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Submit your information here and LVA will spread the word! (* LVA only promotes opportunities within a 350 mile radius of Louisville, Kentucky.)

"Artist opportunity" refers to an exhibit, residency, art fair, grant, award, workshop, or RFP.

If you have an event change or need something edited that has already been posted, please reach out to Taylor@louisvillevisualart.org

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Deadline: Ongoing August-December 

Artist Opportunity Type: Workshop
Entry Fee: $25 per session
Open to (any restrictions on entries): All levels of experience welcome. Space is limited.
Exhibition/Event Dates: 8/25/2025-12/01/2025
Event Location (City/Venue): Belmar Studio Arts, 1206 Belmar Drive, Louisville, KY, 40213
Contact: bart@belmartstudioarts.com
Additional Information: These are on going classes. No registration required. Space is limited. Beginners welcome. Students are offered instruction and space to work at their own pace. Students are encouraged to define personal goals to pursue in their work. Owner and Instructor Bart Galloway has 30 + years experience teaching Drawing and Painting to students of all ages and abilities. For more information go to www.belmarstudioarts.com and www.bartgalloway.com. Email: bart@belmarstudioarts.com or call 502-496-3729. Cost*: $25 per session. Some supplies included. Cash or Venmo.
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Deadline: November 21, 2025

Artist Opportunity Type: Workshop
Entry Fee: $250
Open to (any restrictions on entries): All
Exhibition/Event Dates:    11/22/25
Event Location (City/Venue): 147 Stevenson Avenue, Louisville, KY, USA
Contact: Visit link below
Additional Information: Welcome to the exciting event of Forging Knives from Railroad Spikes! Join us at 147 Stevenson Avenue, Louisville, KY, USA for a hands-on experience in creating unique knives from authentic railroad spikes. Learn the art of blacksmithing and take home your very own custom-made knife. Don't miss out on this opportunity to craft something truly special!
Forging Knives from Railroad Spikes"Under a spreading chestnut-tree
⁠The village smithy stands; 
The smith, a mighty man is he,
With large and sinewy hands,
And the muscles of his brawny arms
Are strong as iron bands."Henry Wadsworth LongfellowYour fortunes can be wrought; thus on its sounding anvil shaped. Each burning deed and knife.While making a hand forged knife each student will learn the proper use of the hammer, tong and anvil. Students will have the opportunity to use either a natural gas or coal forge. This 7 hour class starts forging the spikes red hot into shape. first the handle which includes tapering and twisting the metal.

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Deadline: November 22, 2025

Artist Opportunity Type: Exhibition
Entry Fee: $45 for up to three entries. $5 per each additional entry.
Open to (any restrictions on entries): Open to artists currently residing in the states of Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana
Exhibition/Event Dates: March 6 - April 3, 2026
Event Location (City/Venue): Manifest Creative Research Gallery and Drawing Center, 2727 Woodburn Avenue, Cincinnati, OH
Contact: info@manifestgallery.org
Additional Information: The Cincinnati based non-profit arts organization and gallery, Manifest, invites visual artists and designers currently living in Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana to submit original works of art of any type, media, or style.
In 21 seasons Manifest's projects have included works by artists in 50 states and 48 countries. Beginning in its tenth season, twelve years ago, Manifest launched an ongoing series of exhibits focusing on works by artists in its own three-state region.
This regional exhibit has no defined expectation for work to be considered or selected. The only criteria for entry is that works must qualify as works of visual art in the broadest sense of the term made by artists currently living in Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana.
$45 for up to THREE entries submitted. $5 per each additional entry. 
Includes honorarium of $50 for each exhibiting artist, and Grand Jury Award of $1,000 for one jury-selected work from among the exhibits on view.

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Deadline: November 23, 2025

Artist Opportunity Type: Exhibition
Entry Fee: $10 per each entry.
Open to (any restrictions on entries): Open Internationally.
Exhibition/Event Dates: March 6 - April 3, 2026
Event Location (City/Venue): Manifest Creative Research Gallery and Drawing Center, 2727 Woodburn Avenue, Cincinnati, OH
Contact: info@manifestgallery.org
Additional Information: The Cincinnati based non-profit arts organization and gallery, Manifest, invites visual artists and designers to submit works of art with no specific theme. Open to all traditional and non-traditional genre and media, including 2D, 3D, etc.
Manifest is known for its thoughtful thematic approaches to exhibitions. When we put out a call for works with a subject in mind, the resulting show serves as a survey of contemporary art made about that certain idea. The subjects span geographies, emotions, methods, ideas. Through our over 500 exhibit history Manifest has produced shows exploring hundreds of unique themes. And each work, each theme, has been documented through our exhibition catalogs and award-winning publications.

The next creative experiment we want to run is this: reverse the process and host an open call, then discover the theme (or multiple themes) through the curatorial process, and not before. With an eye still fixed on finding and showcasing exceptional quality visual art, we want to give the artists a chance to steer the epiphanies that a TOTALLY OPEN call will yield.
$10 per each entry.
Includes honorarium of $50 for each exhibiting artist, and Grand Jury Award of $1,000 for one jury-selected work from among the exhibits on view.

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Deadline: November 28, 2025

Artist Opportunity Type: Workshop
Entry Fee: $498
Open to (any restrictions on entries):Level of Study: OPEN
Open to all levels, this workshop is an opportunity to sharpen your observational skills, deepen your understanding of value, and explore how reductive drawing can bring portraits to life with nuance and depth.
Exhibition/Event Dates: December 19 - 21, 2025
Event Location (City/Venue): Kevin Leigh-Manuell, 3464 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH
Contact: kevin@manifestvisualarts.org
Additional Information: Description
This three-day portrait workshop introduces artists to the reductive method—a process that starts with a toned ground and builds form by erasing and pulling out light, rather than only adding dark marks. This approach emphasizes clarity of value and structure, helping artists see the portrait as an interplay of light and shadow rather than just lines.
The workshop begins Friday evening with a class demonstration, followed by two sustained portrait poses over Saturday and Sunday. Participants will work step by step, starting with a flat block-in and gradually modeling form under a single light source. Along the way, instruction will cover anatomy, proportions, and composition, with live demos and individualized critiques to reinforce learning.
Key Topics include:
• Reductive vs. additive drawing methods
• Structure of the head and accurate proportion
• Modeling form with light and shadow
• Designing effective compositions
About the instructor
Savannah Tate Cuff (b. 1993) is a Cincinnati native who trained in classical painting and drawing at the Angel Academy of Art in Florence, Italy (2014) and later completed the four-year program at the Grand Central Atelier in New York City (2018). Specializing in figure painting and portraiture, she has taught at Grand Central Atelier’s part-time program and led workshops internationally at institutions including Manifest Drawing Center (Cincinnati, OH), Glasgow Academy of Fine Art (Scotland), Snow College (Utah), and AARP (Portugal).
In 2020, Savannah was awarded the Alma Shapiro Rome Prize, which allowed her to study classical sculpture and create Old Master copies in Rome’s museums. Today, she works primarily on private portrait commissions while also painting friends and family, continuing her dedication to the tradition of realist painting.

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Deadline: December 1, 2025

Artist Opportunity Type: Exhibition
Entry Fee: $0
Open to (any restrictions on entries): Watercolor Artists within driving distance of Louisville, as works will be delivered and picked up by the artist.
Exhibition/Event Dates: January 3, 2026 - February 28, 2026
Event Location (City/Venue): Roberta Marx Gallery, 4936 Brownsboro Rd. Louisville, KY. 40222
Contact: RobertaMarxGallery@gmail.com
Additional Information: Juried. Please submit at least two high res images by email to RobertaMarxGallery@gmail.com.
The exhibition of "Watercolors" will be hung in the Roberta Marx Gallery, at 4936 Brownsboro Road (All Peoples UU Church), Louisville, Kentucky 40222 from January 3 through February 28, 2026, with works to be delivered and picked up on those dates.
1 or 2 Watercolor works will be chosen per artist. Each watercolor not to exceed 24" X 36". Framed with glass or plexiglas and wired on back.

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Deadline: December 1, 2025

Artist Opportunity Type: Workshop
Entry Fee: $0
Open to (any restrictions on entries): Adults, 16+
Exhibition/Event Dates: 1/29 - 3/6
Event Location (City/Venue): Maybe Its Fate, 1425 Story Ave
Contact: skylar.smith4@gmail.com
Additional Information: 'Color + Flow' is 6-week adult art class. We will explore the worlds of color, design, and intuitive art-making.
This class focuses less on a finished product and more on finding joy in the creative process. You will learn the basics of color theory, two-dimensional design, and techniques with materials including gouache, colored pencil, collage, graphite and charcoal. You will also learn about traditional and contemporary artists.
This class is for ALL LEVELS, limited to 10 people.
The class will meet at Maybe It's Fate, an artist co-op in Butchertown.
There are 2 class times: Thursday evenings 6-8pm and Friday mornings 9:30-11:30am.
Classes start the week of 1/26/26 and end the week of 3/2/26. 
The cost for the class is $325. This includes all supplies valued at $145. If you wish to purchase or bring your own supplies, the supply list will be provided. The cost of the class without supplies is $180. If you'd like to sign up, a deposit of half the class amount is due by 12/1/25. 
If you are interested, please contact skylar.smith4@gmail.com with your class time & cost preference.

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Deadline: December 1, 2025

Artist Opportunity Type: Residency or Fellowship
Entry Fee: $0
Open to (any restrictions on entries): The residency is currently open to visual and mixed-media artists, including those working with sound and performance art that incorporates visual elements. It is not available for writers, musicians, or dancers.
Exhibition/Event Dates: January 1  - December 31 2026
Event Location (City/Venue): Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, 2499 Clermont Rd. Hwy 245, Clermont KY 40110
Contact: jzeller@bernheim.org
Additional Information: The application period is now open for Bernheim Forest and Arboretum’s 2026 Artist in Residence programs for regional, national, and international artists. Deadline for submissions is midnight EST, December 1, 2025. Artists are invited to apply for one of the 4 residency slots awarded annually, each with a $2500 stipend, housing and staff support. One residency is dedicated to a regional artist currently living in Kentucky or in Clark and Floyd counties of Southern Indiana. One residency is dedicated to an artist whose work addresses environmental issues and climate change. The selected artists will live at Bernheim for six to eight weeks in 2026, where they are encouraged to explore new avenues in the creation of site-specific ecological and environmental artwork. Visual and mixed media artists of all mediums, with the broadest range of diverse perspectives and experiences, are encouraged to submit work for consideration.

Unleash your creativity within 16,000+ acres of stunning natural beauty in Kentucky! Bernheim is now accepting applications for the 2026 Artist in Residence program. Since 1980, this acclaimed residency annually awards visual artists of all mediums the opportunity to live and create site-specific work inspired by their total immersion in the natural environment.

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Deadline: December 10, 2025

Artist Opportunity Type: Workshop
Entry Fee: $65
Open to (any restrictions on entries): Artists and art enthusiasts ages 15 and up.
Exhibition/Event Dates: 12/11/2025
Event Location (City/Venue): Calliope Arts printmaking studio, 324 E College Street, louisville, ky, 40203
Contact: info@calliope-arts.com
Additional Information: Carve a 4" x 6" block and create a set of original prints using the basics of relief printmaking. All materials will be provided, including sheets of paper and blank greeting cards for printing. This workshop is perfect for all skill levels—whether you're curious about printmaking, exploring a new medium, or looking to return to a print studio.

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Deadline: December 11, 2025

Artist Opportunity Type: Grant
Entry Fee: $35
Open to (any restrictions on entries): Visual Artists and Photographers 18 years and older, from all around the world, are eligible to apply. All media and genres are accepted. All applicants retain the right to the work they submit. Apply today at https://innovateartistgrants.org
Exhibition/Event Dates: 01/15/2026
Event Location (City/Venue): International, Online
Contact: email@innovateartistgrants.org
Additional Information: FALL 2025 OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS — Innovate Grant is thrilled to introduce our newly increased award amounts of $1,800.00. 
Innovate Grant awards (2) $1,800.00 grants each quarter, to one Visual Artist and one Photographer. In addition, (12) honorable mentions (6 in art and 6 in photo), will be featured on our website and join a growing community of vibrant and talented artists. Innovate Grant's commitment extends beyond the grant cycle by promoting the work of selected winners and honorable mentions into the future. For more information and to apply visit https://innovateartistgrants.org
Innovate Grant supports artists and photographers through quarterly grants. We've simplified the grant process, so that artists and photographers can focus on making their innovative work. The work should speak for itself and our application reflects that. 
Innovate Grant awards:
+ 1 x $1,800.00 Grant to a Visual Artist
+ 1 x $1,800.00 Grant to a Photographer
+ 12 x Honorable Mentions
Explore the work of ALL Past Innovate Grant recipients and read their interviews at https://innovateartistgrants.org
How to Apply: Visual Artists and Photographers 18 years and older, from all around the world, are eligible to apply. All media and genres are accepted. All applicants retain the right to the work they submit. Apply today at https://innovateartistgrants.org
Category: Multiple disciplines and genres accepted
Deadline:  Thursday, December 11, 2025 – Submit by 11:59PM Pacific Standard Time
Region: US & International
Awards: 2 x $1,800.00 USD Grants // 12 x Honorable Mentions
Apply Online Today
https://innovateartistgrants.org

Deadline: December 15, 2025

Artist Opportunity Type: RFQ or RFP
Entry Fee: $0
Open to (any restrictions on entries):
• All artists must be over 18 years of age, or teams with one member over the age of 18
• Artist or artist team resides within 200 miles of Louisville, KY
• Experience with large-scale outdoor murals
Exhibition/Event Dates: January - April 2026
Event Location (City/Venue): Main Street underpass in Downtown Louisville.
Contact: jcutshaw@louisvilledowntown.org
Additional Information: Louisville Downtown Partnership (LDP) is seeking a mural artist or artist team to design and install a large-scale mural on the south wall of the Main Street underpass in Downtown Louisville. The wall spans roughly 260 feet wide, with heights of 23 feet on the east side and 12 feet on the west side. The creative
theme, "Bridging Louisville," envisions weaving together the stories of Downtown’s past and present with those of adjacent neighborhoods—creating a visual bridge that celebrates our shared identity and history.
Selection Process
The selection committee will have representatives from LDP, the Mayor’s Office, the Commission on Public Art (COPA), and adjacent property owners. The awarded artist or artist team will be notified no later than the end of January 2026.
Selection Criteria
Submission to include:
• Written Statement
o Experience with large-scale murals in outdoor public spaces
o Experience with community-engaged public art
o Project timeline and budget breakdown
• Proposed concept sketch and description (full color and fine detail not required, but should communicate storytelling, layout, and style direction)
• Portfolio (overall artistic style and quality of work) Submission Instructions
Deadline: December 15, 2026:
• Share all required information along with contact information: full name(s), mailing address, and phone number
• Portfolio (3-5 relevant mural works) including artist bio (can be links to website pages or digital files)
• Professional references (2), name and email
• Application Form - All information will be collected in the form, including uploaded files
• Artist or artist team name must be on each file uploaded Timeline
Phase 1: Call for Mural Artists & Final Selection
Artist applications will be due by Monday, December 15, 2025 at 11:59 pm ET. Artists may be contacted with questions regarding their concept sketch. Additional information may be requested to make final selection, including a full-color render, if necessary. Artists will be paid for any post-submission artwork
requests if they are not awarded the project.
Phase 2: Contracting, Design, and Installation
The final artist or artist team will be asked to enter a contract, which outlines project milestones and a payment schedule, with LDP. Anticipated installation will be in the early spring of 2026, depending on the design process and the artist’s availability.
For questions or site details, contact Jenny Cutshaw, 502-614-4129, jcutshaw@louisvilledowntown.org

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Deadline: January 23, 2026 

Artist Opportunity Type: Exhibition
Entry Fee: $0
Open to (any restrictions on entries):
Open to artists and makers 18+ residing in Kentucky and surrounding states, working in fiber, leather, textile, or mixed media. Works must be original, handcrafted handbags created by the artist.
Exhibition/Event Dates: March 7, 2026 - April 25, 2026
Event Location (City/Venue): The Little Loomhouse, 328 Kenwood Hill Road, louisville, ky, 40214
Contact: normadrish@littleloomhouse.org
Additional Information: Fashioned to Carry takes a stylish and lighthearted look at the handbag — part fashion, part function, and always along for the ride. This exhibition invites artists to showcase handcrafted purses that play with shape, construction, materials, and design. Whether sleek, classic, or a little daring, each bag celebrates the creativity and craftsmanship that make handbags so irresistible.
Visitors will see works that blend structure, texture, and flair — pieces that prove the things we carry can be both beautiful and cleverly built.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Each artist may submit up to 3 handbags.
Please include:
•    2–4 clear images of each work (front, back, and one detail shot)
•    Title, materials, size, and year completed
•    Retail or insurance value (optional)
•    Artist name, email, and phone number
•    Optional: Website or Instagram handle
CRAFTSMANSHIP STANDARDS
Submissions must show:
•    Clean, secure stitching or construction
•    Quality materials and finish (no loose threads, glue marks, or unstable parts)
•    Neat closures, lining, and edges
•    Structural integrity suitable for display
•    Clear design intention and professional presentation
CURATION & SELECTION
This is a curated exhibition.
Entries will be reviewed for:
1.    Craftsmanship & Technique
2.    Design & Aesthetic Quality
3.    Material Use & Construction
4.    Originality & Creativity
5.    Presentation Readiness
IMPORTANT DATES
•    Submission Deadline:  January 23, 2026
•    Notification of Acceptance:   January 26, 2026
•    Artwork Delivery:  NLT February 27, 2026 at 3pm
•    Exhibition Opens:   March  7, 2026
•    Reception:  March 7, 2026, 2-4pm
•    Artwork Pickup:  March 7 - 13, 2026

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Deadline: May 10, 2026

Artist Opportunity Type: Fair or festival 
Entry Fee: $35
Open to (any restrictions on entries): All artists, all mediums. No buy and sell products.
Exhibition/Event Dates: September 12 & 13, 2026
Event Location (City/Venue): Big Four Bridge Lawn, Waterfront Park, 1103 River Road
Contact: INFO@bigfourartsfestival.com
Additional Information: The Big Four Arts Festival in Louisville, KY has been the most attended (15k+) two-day event ever held at Waterfront Park. The 10th B4AF 2026, the weekend following Labor Day, will be held at Waterfront Park on the Big Four Bridge Lawn. The venue is tree-lined walks overlooking the Ohio River, designed for festivals and special events..
2025 was a huge success, JOIN US in 2026!
Such was the overall success of the B4AF that Louisville's Tourism Bureau presented us the Rose Award for bringing in so much commerce. In 23", 24", & 25" we were selected Top 200, by Sunshine Artist Magazine, #27 in under 8 years!
Festival dates:
Saturday Sept 12th, 10 am-7 pm
Sunday Sept 13th, 10 am-5 pm
Friday Sept 11th Artist set up, 9am - 5pm

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Founded in 1909, Louisville Visual Art (LVA) nurtures our city's diverse artists throughout their creative lifecycles with youth art education, professional artist development, and art in public spaces. Since 1925, we've inspired future generations of creative leaders through Children's Fine Art Classes (CFAC). Our outreach programs span the Louisville Metro, enriching diverse communities. From our creative hub in the Portland neighborhood, we encourage artists through the Artists Talk with LVA radio show, Curate Purchase Inspire (CPI), Open Studio Weekend, and weekly calls for artists.

Our Contact Information

Louisville Visual Art

1538 Lytle St. Louisville, KY 40203
502.584.8166
www.louisvillevisualart.org

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to Louisville Visual Art with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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