In celebration and recognition of La Crosse’s creative community, Pump House Regional Arts Center presents the Inspired by La Crosse Art Competition. The Inspired by La Crosse Art Competition creates a unique opportunity for La Crosse to publicly showcase our area’s talented artists, and enliven our public places with enriching and inspiring content. This project seeks to engage the various interests of our diverse community and prompt vital interactions and connections through art.

The Inspired by La Crosse Art Competition proposes that public art cultivates the public’s awareness and appreciation for the arts and establishes a sense of place for the creative people who drive our thriving community.

Work selected by our jury will be unveiled during Artspire, on June 8th, 2024. Inspired by La Crosse winning artwork will then be displayed at La Crosse City Hall. Inspired by La Crosse winners will not only have their work displayed in a highly visible, public area, but each winner will receive a $200 award, and a ribbon for their work. 

Applications open on March 6, 2024

• The jury is looking for wall pieces that are inspired by La Crosse- the area, culture, topography, etc.
• Up to 3 pieces may be submitted. No artist will submit more than 3 pieces. 
• Submitted work will be no larger than 36″ tall and 48″ wide, no smaller than 18″ tall and 12″ wide, and no heavier than 40 lbs.
• Pieces must be ready to hang and already framed, if necessary.
• Pieces may be for sale. A label will be displayed next to work with artist information, and price.
• Artwork will display for one year and may not come down early. Work sold during the duration will not be available for pick up until June 1 the following year.
• Artist must sign an agreement for liability.
• Application Deadline is May 6, 2024

Pump House 2024-2025 Gallery Season Call to Artists – Now Closed

Applications will be accepted between 9/01/23 until 01/31/24 for the gallery season September 2024 through August 2025.

This juried call to artists is an opportunity to exhibit and sell your work in one of the area’s finest arts spaces, complete with three art galleries. Now accepting online applications.

*Jury Fee is waived if you are a current Pump House Member, call 608-7851434 for coupon code

Pump House Regional Arts Center Opens New Call to Artists for a Group Exhibition “Color” – Now Closed

Color plays a crucial psychological role in the human experience, and how we perceive color has the power to influence our mood, evoke emotions and convey nonverbal information. However, color perception varies widely between people and can be easily manipulated and change in different lighting and environments. How does color, or the lack of color, influence you, society or art? Any work including a multitude of colors are acceptable for this call. Artists are free to explore their own interpretations and representations of the theme.

All types of art styles may be submitted, including both 2D and 3D works, painting, sculpture, printmaking, fiber, photography, mixed media, as well as installation works.

*Jury Fee is waived if you are a current Pump House Member, call 608-7851434 for coupon code

Call to Artists for Artspire 2024 is closed

Call to Artists opens for 2025 on September 1, 2024 with applications accepted until January 31, 2025.

Artspire La Crosse is an all-inclusive, free, community arts celebration that showcases the power of the arts to create unity in our diverse community. Artspire combines visual, performing, and literary arts in a largely outdoor format designed to represent and engage all elements and cultures of the area. The eleventh annual Artspire will be held on Saturday, June 8th, 2024 from 10:00am to 7:00pm

Participating artists are accepted via an application and jury process.

Artspire is funded and produced by the Pump House Regional Arts Center, and many other community supporters.

Artist Award Opportunity for Vendor Artists!

Cash Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place!
The 2023 Artspire Artist Awards were sponsored by Altra Federal Credit Union.

Altra Federal Credit Union Artist Award winners were selected by a panel of jurors. Judging was based on representative artwork displayed in the booths. Jurors considered originality, quality, and presentation.