America 250: The Art of Independence
Exhibition Dates: July 17th – August 16th, 2026
Opening Reception: Friday, July 17th, 2026, 6–8 PM
Location: The Art League of New Britain, 30 Cedar Street, New Britain, CT
The Art League of New Britain proudly presents America 250: The Art of Independence, a juried exhibition honoring 250 years of the American story through the eyes of its artists.
This exhibition celebrates the many cultures, backgrounds, and traditions that have shaped the nation’s identity — from those who arrived seeking freedom and opportunity to those whose roots run deep in the land itself.
Artists are invited to explore what independence, belonging, and renewal mean today, reflecting on how the ideals of liberty and hope continue to evolve.
Open to all mediums, The Art of Independence welcomes original works that celebrate diversity, resilience, and the shared pursuit of a better life — the creative spirit that continues to define America after 250 years.
OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS
Read through the entire prospectus carefully
Exhibition Type
Juried
Juror
TBD
Jurying Type
Hybrid Jurying - Juror accepts works online through photos, but prize winners are selected in person after drop-off.
Entry Fees
Artists are invited to enter up to five (5) entries
- ALNB Members: $15 1st entry, $10 subsequent
- Non-Members: $25 1st entry, $15 subsequent
- Fees are non-refundable. Payments are accepted via digital payment methods, credit card, and Apple Pay through alnbstudio.com.
To renew membership, visit here.
Schedule & Key Dates
Online registration is required. Jurying will be completed online. Entry Fees will be processed online. Visit www.alnb.org to register.
- Registration Dates: June 5th, 2025 - June 21st, 2026
- Submission Deadline: June 21st, 2026 at 11:59PM
- Entry Notification: Sunday, June 28th, 2026
Receiving of Accepted Works (DROP OFF)
All accepted artwork must be hand-delivered to the Art League of New Britain. A contract and artwork labels—generated automatically through alnbstudio.com based on your accepted entries—will be provided. Please bring the completed contract and your artwork with labels already attached when you arrive for drop-off. Only accepted pieces may be delivered. Artists will be notified of acceptance by Sunday, June 7th, 2026.
- Saturday, June 11, 2026 10am-1pm
- Tuesday, July 13, 2026 10am-12pm
- Tuesday, July 13, 2026 5pm-7pm
If you cannot make a dedicated pickup time but would like to enter, please email info@alnb.org.
Pick Up Post Show
Artists are responsible for collecting their work during the designated pick-up times. All accepted work must be picked up at the Art League of New Britain. Artists contracts must be signed at pickup. Please check the schedule below and arrive within the posted window.
- Sunday, August 16th, 2026 4:30pm-6:30pm
- Tuesday, August 18, 2026 10am-12pm
- Tuesday, August 18, 2026 5pm-7pm
Eligibility
- Open to all artists aged 18 and older.
- Works must have been completed in the past three years, be original, and not previously exhibited in any ALNB show.
Submission Requirements & Guidelines
All original media accepted:Digital art IS NOT acceptable, including AI-generated imagery.
Size Guidelines:Artworks total combined width unframed not to exceed 72 inches.
2D works: MUST be ready to hang with wire or D-rings/ screw eyes. NO EASEL BACK FRAMES. NO SAWTOOTH HOLDERS. The exceptions are prints on metal that have the keyhole hanger. All canvases must be framed, except for gallery wrap canvases with painted sides.
3D work: The Art League has a limited number of sculpture bases. Oversized sculptures are welcome if the artist supplies a base. Wall reliefs may not exceed 8” depth or a maximum of 40 lbs. Accepted work must remain on display until the show closes, including those that are sold. All accepted work must remain on display the entire time.
Artist Signature: Artists must upload unsigned artwork images for online jurying to ensure anonymous review; signed artworks may be hand-delivered for hanging once accepted.
Image files: Must be jpg, under 4 mb, and in sRGB colorspace. For best results, images should be at least 1920 pixels on the longest side @ 72 dpi
For Help: With your submissions, email info@alnb.org
Artwork Labels: Three labels must be securely attached to each artwork before drop-off. One on the back and one on the front. Labels must be printed from ww.alnbstudio.com and attached before drop-off or completed at the gallery during drop-off.
Artist Contract: An Artist Contract must be signed at both art drop-off and art pick-up. Artists are welcome to print their contracts generated automatically through alnbstudio.com based on their accepted entries.
Gallery Hours
During this exhibition, the Art League of New Britain will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 1:30-4.
You may be asked about your availability to gallery sit upon acceptance.
Awards (4 awards totaling $375)
- First Prize: $200
- Second Prize: $100
- Third Prize: $50
- Honorable Mention: $25
Sales & Commission
The Art League of New Britain receives a 30% commission on art sales.
Liability
By entering this show you agree to all stated conditions. This is a juried show, so your entry does not guarantee acceptance into this exhibit. Art League of New Britain., its officers or agents and the venue assumes no responsibility for loss or damage of any kind during transit, drop off, storage, exhibition or pick up.
Submission of all artworks, framing and other materials is at the sole risk of the artist. ALNB reserves the right to photograph work or use submitted images for publicity. The show committee reserves the right to reject work for any reason. There will be no substitutions. The ALNB is not responsible for any loss or damage to any artwork whatsoever. Artists exhibit at their own risk.
Unclaimed Artwork Clause
Artwork must be picked up during the designated artwork pickup dates listed by the Art League of New Britain. If an artist is unable to retrieve their work during the scheduled times, they must contact the gallery to arrange an alternative pickup date.
The Art League of New Britain will hold artwork for a maximum of 30 days after the exhibition closes. After this period, any unclaimed artwork may be considered abandoned and the Art League reserves the right to dispose of, donate, or repurpose the artwork at its discretion.
The Art League is not responsible for any loss or damage to artwork left beyond the designated pickup period.
Contact
For questions, contact info@alnb.org.
Visit www.alnb.org for updates.