Place of Peace Veterans Art Exhibit Call for Artists

The Lenexa Arts Council and the Arts Council of Johnson County are pleased to present the Place of Peace gallery exhibit featuring the 2D and 3D works of military veterans from the Kansas City metropolitan area. The exhibit will be on display at the City Hall Art Gallery from Oct. 29–Nov. 24, 2024.

Veterans from all U.S. military branches and all artistic experience levels are invited to apply to participate in this special exhibit. Artists may submit up to four pieces of art for consideration. The jury will review all submissions with the plan to accept at least one piece from each applicant, as long as the artworks meet the show and gallery guidelines. Participation is free.

Application period is May 1–Sept. 1, 2024.

Artists who need financial support to purchase framing can request assistance from the Arts Council of Johnson County Foundation. To request support, please check the box on the application and a representative of ACJC will contact you.

The jury committee, made up of members of the Lenexa Arts Council and Arts Council of Johnson County, will consider the following criteria when selecting art for this show:

  • Demonstrates artistic excellence and creativity
  • Encourages public education and/or appreciation of the arts
  • Follows general standards of decency and respect for cultural diversity
  • Demonstrates artistic and cultural significance

Apply online

Step 1.Guidelines

Veterans from a U.S. military branch can enter up to four pieces of art for consideration. See full submission guidelines under "Show rules" at the bottom of this page.

We accept a variety of 2D and 3D art including paintings, drawings, photography, woodworking, jewelry, carvings, fiber art, etc. 3D art will be displayed in covered cases (largest case size is 23"x23” wide and 32” high). If your piece is larger than that, please contact us to coordinate. 

Prepare your application

You will need photos of each work you want to submit as well as a short biography, artist statement and photo of artist.

Step 2.Submit your application

To be considered for this exhibit, apply by Sept. 1, 2024.

Apply now

Step 3.Selection and notification

The jury will consider all applications and notify artists after the application period closes.

Show rules

Artists in this show must be veterans from a U.S. military branch.

Artists must submit the following before artwork will be installed:

  • Gallery waiver (form will be sent to all accepted applicants prior to installation)
  • Artist bio and statement
  • Photo of art pieces for consideration
  • Photo of artist

Value of art must be listed, even if the art is not for sale (NFS).

The artist must deliver art to City Hall and unpack it at the agreed date and time. Installation day is Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, from 4–5:30 p.m. 

Hanging pieces must be backed with secured, sturdy hanging wire (D-rings or eyelet screws and sturdy wire work best). The gallery’s hanging system does not work with sawtooth hooks or other small hooks on the backs of frames. 

Hanging art must be framed, when applicable. Art on canvas is not required to be framed, but edges must be finished. Tighten the wire so that the stretched wire sits approximately 3” below the top edge of the art and the hanger does not show when the art is hung.

3-D art must sit securely on own or have attachments to secure it.

Artist’s name and title of the piece should be marked on the back (or bottom) of the piece.

Art must remain displayed for the entire show, unless approved by the Lenexa Arts Council, and may be removed only by a member of the Lenexa Arts Council.

Each submission must be original designs created by the artist submitting them. By submitting your work, you are agreeing that it does not contain any third party copyrighted materials.

Art must be family friendly with no images of nudity, of a sexual nature, graphically violent or depicting gore, no use of or depiction of illegal substances, and no political messaging. The jury committee reserves the right to deny any artwork for any reason.

You retain the copyright of each of submission and the right to use the artwork for your personal use. However, you grant the City a royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable and non-exclusive license to reproduce, distribute, publicly display submitted artwork or parts thereof for advertising or promotional purposes in any media now existing or subsequently developed. You may or may not be credited when the artwork is used.

Important dates

Application Deadline: Sept. 1, 2024

Art Drop-off: Oct. 28, 2024, 4–5:30 p.m.

Artists' Reception: Nov. 7, 2024, 6–7:30 p.m.

Art Pickup: Nov. 25, 2024, 4–5:30 p.m.

Art sales

Interested buyers will contact and pay artists directly, however artists should inform Lenexa Arts Council of sales, so “sold” notification may be placed on the art.

Lenexa Arts Council does not take a percentage of sales. However, artists may choose to donate a percentage of sales to The Lenexa Foundation for Lenexa Arts Council art shows. Donations are tax deductible.