About The Art
The 89th National Midyear Exhibition presents two-dimensional and relief works by contemporary artists 18 years and older who reside within the United States or its territories. This year’s juror is Dr. Louis Zona, Director Emeritus of The Butler Institute of American Art.
Exhibit Details and Special Events:
Entries due by April 10, 2026
Exhibition Dates: July 12 – August 20, 2026
Reception July 12, 2026, with an Awards Presentation at 2pm
Located in MacIntosh & Finnegan-Hynes Galleries
RULES OF ENTRY
- Entrants must reside in the USA or one of its territories and must be 18 years of age or older.
- Entrants may submit up to three works. Works must be created after January 1, 2024. All works must hang on the wall by securely attached D-rings. Works may be paintings, works on paper (including photography), or relief. Works must measure no more than 6 feet in any direction and must weigh no more than 125 pounds. Works must be original to the submitting artist and may not have been included in any previous Butler exhibitions.
- Entrants must submit digital jpeg images of work no later than April 10, 2026. The submitted images are assumed to be accurate representations of the actual work. One image per entry. Please title each entry image with the artist’s last name, underscore, title. For example, Homer_Snap the Whip. Spaces between the words in the title are preferred.
- Entries are to be submitted online. The fee is $50.00.
INSURANCE LIABILITY
ARTISTS MUST PROVIDE THEIR OWN INSURANCE.
Works will be handled with care and professionalism, but acceptance into the exhibition is at the artist’s risk. Entrants must ensure their own work. The Butler cannot assume any liability for loss or damage, however caused. Submission of work and signature of the artist on the entry form constitute agreement to all terms, conditions, and rules of entry.
CASH AWARDS
Cash awards will be announced at the opening Sunday, July 12, 2026. Winners not present at the exhibition opening will be contacted by mail after that date.
MIDYEAR PRIZE
The Butler Institute of American Art will award one Midyear Prize consisting of a solo exhibition in a single gallery at the Butler. The prize includes shipping costs and insurance coverage, as determined by the Butler. The Midyear Prize Exhibition will take place in the calendar year following the 89th National Midyear Exhibition.
Eligibility for the Midyear Prize requires that the artist’s work be accepted into the 89th National Midyear Exhibition. To be considered for the prize, entrants must provide a link to a body of work or an artist website at the time of entry. Additional terms and conditions apply and will be provided upon acceptance into the 89th National Midyear Exhibition.
DELIVERY ARRANGEMENTS
Artwork being shipped must arrive no sooner than June 2, 2026, and no later than June 16, 2026. No delivery on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday. All shipping arrangements and costs are the responsibility of the artist. A prepaid return shipping label must be included with the work upon arrival. Return shipping should reasonably be expected to leave the Butler by September 18, 2026.
In-person deliveries will be accepted June 4, 2026 – June 6, 2026, between the hours of 11 AM – 3 PM.
In-person pickup will take place September 9, 2026 – September 12, 2026, between the hours of 11 AM – 3 PM.
Shipping questions should be directed to Venise Abell at 330-743-1107 extension 1314 or vabell@butlerart.com.
ENTRY FORM
JUROR
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Louis A. Zona, Director Emeritus of the Butler Institute of American Art, will serve as juror for the 89th Midyear Juried Exhibition.
Dr. Zona served for more than four decades as Executive Director and Chief Curator at the Butler, guiding the museum’s significant growth during his tenure. Nationally recognized as an exceptional curator, scholar, and educator, his depth of knowledge and long-standing commitment to American art bring exceptional insight to the jurying process.