Call for Artists: Lunar New Year Exhibition at Pao Arts Center

Pao Arts Center is excited to celebrate the Lunar New Year with an exhibit showcasing diverse interpretations of Lunar New Year customs and traditions. Each Lunar New Year, Pao Arts Center welcomes 2000 visitors to celebrate AAPI arts and culture. This call is an invitation for local artists to contribute to a vibrant collection that honors the heritage, rituals, and stories surrounding the Lunar New Year. The exhibit will be on view at Pao Arts Center from February 25 - March 27, 2026

This special exhibit not only uplifts and connects local artists but also helps support Pao Arts Center’s programs and initiatives for the year to come. All artworks will be for sale with Pao Arts Center retaining a 25% commission and the remaining 75% going directly to the artist.

If your artwork is selected, you will receive an invitation to our ticketed Lunar New Year party scheduled on Tuesday, March 3, 6:00 – 7:30 PM.

ELIGIBILITY

  • Lunar New Year Theme: Works should connect to Lunar New Year customs or cultural stories, with a special focus on Year of the Horse themes. Examples include prosperity, family gatherings, traditional foods, zodiac animals, and symbolic decorations.

  • Existing Work Only: For this call, we are unable to accept new or commissioned pieces; submissions must be completed works ready for display.

  • 2D Artworks Only: This exhibit will feature only 2D pieces, with preference given to framed artworks that are display-ready.

  • Price Range: Artworks should be valued at $100+.

TIMELINE

Deadline to submit: Friday, January 9, 2026, 5:00 PM

Decisions by: Friday, January 23, 2026

Artwork drop off:

  • Saturday, January 31 and Saturday, February 7 from 1:00-5:00 PM

  • Week of February 9 during Pao Arts Center business hours (Monday – Friday 10:00 – 5:00 PM) 

Artists must drop off their work at Pao Arts Center no later than February 13, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Artwork must be ready to hang. All work will be for sale.

SUBMISSION PROCESS

For your work to be considered, please submit the following:

  • High-resolution images of your work 

  • Artist headshot (with photo credit)

  • Artwork details (title, dimensions, medium, price)

  • Artist statement (50-100 words) on how the piece connects to a Lunar New Year tradition

Join us in creating a Lunar New Year exhibit that honors tradition, celebrates creativity, and supports local artists!

Submit

If you have any questions about this call for artists or the submission process, please reach out to Visual Arts Manager, Maia Erslev.