Inspired by La Crosse is an annual juried art competition celebrating the creativity and spirit of the La Crosse region. Presented by the Pump House Regional Arts Center. This competition encourages creation of diverse interpretations of what it means to be inspired by La Crosse, from scenes of local topography and river life to cultural reflections and personal stories rooted in the region. Submissions are open to artists working in a variety of media, and selected pieces help enliven public spaces while connecting the community through the power of visual art. Selected artworks announced publicly at Artspire on June 13, 2026 and will be displayed at the La Crosse City Hall.

• Topic: The jury is looking for wall pieces that are inspired by La Crosse- the area, culture, topography, etc.
• Quantity: 2 submission per artist.
• Jury Fee: $25
• Size limit: Submitted work will be no larger than 60″ wide and 48″ tall, and no heavier than 40 lbs.
• Display: Pieces must be ready to hang and already framed, if necessary. No 3D artwork should be submitted.
• Sale: Pieces may be for sale. A label will be displayed next to work with artist information and price which you will provide in your application. All sales go through Pump House.
• Artwork will display bi-annually. ‘Display Timeslot 1’ selected pieces will be displayed June 2026-December 2026 and ‘Display Timeslot 2’ selected pieces will be displayed December 2026-June 2027. Work sold during the duration will not be available for pick up until following the selected display timeline. Artwork may not come down early.
• Winning Artists must sign an agreement for liability.

Timeline:

• Submissions accepted via online application March 5 – May 5, 2026.
• Pump House will jury artwork May 6 – May 21, 2026
• Applicants contacted May 22, 2026
• Selected winners for Display Timeslot 1 will need to drop off their artwork at the Pump House by June 6
• All winners for both display timeslots will be announced and awarded $200 cash prize at Artspire on Saturday, June 13. (Award time to be announced)
• Artwork selected for ‘Display Timeslot 1’ will be shown at Pump House from June 15-30, 2026 (closed 15-17)
• Artwork selected for ‘Display Timeslot 1’ will be taken to City Hall on July 1 and there until December 21, 2026
• Selected artwork for ‘Display Timeslot 2’ will need to drop off their artwork at the Pump House by December 16, 2026
• Artwork will be taken to City Hall on December 21 and there until June 30, 2027

Call to Artists for Artspire 2026 – CLOSED

Call to Artists opens for 2026 on September 1, 2025 with applications accepted until January 31, 2026.

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 12th annual Artspire will be held on Saturday, June 13th, 2026 from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

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 2025 Artspire Artist Awards were sponsored by Altra Federal Credit Union.

All juried artists get a chance to win. Altra Federal Credit Union Artist Award winners are selected day-of Artspire by a panel of jurors. Judging is based on representative artwork displayed in the booths. Jurors consider originality, quality, and presentation. Awards are announced and presented at Artspire.

Pump House 2026-2027 Gallery Season Call to Artists – CLOSED

Applications for our 2026-27 Gallery Season will be accepted between September 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026 for the gallery season September 2026 through August 2027.

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.

*Jury Fee is waived if you are a current Pump House Member, call 608-785-1434 for coupon code

Group Exhibition “Identity” as a part of the 2026-27 Gallery Season – CLOSED

Identity is an exhibition that explores the many ways artists investigate who we are, both as individuals and as a collective. Through painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, and new media, the show reveals how personal histories, cultural heritage, gender, and lived experiences shape self-perception and representation. Together, these works create a dialogue on the complexities of identity—fluid, layered, and ever-evolving.

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

Artists are limited to submitting up to three artworks.

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