Call for Art
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art invites submissions for the
19th Annual NewArt Northwest Kids Exhibition: I AM PART OF THE STORY
This year’s exhibition is inspired by the exhibition Jeffrey Gibson: They Teach Love, from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation. Gibson's artwork celebrates identity, creativity, resilience, community, and the power of transformation. Through vibrant colors, patterns, words, and symbols, Gibson explores who we are, where we come from, and how we can imagine a more inclusive future. For this year's NewArt Northwest Kids exhibition, K–12 students are invited to create an artwork that responds to the question:
What story do you want to tell about yourself, your community, or the future you hope to create?
Artists may explore:
• Personal identity and culture
• Family traditions and ancestry
• Community and belonging
• Kindness, empathy, and connection
• Dreams for the future
• Social change and justice
• Transformation and growth
• The power of words and messages
• Celebration of place and environment
Students are encouraged to use color, pattern, symbols, text, and storytelling in creative ways, just as Jeffrey Gibson combines visual elements to communicate powerful ideas.
Creative Prompts for K–12 Artists
Choose one (or more!) to inspire your artwork.
1. What makes you unique?
2. What traditions, stories, or experiences shape who you are?
3. What does belonging mean to you?
4. What message would you share with the world?
5. How would you like your community to grow or change?
6. What future do you hope to create?
Submission Guidelines
- Eligibility: Open to all K-12 students residing in Oregon.
- Medium: Any 2-D visual art medium (painting, drawing, collage, mixed media, etc.) is acceptable.
- Size: Artwork should not exceed 12 x 16 inches.
- Deadline: Submissions are due by Friday, January 24, 2027
- Submission: Please submit a high-resolution photograph or scan of the artwork along with a brief statement (50 - 150 words) describing what inspired the artwork, the story/message they hope to share, and how their work connects to the exhibition theme.
- Teachers and parents or guardians are asked to select a limited number of student works to submit – one entry per student. Museum staff will select a maximum of thirty-three pieces for the show. Additional works may be shown in a JSMA exhibition at the Eugene Airport concurrent to or following this exhibition.
Exhibition Information
Selected works will be displayed at the JSMA from March 6 - September 2027.
Contact Us
For more information or any questions, please contact Gabrielle Miller, Museum Educator at info@uoregon.College.