Exhibitions

Declaration & Dialogue: Reflections on 250 Years

Marion Art Center juried summer exhibition exploring the Declaration of Independence's 250th anniversary through contemporary visual art.

The Marion Art Center is pleased to announce a call for entries to its upcoming juried summer exhibition titled "Declaration & Dialogue: Reflections on 250 Years." This exhibition marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and invites artists to engage deeply with what this milestone means in contemporary times.

Artists are encouraged to explore this theme through multiple lenses including commemoration, critique, hope, and transformation. The exhibition will feature contemporary works paired with historic artifacts or artworks on loan from private collections or institutions, creating a dynamic dialogue between past and present.

All visual media are eligible for submission, including painting, sculpture, mixed media, video, and new media. Works should reflect the artist's personal interpretation of the Declaration's legacy—its ideals, challenges, complexities, or contradictions. Submissions may or may not include political or social commentary; entries are welcome to explore personal, aesthetic, emotional, or conceptual interpretations of the theme.

The exhibition runs from July 10 to August 7, 2026, providing a substantial showing period for selected works. This is a juried exhibition, meaning submissions will be carefully reviewed for quality and relevance to the theme. Artists of all career levels are encouraged to apply and participate in this meaningful conversation about American history and contemporary artistic practice.