Open Call for Artists

Explore Denison Arts Council open calls for artists below. This page is updated with new calls as they are created.

517 Gallery has a total of 6 major shows and several pop-up exhibitions planned for 2026. We also have two festivals lined up! Click any of the events below to view more details & apply.

Memento Vivere

[January 10 - March 8] Memento Vivere ("Remember to Live") is a celebration of life in all shapes and forms. Amidst the bitter cold of...

Tracks, Trails, & Tall Tales

[March 14 - May 3] Adventure awaits! Discover the world from the comfort of downtown Denison this Spring at 517 Gallery. Tracks, Trails, & Tall...

Icons & Paragons

[May 9 - July 5] We all have heroes. Put yours on a pedestal (or up on the wall) this Summer at 517 Gallery!

Small on the Wall

[July 11 - September 6] Small on the Wall is exactly what it sounds like: an exhibition of tiny artworks. With no restriction on theme,...

Le Salon des Artistes: Represent Your Culture

[September 12 - November 8] We want to display artworks that depict beloved recipes, cultural dress, family traditions, and anything else that celebrates where you...

Misfits & Mayhem

[November 14 - January 3] Misfits and Mayhem is an exhibition of… well, anything! This time, there is no theme. We want to show what...

517 Gallery showcases original art from Local, Regional, and Emerging Artists. Art is displayed on a rotating basis for approximately 2-4 months ensuring opportunity for more artists and an evolving show for our patrons.

If we are not currently accepting applications for a specific show, any application you submit will be filed and you will receive an email next time we have a show opening up applications.

General applications are accepted year round.

We’re looking for artists to help us stock our brand-new boutique at 517 Gallery! Denison Arts Council wants to provide visitors with an opportunity to take home some artwork at an affordable price. Digital or handmade prints, jewelry, sculpture, paintings, and works in other mediums are all accepted. Small artworks <$100 are preferred, but all submissions will be considered.

Boutique applications are accepted year round.

The Denison Arts Council and City of Denison invites proposals to paint dumpsters in the alleys of the Denison Cultural Art District. The dumpster project is part of the Activate the Alleys with a goal to beautify the Alleys in the District as well as encourage the public to use alternate entrances to the businesses on Main Street.

The dumpsters are public art and must be “family friendly”. Applicants can be Individual artists or teams. The City of Denison will prepare the Dumpster for painting, these are recycled dumpsters that will continue to be used for their original purpose of trash collection. The dumpster is the property of the City of Denison.