Artist Open Calls
The 10th Annual Joshua O. Ingram
Paint the Small Town
Paint the Small Town is a day-long celebration of art and community held in Downtown Mt. Sterling during the Small Town America Festival. From 8AM to 3PM, artists of all ages and skill levels set up throughout downtown to create works of art inspired by the sights, sounds, and energy of the day. While the event welcomes traditional en plein air painters, all mediums are encouraged—whether using brushes, pencils, markers, or mixed media.
In the evening, the Gateway Regional Arts Center hosts a reception and awards ceremony from 6–7PM, where every piece created is displayed and available for purchase. The evening concludes with the announcement of cash prize winners, making it a vibrant celebration of creativity and local talent.
2027 Exhibition Season
The theme, 'Kaleidoscope of Stories: Many Pieces, One Light,' honors the bicentennial of our historic stained glass windows, originally commissioned in 1827. Like stained glass, our community is made of unique pieces—each with its own color, history, and voice—shining together as one light. We seek artists whose work reflects rich legacies, artisanship, storytelling, and fresh perspectives within and beyond the Gateway Region. Gateway Regional Arts Center (GRAC) welcomes applications for our 2027 gallery exhibition season. Only a limited number of proposals can be accepted due to high standards and space constraints. We encourage thoughtful, polished submissions and early application, as review is rolling and slots may fill quickly. Preference is given to artists with Kentucky ties, but select slots are reserved for outside perspectives. Click the submit button to apply!
Want to join our Artist Directory?
Submission Deadline: There is no deadline, we are accepting artists on a rolling basis.
Location: Artist must be located in and willing to reach the entire Gateway Region, which includes Montgomery Co, Bath Co, Menifee Co, Morgan Co, & Rowan Co.
The Gateway Regional Arts Center is calling for artists to join our Artist Directory. The directory is a free resource for artists in the Gateway region. The directory is a great way increase visibility for your work and to connect with potential clients, collaborators, and art buyers.
Submit Your Mural Request - Rolling Application
Submission Deadline: No deadline, rolling submission.
Are you a building owner wanting to join the mural craze sweeping our region? Wait no more! Due to the recent uptick in murals, we have received dozens of requests from owners of buildings and businesses wanting to add a mural to their walls. Through our new mural program, we hope to connect local businesses & building owners to mural artists from the area.
Interested building owners should submit the form linked here to be added to our list to contact for potential projects. Murals increase tourism, increase foot traffic, enhance business sales, and beautify otherwise empty/dull areas. We appreciate your interest in continuing to make Mt. Sterling the Rural Mural Capital of Kentucky!