CALL FOR ARTISTS: Blue & White Invitational

CALL FOR ARTISTS:
Blue & White Invitational

A juried invitational exhibition at the Holland Museum
Exhibition Dates: June 12, 2026 – October 18, 2026 

The Holland Museum, in collaboration with the Holland Area Arts Council, invites artists to participate in a curated exhibition inspired by the tradition of Dutch Delftware and the enduring visual language of blue and white design. Rooted in the Netherlands, Delft art is known for its bold cobalt palette, intricate patterning, and storytelling through everyday objects. Drawing inspiration from Chinese blue-and-white porcelain introduced through global trade, Dutch artisans developed Delftware as a distinctly European interpretation of an international ceramic tradition. 

This exhibition encourages artists to explore these ideas whether through color, pattern, material, or concept, while offering contemporary interpretations of blue and white aesthetics. Artists may reference Delftware directly or engage more loosely with its themes, including ornamentation, domestic objects, tradition, cultural exchange, and reinterpretations of historical forms. Artists are encouraged to visit the Holland Museum to view Delftware from the museum’s collection as a source of inspiration. Participating artists may visit the museum free of charge for this purpose. 

Artists working in all media are welcome, including but not limited to ceramics, painting, photography, printmaking, textiles, glass, mixed media, and sculpture.

Submit Your Work

Submission Deadline: May 18, 2026

Artist Notification: May 22, 2026

Opening Reception: June 12, 2026, 5:30–7:00 PM

Age requirement: Artists must be 16 years of age or older to apply

Submission sizing: Submissions may be no larger than 5 ft x 5 ft x 5 ft. 

Awards:

  • First Place: $350

  • Second Place: $250

  • Third Place: $150

  • Three Honorary Mentions: $50 each

  • People’s Choice Award (determined by visitor voting)

Entry Fees:

  • $25 for one submission

  • $30 for two submissions

  • $35 for three submissions

Submit Your Work

 

Holland Museum

Holland Museum
31 W. 10th Street
Holland, MI 49423

The Holland Museum tells the story of Holland, Michigan, from its settlement by Dutch immigrants to today’s innovative, successful, and diverse community. Featuring thousands of fascinating historic objects, as well as artwork from the Netherlands from the 1600s through the 1900s, ou permanent History and Dutch Galleries are not to be missed.


MUSEUM HOURS

Thursdays: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fridays: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturdays: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sundays: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Closed Mondays EXCEPT on Free Second Mondays from 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Spark!Lab is open and included with general admission on Fridays, Saturdays, and Free Second Mondays.


*FREE SECOND MONDAYS
In addition to regular hours, join us for our “FREE Second Mondays” from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m each month. Check our calendar for specific dates. Sponsored by The Meijer Foundation.


ADMISSION AND DISCOUNTS

Admission 
$10.00 for adults
$8.00 for senior adult
$5.00 for students with a valid college ID and kids 6-18 
FREE: Holland Museum members and children ages 5 and under are free.
$1.00 Museums for All admission (EBT or WIC card holder, $1.00/person, up to 4 people per card).

Discounts
The Holland Museum offers an admission discount to Veterans, active military, and educators. If you are active military, the discount applies each person in your party. If you are a veteran or educator, the discount applies to that person only. Admission for veterans, active military, and educators is $5.


CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF THESE 2024/2025 HOLIDAYS

  • Independence Day, July 4
  • Labor Day, September 1
  • Thanksgiving Day, November 28
  • Christmas Eve, December 24
  • Christmas Day, December 25
  • New Year's Eve, December 31
  • New Year's Day, January 1, 2026


ACCESSIBILITY
The Museum has a handicapped-accessible entrance on the east side of the building next to the circle drive. To access the building, please press the button to the right of the door and the front desk will buzz visitors in. Take the elevator from the ground floor (G) to the first level (1L) and you will arrive behind the reception desk. There is also a wheelchair available for patron use. Each level of the museum is handicapped accessible, as are the restrooms. If you have any specific needs, please call the front desk at (616) 796-3329.

PARKING 
The Holland Museum is located at the corner of 10th Street and River Avenue, across from Centennial Park. Please use the parking lot behind the museum on 9th Street or street parking is available along 10th Street. Handicap accessibility is available from the east side of the building.

BLUE STAR MUSEUM 
We are a Blue Star Museum and offer free admission to active military and their families from Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 17, 2025, through  Labor Day weekend, Saturday, September 1, 2025.

MUSEUM BUILDING RENTALS
For information about Museum building rentals, please contact David Hawley-Lowry at dhawley@hollandmuseum.org

Learn more