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Release Date: January 5,2026

Call for Art: Akron Symphony Orchestra’s 2ND Annual Music and Art Juried Concert Exhibition

January 5, 2026, Akron, Ohio — The Akron Symphony Orchestra invites artists to participate in the 2nd Annual Music and Art Juried Concert Exhibition, held in conjunction with our performance of Mozart & Vivaldi on March 7, 2026 at E.J. Thomas Hall. This unique event provides an opportunity to showcase your music-inspired artwork to an engaged audience of music and art enthusiasts.

OVERVIEW:

  • Accepted artists will receive a free ticket to the March 7th concert of “Mozart & Vivaldi”.
  • All artists that apply regardless of acceptance will also receive a 50% off coupon code that they can use to invite friends, family, and supporters.
  • Artists will have the opportunity to have their artwork displayed alongside other local artists in a theme that celebrates the intersection and inspiration involved with music and art. All pieces must be inspired by, or representative of, music.
  • There is absolutely no entry fee.
  • Cash prizing available for “Best-in-Show” as well as a “People’s Choice” award voted on by concert patrons.
  • Available to artists in the greater Northeast-Ohio area, middle-school aged or older (Approx. 13)

Jurors:

  • Geraldine Kiefer— Professor Emeritus of Art at Shenandoah University
  • Tom Knauer— Artists Incorporated
  • Jenn Kidd— The Nightlight Cinema, Executive Director

Exhibition Details:

  • Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
  • Location: E.J. Thomas Hall, Akron, Ohio
  • Time: 6:00 PM – End of Concert (including intermission)
  • Preconcert Reception for Artists and their concertgoing guests
  • Sales: All displayed artwork will be available for sale. Unsold pieces must be removed by the artist at the end of the evening.
  • Entry Fee: Participation is absolutely free, up to three pieces; there is no entry fee.
  • Commissions: The Akron Symphony Orchestra will take zero commission fees on artwork sales.

Submission Guidelines:

  • Deadline for Submissions: February 6, 2026
  • Notification of Acceptance: No later than Feb 23, 2026
  • Artwork Dropoff: To be coordinated upon submission; prospective artists should plan for Friday, March 6th from 6:00 PM–9:00 PM, or otherwise, make arrangements.
  • Pickup: At the conclusion of the concert, approximately 10:00 PM.

Eligibility and Categories:
Categories:

  • Adult Artists (18 years and older)
  • Teen Artists (Ages 13-17, Middle School, High School)

Residency Requirement: Artists must reside in one of the following Northeast Ohio counties: Ashland, Ashtabula, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Harrison, Holmes, Huron, Jefferson, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, Wayne.

Prizes:

  • Best in Show: Adult – $250
  • Best in Show: Teen – $100
  • People’s Choice – $150

Artwork Specifications:

  • Themes: Artwork must be music-themed or inspired and appropriate for a family audience. Artists will be asked to provide a brief prompt as to how their work relates to the theme, for juror discretion.
  • Creation Date: Artwork must have been created within the last two years (2024 or newer).
  • Submission Limit: A maximum of three entries per artist.
  • Size and Weight Restrictions:
  • 2D Artwork: Maximum size 36”, must display safely on an easel.
  • 3D Artwork: Must be freestanding or safely displayed on a table.
  • Weight Limit: 30 lbs maximum for all entries.
  • Display Equipment: Artists are encouraged to bring or provide their own easels or stands as a limited amount will be available to loan on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Submission Process:

  1. Submit a digital file for each artwork with the file named as follows: “[artwork_title_sizexsize]” (e.g., “Symphony_of_Colors_24x36”).
  2. Do not include the artist’s name in the file name.
  3. Any submissions not adhering to these guidelines may not be considered.
  4. The entry form can be found HERE or by typing in: https://forms.gle/1Qpaz5tHVQMS4dJS8

Liability Disclaimer: The Akron Symphony Orchestra, E.J. Thomas Hall, and the jurors are not liable for damage, loss, or theft of artwork during the event. Artists are responsible for the delivery and pickup of all works. Artwork left at the conclusion of the event without prior coordination will be considered abandoned and forfeited.

Promotional Use Disclaimer: Any accepted work may be used to promote the exhibition between the time of acceptance through the exhibition. Pieces designated as “Best in Show” or “People’s Choice” may be used in promotion for upcoming exhibitions.

We look forward to celebrating the intersection of music and visual art with you! For questions or further information, please contact the Akron Symphony Orchestra at buckey@akronsymphony.org