State of the Arts
State of the Arts: Mentor + Mentee 2026
A Biennial Statewide Exhibition for Art Educators in and around Ohio
Presented by the School of Art + Design at Ohio University
Exhibition Details
- Exhibition Title: State of the Arts: Mentor + Mentee 2026
- Dates: January 19 – February 13, 2026
- Location: Ohio University Research + Technology Building
- Galleries 101 + 109
3 Richland Avenue, Athens, OH 45701
Call for Artwork
We’re excited to invite submissions for the 2026 State of the Arts: Mentor + Mentee Exhibition, celebrating the creativity of art educators and their students across Ohio.
This juried exhibition is open to all high school visual art educators and their student(s) currently teaching in Ohio or neighboring states. Each selected application highlights the power of mentorship and shared artistic growth.
There is no entry fee, and the exhibition provides a valuable opportunity to exhibit your work and your student’s work in a professional gallery setting at Ohio University. Each participant will be recognized with a personalized certificate celebrating their creative achievements and some students will be selected for a scholarship to the Chaddock + Morrow Summer Arts Programs!
Deadline to Apply
Submit your entry by 11:59 PM, December 12, 2025.
Submission Guidelines
- Open to: High school visual art educators and students in Ohio and surrounding regions
- Goal: To recognize and connect art educators across the region while professionally supporting high school artists in their creative process.
- How to Apply: Art Educators, we need your help to discover the talented artists in your school!
When you identify a standout student (or students), please complete the submission form together with them. - Media: All visual art forms accepted (Student submissions)
- Maximum Entries: 3 works per entry
- Application Deadline: December 12, 2025
- Exhibition Dates: January 19 – February 13, 2026
- Submission Fee: None
- Notifications of Acceptance: Sent via email during the week of December 19, 2025
Important Dates
- Work Delivery Deadline: Monday, January 12, 2026 (by 5:00 PM ET)
- In-person delivery window: 12:00–5:00 PM
- Closing Reception: Friday, February 13th, 6:00-8:00 PM : Join us as we celebrate the culmination of State of the Arts with an inspiring evening of creativity and connection! The closing gallery showing will feature the full collection of works from talented high school artists from across the region! Guests will have the opportunity to explore diverse mediums, engage with the artists, and reflect on the stories behind each piece. Each selected mentor and mentee will be recognized and celebrated as we honor the artistry and innovation that define this year’s showcase. This reception is not only a chance to view exceptional works one last time, but also to connect with the vibrant community that makes the arts thrive!
- Work Pick-Up: After closing reception or Monday, February 16, 2026 (12:00–5:00 PM ET)
All artwork must be “ready to hang” or installation-ready.
This includes:
- Framed work (with or without plexiglass — no glass)
- Proper hanging hardware (wires, D-rings, etc.)
- Installation instructions and hardware for non-traditional displays
Incoming Loan Condition
The Ohio University Art Gallery (OUAG) will exercise the same care with respect to loans as it does in the safe keeping of comparable property of its own.
Packing and Shipping
The OUAG requests condition reports from the object(s) from the Lender. Existing damage or imperfections of the object must be noted. The OUAG cannot be responsible for objects not packed properly. Objects should be in crates or soft packed with double-strength cardboard and bubble wrap.
Insurance
Unless the Lender elects to maintain own insurance coverage, the OUAG will insure the loan wall-to-wall under its fine arts policy.
Display Period
Loans shall remain in the gallery for the time specified on this form.
Repair Responsibility
If an object is received in a pre-existing unstable condition, the Lender will assume full financial responsibility for any alteration, restoration or repair necessary for exhibition purposes. Evidence of damage at the time of receipt or while in the OUAG’s custody will be reported immediately to the lender. The Lender will be requested to provide written authorization for any alteration, restoration or repair.
Public Relations
Unless the OUAG is notified in writing to the contrary, it is understood that it may photograph and reproduce loans in its publications and for publicity purposes, including video recording and digital photography, and distributed by the OUAG for educational use. It is understood that the general public may photograph objects on exhibit.