the exhibition highlights the diverse ways artists interpret the nation’s identity. Celebrating America 250, HeART of America invites visitors to reflect and connect with the symbols and iconography that continues to define what it means to be American.

HeART of America | October 1st - October 29th, 2026 

Opening Reception: October 1st from 5pm - 7pm 

601 Black Hills Drive, Bldg F, Clarkdale, AZ

Gallery Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10 am – 3pm

What Artwork fits this exhibition?

National Symbols: American flag, Bald eagle, Statue of Liberty, Liberty Bell, Uncle Sam, White House, U.S. Capitol dome, Mount Rushmore, The Great Seal of the United States, The Pledge of Allegiance text, The Constitution, Declaration of Independence, The Star-Spangled Banner, Lady Liberty torch, Red, white, and blue color scheme

Americana & Road Culture: Route 66 sign, Classic diners, Neon motel signs, Drive-in theaters, Gas station pumps (vintage), Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Pickup trucks, Muscle cars, Cadillac tail-fins, Airstream trailers, Barns with flag murals, Grain silos, Roadside attractions (giant statues), Desert highways

Pop Culture Icons: Hollywood sign, Mickey Mouse, Superman “S” shield, Captain America shield, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Coca-Cola logo, McDonald’s golden arches, Apple logo, Nike swoosh, Blue jeans (Levi’s 501s), Baseball cap, Converse Chuck Taylors, Barbie doll, The Oscars statuette

Sports Symbols: Baseball and bat, MLB logo silhouette, NFL shield, Super Bowl trophy, NBA logo, College football helmets, Tailgating imagery

Western & Frontier Imagery: Cowboy hat, Cowboy boots, Spurs, Horseshoe, Rodeo rider, Lasso, Longhorn skull, Covered wagon, Log cabin, Sheriff’s star badge, Saloon doors, Prairie landscape

Holiday & Seasonal Americana: Fourth of July fireworks, Uncle Sam hats, Thanksgiving turkey, Pilgrim hat, Cornucopia, Pumpkin pie, Christmas small-town Main Street

Architectural & Landmark Symbols: Golden Gate Bridge, Empire State Building, Gateway Arch, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square billboards, Las Vegas neon sign, Southern plantation columns, New England lighthouse, Midwestern water tower

Folk Art & Visual Motifs: Barn stars, Quilts, Weather vanes, Whirligigs, Americana typography (script signage), Vintage hand-painted signs, Patriotic bunting, Checkerboard picnic cloth

Music & Cultural Motifs: Electric guitar, Blues harmonica, Banjo, Jazz trumpet, Nashville skyline, Vinyl records, Jukebox, Boom box, Hip-hop graffiti

Food & Everyday Icons: Apple pie, Hot dog, Hamburger, BBQ smoker, Milkshake glass, Red-and-white checkered basket, Corn dog, Thanksgiving table, Diner coffee mug

Submission Guidelines

·  Eligible media: all media; including Painting, Drawing, Ceramics, Mixed Media, Digital, Metal, Wood, Glass, Printmaking, Sculpture, Fiber, Photography, etc

·  Deadline:  September 1st, 2026

·  Mailed artwork will be accepted. Yavapai College does not pay for shipping or insurance. 

·  Include with submission: artist name, title, medium, dimensions, price, and brief statement (optional)

·  $10 entry free per piece of artwork raises funds for monetary awards. 

·  Max 5 entries per Artist 

·  Art must be adequately framed, wired, and ready to hang (no saw tooth or loop hangers). Gallery wraps are acceptable provided they are at least 1/2 inch deep and are painted on all four sides. Three-dimensional work is not to exceed 40 lbs. Two-dimensional work must not exceed 48-inches in width and 48-inches height.

Important Dates:

Submission Deadline: September 1st, 2026

Artist Notification: September 5th, 2026

Gallery Drop off Date: Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026 | 10 am – 3 pm

Opening Reception: Thursday, October 1st, 2026 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Artwork Pickup: Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026 | 10 am – 3 pm

Juror: Robyn Prud'homme-Bauer, Clarkdale Mayor

Terms and Conditions

Artists will need to deliver artwork to the gallery on the specified date. If delivery cannot be made on drop off date, prior arrangements must be made with gallery manager. Mailed Art will be accepted with prior arrangement with gallery manager. Artists are responsible for all shipping costs, insurance and providing a return label. All artwork selected for the exhibition will be photographed by the college. The YC Art Gallery retains a 25% commission on all works sold. Sold work remains in gallery during the entire exhibition. Payments are made to artists at the close of the exhibition. Works to be included and their installation will be at the discretion of the Gallery Manager. YC reserves the right to reject works that were not properly prepared for instillation. YC reserves the right to reject work that is deemed fragile or unstable. ** All Artwork must be labeled clearly with artist name on the back or bottom. *

Questions? Contact Verde Gallery Manager Molly Borsom @ molly.borsom@yc.edu