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:
Winter Art for Magical Christmas Tree Tour
Submission Deadline: Friday, November 13, 2026 at 11:59pm
On View: November 28, 2026– January 2, 2027
Opening Reception: Saturday, November 28, 2026 from 5:30pm – 7:00pm | 2nd Floor Galleries-Norfolk Foundation and TowneBank Galleries | Free & Open to the Public | Free refreshments and hors d’oeuvres
Description:
CALL TO ARTISTS!
Submission Status Notification by Email: Saturday, November 14, 2026, after 5:00pm, end of the day.
Accepted Artist Drop-off Dates*: Friday, November 20 – Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 10:00am to 6:00pm
Accepted Artist Pick-up Dates*: Friday, January 8, – Saturday, January 9, 2027 from 10:00am to 6:00pm
*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. Please leave voicemail if phone is not answered.
ORGANIZATION Participation:
2026 Magical Christmas Tree Tour
On View: November 28, 2026– January 2, 2027
Opening Reception: Saturday, November 28, 2026 from 5:30pm – 7:00pm | 2nd Floor Galleries-Norfolk Foundation and TowneBank Galleries | Free & Open to the Public | Free refreshments and hors d’oeuvres
Submission Deadline: Friday, November 6, 2026 at 11:59pm
Description:
Between November 28, 2026 and January 2, 2027, the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts galleries will be transformed into a holiday tree wonderland with the help of organizations/non-profits/businesses in the area, while helping families with food insecurity in our community. We invite local organizations/business/non-profits to decorate a holiday tree, using their own tree and/or decorations, illustrating the organization’s mission. Then we invite the families, friends and the public from November 28, 2026 until Saturday, January 2, 2027 to vote on their favorite holiday tree by placing your non-perishable under it. (1 non-perishable item = 1 vote for the decorated tree). All non-perishable items will be donated to ForKids Inc. The top 3 organizations with the most non-perishable items under their decorated Christmas Tree win bragging rights and a fabulous ribbon! The winners will be announced latest by Monday, January 4, 2027 on our social media. Follow us @thesuffolkcenter on Instagram or The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts on Facebook.
ForKids Inc. is a non-profit 501c(3) organization that serves families and children experiencing food insecurity, and homelessness in the Hampton Roads area, with a Suffolk location.
The Suffolk Center will OPEN Tuesday – Saturday 10am to 5pm and CLOSED December 24-26 and 31 and January 1, 2027. Last day to drop off non-perishable items is Saturday, January 2, 2027 as the Suffolk Center staff and volunteers need to count the non-perishable items to determine the top 3 winners.
Submission Status Notification by Email: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 by the evening. Submission will be accepted based upon time received.
*If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Visual Arts Manager, Nana Ferdnance via email nana.ferdnance@suffolkcenter.org or call 757-923-0003 ext. 108. Please leave voicemail if phone is not answered.
Vendors: Rudolph’s Holiday Market
Holiday Market Dates and Times
Friday, December 18, 2026 from 2:00pm – 8:00pm
Saturday, December 19, 2026 from 2:00pm – 8:00pm
Indoors | Downstairs at the Center | Taylor Ballroom
Submission Deadline: Friday, November 20, 2026 at 11:59pm
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. It will take place at the Suffolk Center in our downstairs ballroom on Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19 from 2pm to 8pm.
Submission Status Notification by Email: Monday, November 21, 2026 by the evening.
*If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Visual Arts Manager, Nana Ferdnance via email nana.ferdnance@suffolkcenter.org or call 757-923-0003 ext. 108. Please leave voicemail if phone is not answered.
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. Artists of all ages are welcomed too. (artists under 18 must get approval from their parent or guardian).
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?*
All visual art mediums are accepted, from film and photography to painting and sculpture, unless the description indicates otherwise. 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 days after submission deadline.
*The qualifications may vary if the call is requesting for a certain medium or backgrounds. Always read the description for clarification. If you have further questions, feel free to contact the Visual Arts Manager, Nana Ferdnance at 757-923-0003 ext 108 or nana.ferdnance@suffolkcenter.org.