Call for Entry
What are the monsters that keep us up at night—and what helps us turn on the light? Visual artists aged 18 and older and residing within 250 miles of the Quad Cities are invited to submit up to two original works for a $15 fee in any visual art medium that pertain to the theme of “monsters,” both literal and figurative, and the ways we confront, cope with, and move through them for a juried, group exhibition in our Rock Island Gallery from October 9 - December 4, 2026. All artwork must be original and created by the submitting artist. Reproductions will not be accepted.
All submissions are to be submitted through the jotform at jotform.com/form/262224676249160 by September 20. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of art professionals and evaluated on originality, technical skill, composition, impact, and craftsmanship. Selected works must be professionally presented and ready for gallery installation.
Through this exhibition, Quad City Arts invites artists to explore the many forms our “monsters” can take and the ways creativity can help us give shape to experiences that are difficult to put into words. Whether confronting fear, stress, uncertainty, personal struggles, or the challenges of everyday life, artists are encouraged to interpret the theme through their own experiences and perspectives. Work may explore the darkness we wrestle with, the things that help us cope, or the moments of humor, resilience, connection, and hope that help us find our way forward.
Important Dates:
Key Details:
Quad City Arts Gallery is located at 1715 Second Avenue in the Arts and Entertainment District of Rock Island. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 11am–5pm. For more information, contact Dawn Wohlford-Metallo 309-793-1213 x108, or by email at [email protected].
All submissions are to be submitted through the jotform at jotform.com/form/262224676249160 by September 20. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of art professionals and evaluated on originality, technical skill, composition, impact, and craftsmanship. Selected works must be professionally presented and ready for gallery installation.
Through this exhibition, Quad City Arts invites artists to explore the many forms our “monsters” can take and the ways creativity can help us give shape to experiences that are difficult to put into words. Whether confronting fear, stress, uncertainty, personal struggles, or the challenges of everyday life, artists are encouraged to interpret the theme through their own experiences and perspectives. Work may explore the darkness we wrestle with, the things that help us cope, or the moments of humor, resilience, connection, and hope that help us find our way forward.
Important Dates:
- September 20, 2026 (by midnight): Submissions due
- September 25, 2026: Notification of selection
- October 3, 2026 (by 4:30 PM): Deadline for selected artwork to arrive at Quad City Arts
- October 9, 2026 (6–8 PM): Opening Reception with music and food
- December 5, 2026 (11AM–4:30 PM): Artwork pickup at Quad City Arts
Key Details:
- Eligibility: 18+, within 250 miles of the Quad Cities
- Media: All visual art forms accepted
- Submission Limit: Up to 2 original works
- Exhibition Dates: October 9 – December 5, 2026
- Location: Quad City Arts Rock Island Gallery
Quad City Arts Gallery is located at 1715 Second Avenue in the Arts and Entertainment District of Rock Island. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 11am–5pm. For more information, contact Dawn Wohlford-Metallo 309-793-1213 x108, or by email at [email protected].
