CALLS TO ARTISTS

Our Annual Call to Artists accepts applications annually from September 1 – January 31 via online applications and jury process.

PUMP HOUSE GALLERY

Mark My Words 2025

The Pump House Regional Arts Center invites submissions for an upcoming exhibition: Mark My Words 2025. This exhibit will showcase artwork and the short poetry it inspires. During the exhibition, the art and the poetry created in response to it, will be displayed side by side. This show will be on exhibition in our galleries from 11/4/25- 1/3/26

The Process:

Poetry jurors will select 15 short poems from submissions received, and art jurors will select 15 artists. A variety of approaches and genres will be selected, both in poetry and art. Each poet will be sent one of the artworks as determined by the jurors and will have until October 1, 2025, to create a new poem in response to it.

Poets

Complete the application and Submit two unpublished SHORT poems for consideration. All genres will be considered. Selected poets will receive a photo to respond to by creating a new poem for the exhibition. Deadline for submissions is August 1,2025.

Final Poems will be due October 1^st, 2025

Artists

Complete the application and Submit two images of your work. The jurors will be looking for a variety of media and styles. Deadline for submissions is August 1, 2025.

All Visual Art will need to be delivered for install on Monday, November 3^rd, 2025

All 2-D work must be framed and ready to hang with wire of appropriate size and weight. 3-D work must be ready to display. No shipped in work will be accepted.

All work must be for sale. The Pump House will handle all sales and retain a commission of 40%. Sold work will remain in the exhibition until the close of the show. The Pump House will issue checks for sold work within 10 business days after the show closes.

APPLICANTION

Pump House 2025-2026 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.

APPLICANT & EXHIBITION REQUIREMENTS

ARTSPIRE FINE ART FAIR

ARTSPIRE ART VENDOR PROSPECTUS

Call to Artists for Artspire 2025 – 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 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 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.

INSPIRED BY LA CROSSE

2025 CALL TO ARTISTS – CLOSED

The Inspired by La Crosse Art Competition is coordinated in conjunction with Artspire La Crosse, the largest annual arts celebration in downtown La Crosse, produced by the Pump House Regional Arts Center and sponsored by City of La Crosse Arts Board.

The 2025 Artspire celebration is Saturday, June 14 at Riverside Park.

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 14th, 2025. 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, 2025

Topic: The jury is looking for wall pieces that are inspired by La Crosse- the area, culture, topography, etc.
Quantity: Up to 3 pieces may be submitted. No artist will submit more than 3 pieces.
Jury Fee: $25 (for 1-3 submissions)
Size limit: 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.
Display: Pieces must be ready to hang and already framed, if necessary.
Sale: 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.
Application Deadline is May 5, 2025
The jury fee is WAIVED for Pump House Members and 2025 Artspire Artists – Call 608-785-1434 for coupon code