A JURIED JUBILEE. The L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library (400 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire) will once again host the ArtsWest juried exhibition for its 47th year. This year’s show, taking place from March 16 through May 19, will be juried by Madison Hager, curator for the Center for the Visual Arts in Wausau, Wisc..

A juried arts tradition, the Wisconsin ArtsWest exhibition, will celebrate its 47th anniversary this spring. Submissions for the show are currently being accepted – from all Wisconsin-based artists and students ages 18 and over – with a deadline set for Jan. 20.

Since its founding in 1979, ArtsWest has historically drawn more than 200 submissions from creatives of varying mediums for consideration each year. In 2026, ArtsWest is expected to continue that trend, and will ultimately select 30 works for the exhibit.

This year’s exhibition, hosted once again in the third-floor gallery at the L.E. Phillips Memorial Library (400 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire) – from March 16 through May 19 – will be juried by Madison Hager, curator for the Center for the Visual Arts in Wausau, Wisc..

As with previous editions of ArtsWest, Hager will be responsible for selecting pieces featured in the final show and determining the prize winners.

“Hager grew up in rural Wisconsin and spent her youth active in the local 4-H club, which is where she learned to sew, cook, and garden, and participated in the county fair,” a recent media release shared. “Her current research investigates the gendering of work in the home as well as her own relationship to domestic space using performance art, sewing and installations.”

Her curatorial expertise ensures a high standard of quality and a diverse selection of artwork, the release added.

There are $1,250 in total prizes this year, which are divided amongst the winning artists in the following categories: Best of Show ($500), First Prize ($350), Second Prize ($250) and Third Prize ($150).

A reception will be held from 6-7:30pm on March 19 at the library, where awards will be announced and guests can connect with artists in the exhibition.

ArtsWest 47 Entry Guidelines | Entry deadline: Jan. 20, 2026

• All entries must be the artist’s original concept and completed since January 1, 2024.
• Artists may submit up to two pieces of artwork.
• All media are acceptable.
• Work should be appropriate for display in a public building such as the library.
• Artwork selected for a previous ArtsWest exhibit is not eligible for submission.
• Copies and reproductions of original works of art are not eligible for submission. Prints such as lithographs, photographs, woodcuts, and digital works are acceptable as long as they are labeled as such.
• All artwork will be subject to juror review.
• Artists may not substitute, alter, or withdraw work after it has been accepted.
• Work may be for sale. Interested buyers will be referred to the artist for terms of sale.
• No entry fee is required.

ArtsWest will feature a diverse array of creative works and original concepts – required to be completed before Jan. 1, 2024 – sourced from multidisciplinary artists throughout the state. Previous years have showcased painting, sculpture, photography, beadwork, fiber arts, pottery and more.

Artists of the Chippewa Valley, savor this opportunity to celebrate Wisconsin arts and connect with the community's diverse and talented creative individuals!

Visit the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library webpage online to learn more about entry requirements and to submit your artwork for ArtsWest 47. The deadline to submit up to two pieces is on Jan. 20.