Polk County Heritage Gallery

08/31/2026

The By the Blade artists are selected!

A huge thank you from PCHG to everyone who submitted their work, and special appreciation to our juror, Alyss Vernon.

Accepted artists:
Allison Akright
Bethany Arganbright
Makayla Carlson
Mindy Carlson
Rhonda Chittenden
Maggie Douglas
Kathy Edwards Hayslett
Goizane Esain
Kristy Evans
Jacqueline Fabritz
Harper Folsom
Julia Franklin
Zoe Hermsen
Kerrie Hill
Emily Hodges
Summer & Evan Hoyt
Jessica Hyland
Mariah Jade
Juliana Jones
Sandra Kirpalani
Ryan Koning
Lydia Mccord
Renee Meyer Ernst
Emily Milewsky
Chad Miller
Russ Nordman
Chad Owen
Amy Putney Koenig
Kristin Quinn
Sundie + Brad Ruppert
Jen Sinkler
Dana Telsrow
Sammie Tran
Cheryl Wells
Jim White
Cyndi Wiley
Alicia Wilkinson
Kaitlyn Wood
Mark Yontz

Featured artists:
J Myszka Lewis
Emily Newman
Ingrid Restemayer
Larry Stuart
Aaron Tinder

08/10/2026

Deadline extended!

Submissions now open until August 17!
Iowa artists are invited to submit up to five original collaged creations for an exhibit selected by juror Alyss Vernon.
For this exhibition, the definition of collage is being widened to welcome works that are not just cut with a blade and pasted to a substrate. Think broadly. Anything that has been re-contexualized goes!

Selected pieces will exhibited alongside works from featured collage artists Aaron Tinder, Emily Newman, J Myszka Lewis, Ingrid Restemayer, and Larry Stuart.

Head over to our website for submissions: polkcountyheritagegallery.org

08/06/2026

08/06/2026

Iowa artists are invited to submit up to five original collaged creations for an exhibit selected by juror Alyss Vernon.
For this exhibition, the definition of collage is being widened to welcome works that are not just cut with a blade and pasted to a substrate. Think broadly. Anything that has been re-contexualized goes!

Selected pieces will exhibited alongside works from featured collage artists Aaron Tinder, Emily Newman, J Myszka Lewis, Ingrid Restemayer, and Larry Stuart.
Submissions open until August 10!

Head over to our website for submissions: polkcountyheritagegallery.org

08/04/2026

See you there!

08/03/2026

Iowa artists are invited to submit up to five original collaged creations for an exhibit selected by juror Alyss Vernon.

For this exhibition, the definition of collage is being widened to welcome works that are not just cut with a blade and pasted to a substrate. Think broadly. Anything that has been re-contexualized goes!

We are looking for: traditional collage on paper, canvas, or panel, 3D assemblage and sculpture, textiles, installation art, experimental video and other media. All submitted works must be original and exhibition-ready. 2D work should be framed with wire on the back or have an alternate hanging apparatus. Limited pedestals for 3D works are available. Artists exhibiting time-based media must provide their own screens, speakers and related equipment; they must also be available to give installation instructions or participate in the installation of their work depending on the scope.

Selected pieces will exhibited alongside works from featured collage artists Aaron Tinder, Emily Newman, J Myszka Lewis, Ingrid Restemayer, and Larry Stuart.

Submissions will be open July 27 – August 10.

Apply through the link in bio.

Shoutout to for this fun video!��The exhibition will be on view Sept 30 through Nov 4 with an Opening Reception on Thursday, Oct 1 from 6:30–8:00 PM.

07/27/2026

Iowa artists are invited to submit up to five original collaged creations for an exhibit selected by juror Alyss Vernon.
For this exhibition, the definition of collage is being widened to welcome works that are not just cut with a blade and pasted to a substrate. Think broadly. Anything that has been re-contexualized goes!
We are looking for: traditional collage on paper, canvas, or panel, 3D assemblage and sculpture, textiles, installation art, experimental video and other media. All submitted works must be original and exhibition-ready.
Selected pieces will exhibited alongside works from featured collage artists Aaron Tinder, Emily Newman, J Myszka Lewis, Ingrid Restemayer, and Larry Stuart.

Submissions will be open July 27 – August 10

The exhibition will be on view Sept 30 through Nov 5 with an Opening Reception on Thursday, Oct 1 from 6:30–8:00 PM. Join us for an evening of art, conversation, and celebration of the art of collage!
We can’t wait to see what you’ve been creating!

Head over to our website www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/submissions

Below is some information entering artists may need:

AWARDS -

• $750 in total cash awards:

• $350 – Best in Show (1)
• $125 – Merit Awards (2)
• $75 – Honorable Mention Awards (2)
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FEES & RULES -

• Entry Fee: $30 (up to 5 submissions)

Eligibility:
• Must be an Iowa resident
• Must be 16 years or older
• All work must be original

Artwork Requirements:
• Ready to display and properly wired for hanging
• Maximum 75 lbs
• Maximum 5 feet in any direction
• Fragile or high-maintenance 3D work must be installed and removed by the artist
• Artist must be present to install video

Delivery:
• Accepted work must be delivered during the scheduled drop-off times
• Late deliveries may not be included in the exhibit
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IMPORTANT DATES

• Call for Entries: July 27 – Aug 10
• Artist Notification: Aug 24 (subject to change)
• Artwork Drop-Off: Sept 24, 25
• Awards Show: October 1
• Awards mailed within 72 hours
• Exhibit Dates: Sept 30 through Nov 4

07/21/2026

Beginning Monday, July 27, Iowa resident collage artists are invited to submit up to five original works. Start selecting your strongest pieces now, and check our website for the submissions link next week!

Iowa artists are invited to submit up to five original collaged creations for an exhibit selected by juror Alyss Vernon.

For this exhibition, the definition of collage is being widened to welcome works that are not just cut with a blade and pasted to a substrate. Think broadly. Anything that has been re-contexualized goes!

We are looking for: traditional collage on paper, canvas, or panel, 3D assemblage and sculpture, textiles, installation art, experimental video and other media. All submitted works must be original and exhibition-ready.

Selected pieces will exhibited alongside works from featured collage artists Aaron Tinder, Emily Newman, J Myszka Lewis, and Ingrid Restemayer.

Submissions will be open July 27 – August 10

07/02/2026

Interested in exhibiting at the Gallery?

Polk County Heritage Gallery is accepting proposals for 2027 exhibitions. Solo shows will be considered, but priority will be given to small group shows and theme-based exhibits.

The gallery space rents for $150 per week for a minimum of five weeks. The gallery takes no commission on sales.

To submit a proposal, include: 1). At least three images of artworks, including an installation shot for a proposed group show, 2). A proposal of 200 words or fewer, describing the theme or artists’ intent and medium, 3). A CV/resume for solo artist or curator/organizer of the exhibit, and 4). Links to artist websites. Submissions should be sent to [email protected].

Deadline for proposals is August 15, 2026. Notice provided by September 15. Gallery availability is limited. Make us aware of any grant or residency deadlines for showing, and we will do our best to accommodate your calendar.

05/11/2026

Opening night at IOWA EXHIBITED 2026 ✨

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this year’s exhibition and the incredible artists featured in the show.

Juried by Jennifer Drinkwater — artist, educator, and community arts specialist at Iowa State University — whose work explores the ways art connects people, places, and communities.

🏆 BEST IN SHOW
Anna Segner — Miscarry

✨ MERIT AWARDS
Angie Huffman — Screen Time
Laura Travnicek — Self Portrait in Studio
Seso Marentes — Soil of My Fathers

👏 HONORABLE MENTIONS
Bojenna Gaquer — Paranoia
Rob Matthews — No Covenants
Robert Sunderman — Aerial Iowa Revived #5

Here’s to a wonderful exhibition season and the artists shaping Iowa’s creative community. 🎉