Frequently Asked Questions
Exhibition Basics
What is the theme for the 2026 exhibition?
The theme is "Birds!", which includes any original artwork depicting or inspired by birds.
When does the exhibition take place?
The exhibition runs from Thursday, March 5, 2026, through Sunday, March 29, 2026.
What is a "juried" exhibition?
It is a competitive show where a panel of experts reviews all submissions and selects which pieces meet the standards for quality and theme to be included in the final show.
What is the difference between the "Traditional Salon" and the "Digital Salon"?
The Traditional Salon is for physical 2D and 3D media like painting and sculpture to be displayed in the gallery. The Digital Salon is for 2D digital media and photography displayed electronically on screens in the gallery. Both salons will also have an online web exhibit.
The primary difference lies in the relationship between the digital file you upload and the final work seen by the jurors and the public:
Traditional Salon (Physical Representation): In this salon, the digital image file you upload to ArtCall represents the artwork. The "real" artwork is a physical object—a painting, a sculpture, or a hand-pulled print—that exists in 3D space. The juror uses your digital file to evaluate the physical piece. Because the file is only a representation, the final judging is reaffirmed once the physical piece arrives to ensure it matches the quality of the photo. You are responsible for the physical craft of framing and wiring the work.
Digital Salon (The Artwork Itself): In the Digital Salon, the digital image file you upload is the artwork. Whether it is a digital painting or a photograph, the file itself is the master work. When the juror views it, they are seeing the actual intended medium. In the gallery, these works are displayed electronically on high-definition screens. Your technical skill in managing the file's resolution and color profile is paramount here.
Can one piece of art cross over between Salons?
Yes — but not in the same year! We encourage artists to think creatively about how their work is presented. While the same entry cannot be in both salons, different versions of the same work can be:
From Physical to Digital: A traditional oil painting may be entered in the Traditional Salon (as a physical object), but it may also be entered in the Digital Salon if it has been photographed for potential use as a digital or printed work. In this case, the uploaded file is the digital artwork.
From Digital to Physical: A digital painting may be entered in the Digital Salon (as a file displayed on a screen), but it may also be entered in the Traditional Salon if the artist has it professionally printed, mounted, and framed as a physical object.
What is ArtCall’s role in the exhibition?
ArtCall serves as the official platform for managing the submission and entry process for WAA’s juried exhibitions. Its specific roles include:
Submission Portal: Artists use ArtCall to upload digital images and complete their entries for both the Traditional and Digital Salons.
Profile Management: New users are required to create an ArtCall profile with a login and password, while existing users can log in to start new submissions.
Entry Modifications: The platform allows entrants to make changes to their submissions up until the submission deadline, which is listed in the prospectus.
Payment Processing: ArtCall facilitates entry fee payments, with credit card via Stripe being the preferred method.
Jurying Support: The digital images uploaded to ArtCall are used by jurors to make their decisions for both salons.
Correspondence: All official communications about the exhibition, including acceptance notifications, are conducted via email.
Eligibility & Originality
I won an award in last year's Artrageous Birds show. Can I enter that same piece again?
No. Artwork that received a "Best of Show," place award, or "Honorable Mention" in previous Artrageous Birds exhibitions is not eligible.
Can I enter the same artwork in both the Traditional and Digital Salons?
No, the same artwork may not be entered in both salons in the same year.
Does the work have to be my own?
Yes, all artworks must be entirely the original work of the entrant. No copies or likenesses of another artist's work or published source material not attributable to you are allowed.
Are kits or pre-stamped patterns allowed?
No, we do not accept work created from kits, molds, or pre-stamped patterns.
What is the rule regarding the "recency" of the work?
While the WAA prospectus does not explicitly state a date range, professional national standards typically suggest entering work created within the last 2 to 5 years to represent your current skill level.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy
Can I submit artwork generated by AI?
No. AI-generated artwork, where the primary input was a text prompt, is strictly prohibited.
Is "AI-assisted" artwork allowed?
No. At this time, AI-assisted artwork—where a human uses AI to enhance or refine a core vision—is not permitted due to evolving concerns regarding copyright and originality.
Are any AI tools allowed for editing photography?
Yes. Non-generative AI tools for masking, sharpening, de-noising, or enlarging are permitted.
What is the rule regarding "Content-Aware Fill" versus "Generative Fill" in Photoshop?
"Content-Aware Fill" is permitted because it uses only your original work as a source. "Generative Fill" is NOT permitted because it uses an external generative dataset of other artists' work.
Fees & Payments
How much does it cost to enter?
The entry fee for each salon is $50, which covers up to 2 artworks. WAA Members receive a discounted rate of $46.
Can I submit a third piece of art?
Yes, you may enter one additional piece (up to 3 total) for an extra fee of $25 ($23 for WAA Members).
Are there discounts for students?
Yes, students up to 25 years of age may qualify for discounted fees.
How do I pay my entry fee?
The preferred method is by credit card via ArtCall. You may also pay by check using the promo code "PayOffline" and mailing it to PO Box 311, Whitewater, WI 53190.
If my work is not accepted, can I get a refund?
No, entry fees are non-refundable. Fees are only refunded if the exhibition or a specific salon is cancelled by the WAA.
Submission & Technical Specs
What platform do I use to submit my work?
Submissions must be made through ArtCall.org.
When is the deadline to submit?
The entry deadline is Sunday, January 18, 2026. No changes can be made after this date.
What are the requirements for the digital images I upload?
Files must be JPEGs, at least 1,920 pixels on the longer side, and no larger than 5 MB.
Can I have my signature or a watermark on the uploaded image?
Yes—if the signature is an integral part of the artwork. No—if the signature or watermark is added digitally to the finished artwork as an online means of identification.
Physical Requirements (Traditional Salon)
Are there size limits for physical artwork?
Yes. The minimum size is 8" x 10" (80 square inches). The maximum size is 36 inches in either direction, including the frame.
What are the hanging requirements for 2D work?
Wire hangers are required. Works without wire hangers or those with saw-tooth hangers/clips will not be displayed.
Are there weight limits for the artwork?
The prospectus does not specify a weight limit, but professional standards suggest that 2D work over 50–100 lbs should be cleared with the Exhibit Chair to ensure the hanging system can support it.
Does my artwork need a label?
Yes. It must be labeled with your name, the title, year created, and whether it is for sale (with the price). Please generate these labels from ArtCall.
Shipping & Delivery
When do I drop off my accepted work?
Drop-off is Tuesday, March 3, 2026 (4 pm–6 pm) and Wednesday, March 4, 2026 (12 pm–2 pm).
Can I ship my work to the gallery?
Yes, via UPS, FedEx, SpeeDee, or USPS, but you must make prior arrangements with the Exhibit Chair. Do NOT ship to the gallery address (402 W. Main Street) as staff may not be there to receive the work; a specific shipping address will be provided.
Who pays for shipping?
The artist is responsible for all shipping expenses. A prepaid return shipping label must be included in each box.
Sales & Awards
What are the cash prizes?
The overall Best of Show receives $250. In both the Traditional and Digital Salons, 1st Place receives $150, 2nd Place $125, and 3rd Place $100.
Does the Arts Alliance take a commission on sales?
Yes, WAA retains a 30% commission from members and a 40% commission from non-members.
Can I remove my artwork early if it sells?
No, all artwork must remain in the gallery for the duration of the show.
Insurance & Liability
Is my artwork insured by the gallery?
No. WAA does not assume responsibility for damage or loss. Artwork is exhibited at the artist’s own risk.
What is "Wall-to-Wall" insurance and should I get it?
Wall-to-Wall (or Nail-to-Nail) insurance covers your art from the moment it leaves your studio until it is returned. It is highly recommended because standard gallery liability often does not cover damage during shipping or handling.
What happens if I forget to pick up my work?
Work not picked up on the specified date will be considered abandoned. Work left 30 days past the deadline becomes the property of WAA.
Professional Development
What are the professional benefits of entering?
Juried shows provide professional validation, "benchmarking" against your peers, and essential lines for your Artist CV, which are required for gallery representation and grant applications.
Relevant Outside Resources
• Submission Portal: ArtCall.org
• Professional Standards: College Art Association (CAA) Exhibition Guidelines
• Insurance Providers: ACT Insurance (Artist-specific) and Huntington T. Block (Museum-grade).
• Image Prep Guide: CAFE Image Prep Guide for professional photography tips.