Exhibit Theme
The 2026 exhibit theme is Diamonds are Forever. Artists are to utilize "diamonds" in any fashion of their choosing as a springboard to create new jewelry or fiber artworks. Artists must include their diamond reference in their application. (see application form).
Artists are invited to draw inspiration from "diamonds". We have set artists the challenge of bringing their interpretation of diamonds to fruition through color, textures, content, shape, and design within their chosen medium.
Each artist may submit up to five (5) fiber or jewelry pieces that incorporate any diamond reference. Each artwork submitted may relate to a separate diamond reference or multiple submissions may relate to the same reference.
Don’t forget to share your creative journey! Follow and tag Art Center East in your social media posts @artcentereast
Submission Requirements
- Artists must be 18 years of age or older.
- Up to five (5) submissions per artist! Artists are welcome to enter as many as five gallery-ready pieces; at least three (3) of those pieces will be included in the exhibit, gallery space permitting.
- Online submission period: September 1, 2025 - January 31 , 2026. ACE does not accept incomplete submission forms or artworks delivered without an accompanying online form. We cannot accept online forms/artwork submissions after Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 2:00 pm.
- The artwork submission form must be filled out and submitted online. Please contact ACE at 541-624-2800 if you experience technical difficulties.
- Some examples of fiber mediums: fabric, yarn, paper, weaving, and leather.
- Fiber arts submissions must be delivered to ACE (or mailed to ACE with a delivery date no later than January 31, 2026) ready to display with display equipment and any display instructions provided by the artist.
- Jewelry submissions must be delivered to ACE (or mailed to ACE with a delivery date no later than January 31, 2026) on a display provided by the artist. The display must be gallery-appropriate and must sit safely on an ACE pedestal.
- Mail your gallery-ready piece(s) to Art Center East, P.O. Box 541, La Grande, Oregon 97850, with an anticipated delivery date between January 28 - 31, 2026. Please email the tracking number to Gallery Director Jennifer Durr [email protected]
- Artists are strongly encouraged, but not required, to have their work for sale. There is a 30% commission for current Art Center East members ($30/year Solo Artist Membership or higher tier) and a 40% commission for non-members. Purchase or renew your ACE membership!
- Artists must submit an IRS W-9 Form to ACE in order to receive payment for the sale of their artwork. Payment will be sent on the eighth day of the month that follows the purchase date.
Questions? Contact ACE Gallery Director Jennifer Durr via email [email protected] or by phone 541-624-2800.
Important Dates
- Online Application Deadline: January 31, 2026 at 2:00 pm
- Artwork drop-off days: January 28 - 31, 2026. Drop off your artwork during ACE business hours: Wednesday - Friday 12:00 - 5:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.
- Opening Reception: Friday, February 6 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm
- Closing Reception: Friday, March 27, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm **We’ll announce the 2027 exhibit theme at the reception!** Exhibit Duration: February 6 - March 28, 2026
- Artwork collection days: April 1 - 3. Collect your artwork during ACE business hours: Wednesday - Friday 12:00 - 5:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.
Entry Fee
The entry fee is $40.00 regardless of an artist’s ACE membership status. The $40.00 fee covers 1-5 artworks. Ask about our pay-it-forward program if you need assistance with the entry fee.
