Open Artist Calls
We believe in celebrating creativity and providing opportunities for artists at every stage of their career. Each season, The Suffolk Center invites artists to submit work for select exhibitions and special projects that inspire, challenge, and connect our community through the arts.
Current Opportunities
Now Accepting Submissions For:
Exhibition Title: A Tribute to Harvest
On View: November 6 – November 26
Description: This exhibition invites artists to express their appreciate of the harvest season, agricultural communities and cultures and the adaptive spirit of rural communities amidst climate change and modern technology. Artwork can range from depicting scenes of farming machinery, scenes of the field, still-life of harvest vegetables, sustainability practices in agriculture and harvest traditions from different cultures, communities and countries in any and all mediums. Gather in the galleries to see how the appreciation of the harvest season is expressed through the visual arts.
Submission Deadline: Friday, October 17, 2025 at 11:59pm
Submission Status Notification by Email: Saturday, October 18, 2025 by the end of the day by the end of the day
Accepted Artist Drop-off Dates*: Tuesday – Saturday, October 21-October 25, from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Accepted Artist Pick-up Dates*: Tuesday – Saturday, December 2 – December 6, 2025 from 10:00am to 5:00pm
*If you would like to arrange your drop-off and/or pick-up at an earlier or at another date, please contact the Visual Arts Manager, Nana Ferdnance via email nana.ferdnance@suffolkcenter.org or call 757-923-0003 ext. 108.
Questions: Please contact the Visual Arts Manager, Nana Ferdnance via email nana.ferdnance@suffolkcenter.org or call 757-923-0003 ext 108b
Rudolph’s Holiday Market: Vendors
Handcrafted Artist Market at Downstairs at the Suffolk Center | Ballroom
Calling All Vendors, artists, artisans and business owners!
Description: Calling all artists, artisans and small businesses. We are seeking interested vendors of handmade and creative gifts for our last-minute holiday shoppers. If you need a place to market and sell your items during the holiday season, this is the perfect place for you!
Submission Deadline: Friday, November 7, 2025 at 11:59pm
Submission Status Notification by Email: Saturday, November 8, 2025 by the end of the day by the end of the day
Vendor Fee: $30 once accepted
Vendor Fee and Inventory List due (once accepted): Friday, November 21, 2025 by 4:00pm, end of business day
Accepted Vendors Set-up Time*: December 19 from 9:00am to 12:00pm
*If you would like to arrange a time to set-up earlier or simply have questions, please contact the Visual Arts Manager, Nana Ferdnance via email nana.ferdnance@suffolkcenter.org or call 757-923-0003 ext. 108.
Magical Christmas Tree Tour: Displayed Artwork
On View: December 12 to December 27, 2025
Description:
We are looking for artists who illustrate the beauty of the winter and holiday season. This can be in the form of winter scenery in nature, Santa Claus, elves and his workshop in the North Pole, the nativity scene and more! Anything that reminds the viewer of the beautiful time of winter will be wonderful to see during our display of Christmas Trees in the Magical Christmas Tree Tour of 2025!
Submission Deadline: Friday, November 14, 2025 at 11:59pm
Submission Status Notification by Email: Saturday, November 15, 2025 by the end of the day by the end of the day
Accepted Artist Drop-off Dates*: Tuesday – Saturday, November 18 -November 22, from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Accepted Artist Pick-up Dates*: Tuesday – Saturday, January 6 to January 10, 2026 from 10:00am to 5:00pm
*If you would like to arrange your drop-off and/or pick-up at an earlier or at another date, please contact the Visual Arts Manager, Nana Ferdnance via email nana.ferdnance@suffolkcenter.org or call 757-923-0003 ext. 108.
Questions: Please contact the Visual Arts Manager, Nana Ferdnance via email nana.ferdnance@suffolkcenter.org or call 757-923-0003 ext 108b
Walk on the Wild Side: Furry Friends
On View: April 9 – May 9, 2026
Opening Reception: Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 5:30pm -7:00pm
Description:Walk on the Wild side returns this year to depict furry animals. The thick and soft hair of fur resides on many animals, especially on our favorite domesticated pets of cats and dogs. We ask visual artists from all mediums and art techniques to create artwork of furry animals ranging from pet portraits of an artist’s favorite cats, dogs, rabbit, guinea pig or others to furry creatures in the wild such as foxes, pandas, lions, bears and beavers or even the woolly mammoth.
Submission Deadline: Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11:59pm
Submission Status Notification by Email: Saturday, March 14, 2026, by the end of the day by the end of the day
Accepted Artist Drop-off Dates*: Tuesday – Saturday, March 17 – 21, 2026, from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Accepted Artist Pick-up Dates*: Tuesday – Saturday May 12-16, 2026 from 10:00am to 5:00pm
*If you would like to arrange a time to pick-up or drop-off earlier, later or simply have any questions, please contact the Visual Arts Manager, Nana Ferdnance via email nana.ferdnance@suffolkcenter.org or call 757-923-0003 ext. 108.
How To Apply
Applying is simple:
- Review the guidelines for your chosen opportunity.
- Submit through our online application form.
- Prepare your artwork images, artist statement, and any additional materials requested.
Application deadlines and requirements vary — please check each call for details.
FAQ
Who can apply?
Artists of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome.
Is there a fee?
No, applying and submitting is completely free. Vendor fees may apply for certain events. See event description for more information.
What media do you accept?
Visual art of various mediums- from painting to sculpture. If you have questions about a particular medium please contact Visual Arts Manager, Nana Ferdnance, at nana.ferdnance@suffolkcenter.org.
When will artists be notified?
Typically within 2-4 weeks after submission deadline.