Wings
Over the
Platte

Entry fee is based off the number of works selected for exhibition, not the total number submitted. Artists may submit up to 3 artworks for consideration.

 *Entry fee
$45 for 1 work selected for exhibition
$55 for 2 works selected for exhibition
$65 for 3 works selected for exhibition

*Entry fees are to be paid after notification of acceptance along with signed contract. Entry fee is non-refundable once the contract has been signed.

Entry fees help fund the operating costs, which include expenses like overhead, maintenance, signage, exhibition catalog printing, and more.

This exhibition is open to all artists associated with the Platte River Valley. This includes current and former residents, and people who currently or previously worked or studied in the state.

Artists with varying levels of experience are welcome to apply. All the artwork submitted is expected to be of a high standard regardless of your experience level. We do not recommend that high school or younger students apply.

Submissions will be reviewed blindly by a panel of judges. They will only see an image of your artwork and piece title, not your name – this helps prevent name recognition and bias.

Categories are subjective. When applying, select the category that you feel best describes your work. Judges reserve the right to recategorize your submissions if it seems like a different category would be more applicable.

Artwork is accepted from the following categories:

• 2-D Artwork (Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, etc. Does not include Photography.)
• 3-D Artwork (Ceramics, Pottery, Glass, Metal, etc.)
• Photography

Exhibited works will be judged in one of the three listed categories (2-D, 3-D, or photography).

Judging will be based on the concept, originality, illustration of the theme, as well as artistic and technical merit.

Placing is determined by the judge and is final. Suzanne Wise, former executive director of the Nebraska Arts Council, will serve as the judge for the 2026 exhibition.

The following will be awarded:

Two-Dimensional
Best of Show: $250
Merit: $150
Merit: $150

Three-Dimensional
Best of Show: $250
Merit: $150
Merit: $150

Photography
Best of Show: $250
Merit: $150
Merit: $150

Payment for awards will take at least 30 days after the closing of the exhibit to be processed. Payment for awards and commission will be combined in one payment, if applicable.

Entries will be carefully judged based on the artist’s ability to illustrate wildlife, waterfowl, and/or landscapes of the Platte River and its tributaries.

Artwork is accepted from most mediums, including but not limited to: painting, drawing, ceramics, glass, textiles, photography, printmaking, jewelry, etc.

Artwork made partially or fully using AI tools must be disclosed. Failure to disclose the use of AI will result in your work being disqualified.

Artworks requiring the use of projectors, audio/visual, or other digital display equipment are not eligible at this time.

Work must be original in concept and execution. Work must not violate any copyrights. No diptychs, triptychs, or multiple panels works will be accepted. Work with multiple images framed as ONE unit is acceptable. Artwork that does not comply with these requirements will not be accepted.

For wall-mounted artwork:

Maximum size (including frame): 60” high by 60” wide.
Prints must be 8”x10” or larger.

For free standing/sculptural artwork:

Maximum size: 84” high, 36” wide, 36” deep.
Maximum weight: 200 lbs.

When submitting large-scale sculpture, make sure your work is suitable for display indoors. Only submit work which can be transported efficiently and has an appropriate, non-abrasive base for indoor display. Works must be able to fit in our elevator which has a door 89” high, 71” wide and car of 87” high, 84” wide, 84” deep.

Frames are REQUIRED for artwork on paper such as drawings, photos, prints, etc. Art that would not normally be framed such as work on canvas, textiles, etc. does not need to be framed.

Accepted artwork must be delivered to the museum framed (if applicable) and ready to hang. Frames should be of reasonable quality (sturdy, no chips, split corners, or other damage). Frames must include mounting hardware on the back – a wire and/or D-hooks ONLY. No sawtooth hangers, tacks, magnets, or “floating” post mounts. We reserve the right to not include work that arrives unframed or not ready to hang. Plexiglass, acrylic, plain glass, and glazed/museum glass are all acceptable.

If you have any questions about framing, please contact us!

Each artist is encouraged to have their selected entries for sale during the exhibition. Artists set their own prices, and the Stuhr Museum manages all transactions. Artists must finalize prices upon signing the exhibition and sales contract. (Note: When determining prices, please keep in mind that Stuhr Museum receives a 40% commission for all sales.)

Example:

Sale Price: $100
Stuhr Museum Commission: $40
Artist Commission: $60

The purchaser is responsible for the cost of shipping and handling if needed.

If accepted for the exhibition, artwork must be hand-delivered or shipped to Stuhr Museum by December 19.

Shipping/transportation costs to and from Stuhr Museum are the responsibility of the artist. Please be mindful of your ability to transport your work. Do not submit something too large/heavy if you do not have access to appropriate transportation.

If you are shipping your work, you MUST include a pre-paid return shipping label. Recommended shipping boxes are MasterPak, Airfloat, or Uline art boxes. These boxes will ensure the safety of your work and make the handling process easier for the gallery.

Your biography/artist statement must be submitted in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format. Your artwork images must be submitted in .jpg or .png format.

File names should use standard letters and numbers only. File names can NOT contain special characters such as colons ( : ), number signs ( # ), dollar signs ( $ ), dashes ( – ), etc. If your file names contain special characters, your files may not be uploaded correctly, and your application will not be submitted.

Example: A file name listed as “Portrait #2.jpg” is NOT an acceptable file name. Change it to something without special characters like “Portrait 2.jpg” instead.

All entries must illustrate wildlife, waterfowl and/or landscapes of the Platte River and its’   tributaries. All entries must be original works of art, submitted by October 15, 2025. Notification of acceptance will be the week of October 30th, 2025, by email or phone.

All successful entries will be on exhibit at Stuhr Museum in the Stuhr Building, January 24^th – June 6^th, 2026.  These entries must remain in the gallery and may not be exchanged or removed by the exhibitor or purchaser for the duration of the exhibit and sale.

Accepted artwork must be delivered to the Stuhr Building from December 8^th – 19^th, 2025 between the hours of 9:00a.m.-4:30p.m. Artwork must arrive clearly marked with written instructions (if that is needed) no later than 4:30 p.m., December 19^th, 2025.

Reasonable care will be taken to ensure proper handling of entries.  The Stuhr Museum is not responsible for the loss or damage of any works submitted for competition and exhibition. Artwork will be stored in a secure, temperature and humidity controlled area prior to installation.

Stuhr Museum will have permission to use any image of accepted artwork on its website or for promotion and education of the exhibition Wings Over the Platte unless prohibited in writing by the artist.