Tulips can be delicate or bold, literal or symbolic
— your interpretation is what brings them to life.

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We invite artists to submit original 2D or 3D artworks celebrating the tulip. Works may depict a single tulip, multiple tulips, or tulip‑inspired forms, and may be created in any medium and any artistic interpretation.

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Every accepted piece will become part of a larger collective exhibit at VALA Art Center. Presented by the art collective TUL(i)P, this exhibition is centered on the theme “The Impact of Collaboration.”

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We want to celebrate how individual voices—unique in style, medium, and interpretation—can come together to form something greater than any single artwork. By participating, artists join a shared creative effort that highlights connection, cooperation, and the power of collective expression.

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Open to adult artists (age 18+) and youth artists (age 10+).

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Theme

Tulips symbolize renewal, love, and happiness. Artists are encouraged to explore these ideas—or challenge them—through realism, abstraction, surrealism, conceptual work, or experimental approaches. Tulips can be delicate or bold, literal or symbolic—your interpretation is what brings them to life.

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We are looking for:

• 2D or 3D artworks with tulips as the central visual or conceptual element

• Works may be newly created or previously completed

• Artists of all experience levels are encouraged to participate

• Selected works need to be gallery ready

• Original 2D or 3D artworks, maximum size: 20” x 20”

• No AI created works
   

All applications will be reviewed by TUL(i)P artists Katja Bakker, Carola Dopps, and Lotte Goede, alongside VALA Curator Ella Woodward. Applications from LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC community members are always welcomed, in line with VALA’s commitment to uplifting marginalized voices.

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Important Dates:

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Application Deadline: Sunday November 29, 2026

Artists will be notified of accepted works the week of 12/7/2026

Finished Art Deadline: Friday December 11, 2026

Art Drop Off Dates: Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 December, 2026

Art Pick Up Dates: Saturday April 3 and Sunday April 4, 2027

Alternative times for drop up and pick up arranged at Curator’s discretion

Exhibition Dates: Friday January 8 - Sunday 28 March, 2027

Opening Reception: 6-8pm Friday January 8, 2027

Entry Fee: $5 per entry; up to 4 pieces per entry

 

VALA Eastside never wants money to be a barrier to entry. The entry fee for this exhibition helps our organization to cover the exhibition’s administrative and staffing costs. If you require financial assistance or want to discuss our fees further, please contact ewoodward@valaeastside.org with your queries.

 

Interested Artists

1. Please complete download and complete our Application Form
   (Email Ella, ewoodward@valaeastside.org, if you would prefer a Word or PDF version of the form to complete).

2. Pay your entry fee to VALA Eastside’s Zelle account (details on the Google Form) or contact Ella to discuss alternative payment methods.

3. Email pictures of your artwork or a sketch/mock-up of Works in Progress to ewoodward@valaeastside.org 

 

Art Specifications:

• Media: Original 2D and 3D artworks in any medium.

• Dimensions: Size of 2D and 3D artwork should not exceed 20” x 20”.

 

Gallery Artwork Requirements:

• All work must be original, and the artist must own the sole copyright to the artwork.

• Frames, mats, and wiring must be of a professional quality and in good condition.

• No saw tooth hangers. Wiring must be securely fashioned with D-rings and support the weight of the artwork.

• 2D Artwork selected for exhibition MUST BE READY TO HANG.

• 3D artwork must have a mount if needed.

• Not for-sale artwork will be considered for the show.

• All sales and sales inquiries will be handled directly by the artist. The Artists retain 100% commission on all exhibition sales of artwork in exhibition.