ARTISTS’ PAGE
CALLS FOR ART:
“What Freedom Means”: A Reflection for 250 Years
In honor of the United States’ 250th birthday, PAAL invites artists to reflect on the evolving meaning of freedom in America today. Freedom is layered; a promise, a struggle, a memory, a vision for the future. This exhibition explores how artists see, feel, and interpret these layers.
About the Exhibition
“What Freedom Means” Celebrates the diverse voices that shape our nation’s story. Participating artists are invited to submit work that captures the emotion, complexity, and personal truth behind freedom — its joys, tensions, and transformations. This exhibition welcomes all media types.
Jury & Selection
The exhibition committee carefully reviews all submissions, selecting works that exemplify creativity, innovation, and artistic excellence. Each piece was chosen for its ability to provoke reflection, conversation, and connection to the theme of freedom.
Awards
To honor outstanding contributions, PAAL is awarding cash prizes to select works:
Best in Show – $500: Recognizes the most impactful and exceptional artwork.
Gold – $300: Awarded for outstanding artistic achievement and skill.
Silver – $250: Celebrates strong work with a distinctive voice and vision.
Call for Live Painters: Play in the Park
Bring your process to life.
The Petersburg Area Art League is seeking live painters to create work during Play in the Park, a dynamic outdoor concert series where music, community, and creativity collide.
We’re inviting artists to paint in real time alongside live performances, transforming the park into an immersive, ever-evolving creative space. Whether you’re experienced in live painting or looking to step into it for the first time, this is an opportunity to work in a high-energy, public setting and connect directly with an engaged audience.
Artists will have space to create throughout the event and are encouraged to interact with attendees as their work unfolds. Completed pieces can be sold on-site, offering a chance to turn the moment into momentum.
There is no cost to apply or participate. Artists must bring their own materials and setup. Space is limited.
CALL FOR QUEER ART
PAAL invites LGBTQIA+ artists and allies to submit work for an upcoming exhibition celebrating queer identity, expression, and community. This exhibition explores the many ways queer experiences are lived, remembered, and expressed through visual art.
About the Exhibition
This call for art centers queer voices and creative expression in all its forms. We are seeking work that reflects identity, resilience, joy, complexity, and lived experience. Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly — from personal storytelling to conceptual explorations of queerness in today’s world.
All media types are welcome. Artists of all experience levels are encouraged to apply.
Submission Details
Submission Deadline: August 14
Drop-Off Deadline: September 5
Exhibition Dates: September 11 – October 3
Submission Fee: $20 (1 piece) | $30 (2+ pieces)
PAAL Members receive 50% off submission fees
Jury & Selection
The exhibition committee will review all submissions and select works based on artistic quality, originality, and connection to the theme. Selected pieces will contribute to a cohesive exhibition that highlights the diversity and depth of queer artistic expression.
Exhibition Goals
This exhibition aims to create space for visibility, dialogue, and celebration of LGBTQIA+ artists while fostering connection between artists and the broader community.
How to Apply
To be considered for this exhibition, please complete the submission form below in full. Be sure to include all required artist and artwork information, along with clear images of your submitted work.
Once you have submitted the form, please proceed to the submission payment options located directly below.
Submission fees must be paid in order for your application to be considered complete and eligible for review.
$20 — 1 artwork
$30 — up to 3 artworks
PAAL Members receive 50% off submission fees
Submissions will not be reviewed until both the completed form and payment have been received.
Submit Art for our Community Gallery Here!
Community Gallery Wall
Mission
The Community Gallery Wall celebrates creativity, connection, and diverse voices. We provide an inclusive space where artists of all backgrounds can share their work, explore meaningful themes, and inspire dialogue within our community. All artists are welcome, and all perspectives matter.
Submission Guidelines
Open to all artists, all ages, and all experience levels
Any media accepted (painting, drawing, photography, fiber, mixed media, digital, etc.)
Artwork must relate to the current Call for Art theme
Work must be original and ready to display
2D artwork must be wired for hanging (no sawtooth hangers preferred)
High-relief wall-mounted 3D work accepted; standalone 3D not accepted at this time
Artwork must be dry, stable, and safe for public display
Sales (Optional)
Artwork may be listed for sale
30% gallery commission applies
All sales are handled through the gallery
Content Policy
Artwork must be appropriate for a general audience
The gallery reserves the right to decline work that is unsafe, plagiarized, or does not align with the theme
**Form Below is for Community Gallery Submissions ONLY.
Artist Spotlight!
The PAAL Artist Spotlight Series celebrates the voices, stories, and creative processes of our local artists. Through short videos, each spotlight gives viewers a closer look at the inspiration, techniques, and experiences behind the work on our gallery walls.
From emerging talents to seasoned professionals, these spotlights showcase the diversity and depth of our local arts community, offering insight into how our artists make, think, and engage with their craft. Watch the series to meet the people behind the art and experience their work in a more personal, intimate way.
Interested in showing your art at PAAL?
Send your information to our exhibition team!