About The Art
The National Midyear Exhibition at the Butler Institute of American Art is one of the country’s longest-running and most respected juried exhibitions open to contemporary artists 18 years of age or older residing in the United States and its territories. Held annually for more than eight decades, the Midyear Exhibition highlights the diversity, skill, and innovation of American visual art and has showcased thousands of artists from across the nation.
Traditionally focused on two-dimensional work including painting, works on paper, and photography, the Midyear Exhibition has expanded in recent years to include sculptural relief, provided the artwork is wall-mounted using D-rings and meets all other requirements outlined in the rules of entry. Full entry guidelines are available at butlerart.com.
In recent years, the Butler has introduced an alternating cycle in which the National Midyear Juried Exhibition and the Midyear Prize Exhibition occur in alternating years. While the juried Midyear continues to spotlight a broad range of contemporary wall-based work, the Midyear Prize offers one selected artist the opportunity for a future solo exhibition at the Butler Institute of American Art. Previous Midyear Prize winners include John Jude Palencar, and Autumn Joi Ellis.
This year the Butler is also reviving the tradition of “invited artists” with the Midyear Committee selecting up to five contemporary professional artists to be featured alongside the juried exhibition.
The National Midyear provides artists of the United States with national visibility and professional recognition, and remains a cornerstone of the Butler’s mission to celebrate and cultivate excellence in American art.
Exhibit Details and Special Events:
*ALL NOTIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN SENT VIA EMAIL*
Shipping Accepted Artwork: June 2 – June 16 (no shipping on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday. For shipping arrangements & questions contact Steve Leahy at stevenleahy@butlerart.com
In-person Deliveries of Accepted Artwork: June 4 – 6 between 11am-3pm
Exhibition Dates: July 12 – August 20, 2026
Opening Reception: July 12 from 1-3pm, with an Awards Presentation at 2pm
On view in MacIntosh & Finnegan-Hynes Galleries
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.
The jurying and award process is overseen by the Midyear Committee, composed of Butler staff and Board members, to ensure a fair, transparent, and ethical selection process.