Annual Open Exhibit & Art Competition

Group of people viewing artwork in an art gallery, with one person taking a photo of a piece with their phone.

For the past ten years, we have hosted an annual art competition. The exhibit opportunity has traditionally been a themed competition and exhibition. AACA Visual Arts Committee has decided to have an open exhibit with no theme. The exhibit welcomes artists from high school age to adults, and a variety of experience levels, genres, and subject matter.

Register for our 2026-27 Open Exhibit and Art Competition by August 26, 2026. Exhibition dates are September 25 - October 30, 2026.

PROSPECTUS
Gallery wall with framed artwork, visitors viewing art in a well-lit gallery hall with cream-colored walls.

Exposure

Close-up photograph of a camera lens with the logo and text for 'Exposure: Annual Photography Exhibit & Competition' overlayed.

Exposure is our annual photography art competition.

Residents of McMinn and surrounding counties are invited to enter digital or film photographs in one of two divisions: Professional and Amateur.

Registration deadlines and details will be posted here when available.

Event poster for the exhibit titled "The Magic of Watercolor: An Exhibition of the Tennessee Watercolor Society Eastern Divisions" featuring blue watercolor splashes and logos for The Arts Center and Tennessee Watercolor Society.

Tennessee Watercolor Society Exhibit (bi-annual)

Exhibit only open to registration of members of the Tennessee Watercolor Society Eastern divisions

Registration deadlines and details will be posted here when available.

Student Art Show

Close-up of a person's hand painting on a canvas, with other people in the background also painting.

Student Art Show is our annual exhibit for students in middle school through college.

This exhibit is open to middle school, high school, and college students in East Tennessee.

This exhibit is not planned for the 2026-27 season.

A diverse group of people gathered in an art gallery listening to a man speaking. The gallery walls are decorated with framed paintings, including portraits and a scene of people in traditional attire. The speaker is gesturing with his hands while addressing the audience.

Propose an Exhibition

We love to show work by local artists and help them to present a body of work that they’ve created. While we are a community arts center open to artists of all ages and backgrounds, we have a vetting process that begins with looking at your proposal.

The proposal form asks basic questions about your education and experience, requests a description of the work you’d like to exhibit, requires sample images, and contact information.

Before the start of the season (generally between March and May), our Visual Arts Committee approves and schedules all exhibiting artists for the upcoming exhibit season. Until that placement meeting, we cannot guarantee any spots for the year.

PROPOSAL FORM