ARS POETICA IV: A Juried Exhibition
October 3 - November 12, 2026 | Alexander Community Gallery
ARS POETICA III First Place Winning Visual Art and Poetry
Horace, the renowned lyric poet of ancient Rome, famously wrote in Ars Poetica that “as is painting, so is poetry.” Though distinct in their methods, both art forms strive to evoke similar emotions and insights. Horace argued that when experienced together, their power to transform is even greater. This idea continues to drive the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum's (BRAHM) annual project.
With that in mind, BRAHM is excited to present this year’s ARS POETICA IV, a juried exhibition showcasing the collaborative potential between poetry and visual art. Below you will find all this year’s submission information. Please contact Samantha Burnette at Samantha@BlowingRockMuseum.org with any submission or exhibition questions.
Exhibition Details:
Submissions accepted between April 13 and June 26, 2026.
Physical exhibition open October 3 - November 12, 2026, Alexander Community
Digital exhibition will go online on October 3, 2026
Public voting goes until 11:59 pm on Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Reception at BRAHM on November 12, 2026
Meet our Judges this year:
Poetry: Hilda Downer
Visual Art: Daniel Rich
Prizes:
First Prize: $500 per person
Second Prize: $350 per person
People’s Choice: $150 per person
Accepted participants will be featured in the gallery and will receive a physical copy of the ARS POETICA IV catalog.
Two submissions total in each category accepted per person, i.e. one person could submit a maximum of 2 art pieces and 2 poems
VISUAL ARTWORK GUIDELINES:
All art must be submitted digitally. BRAHM will contact those artists whose submissions are accepted. Original art must then be delivered to BRAHM.
Original artwork must be created between 1/1/2021 and submission date.
Artwork may be any 2 dimensional medium, or low relief wall-based sculpture.
Dimensions may not exceed 24” in width or height after framing.
All 2D pieces must be framed in black frames, wired, and ready to hang by the time of drop off. 3D work and frames may not exceed 5” deep or weigh more than 25 lbs. For tips or questions about framing, please email samantha@blowingrockmuseum.org
Submit Web-ready images: 72 dpi, 900-1200 pixels on the longest side- Cropped, not crooked. Send up to two (2) images (.jpg) per artwork.
Please save your image files with the following format: your name, the title of the work, date, and the medium: (i.e., Jane Smith_River View_2021_Oil on Linen.jpg).
BRAHM has permission to use submitted works for digital and print promotional purposes, including the right to archive.
Collectors interested in making purchases will be able to reach out to individual artists through websites provided on each artist’s submission form. BRAHM will not post prices as part of this exhibition and will not accept any commissions on sales of work. If a work is sold during the exhibition, the artist is still responsible for picking up the work at the end of the exhibition.
Return of artwork is at the responsibility of the artist. Packing and shipping returns will be considered on a case by case basis.
All unclaimed artwork becomes the property of BRAHM after 12/31/27.
Please adhere to all guidelines. BRAHM reserves the right to refuse submissions that do not adhere to the guidelines.
WE WILL CONTACT YOU when the exhibition is curated, and we have scheduled the poetry and art pairings.
POETRY SUBMISSIONS:
Send up to two (2) poems in separate/independent documents (.doc or .docx)
Use only Montserrat 14 pt. Font
40 lines is the maximum length for each poem
Original poetry must be written between 1/1/2021 and submission date.
Please save your files with the following format: name, poem title, and date: i.e. John Doe_River Poem_2022
We accept previously published work. Add citation/credit at the end of the poem.
Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please let us know immediately if your work has been accepted elsewhere by sending us a note with your name and title of the work to samantha@blowingrockmuseum.org
BRAHM assumes First Electronic/Online Rights, including the right to archive.
Please adhere to all guidelines. Submissions not adhering to BRAHM guidelines will not be considered.
WE WILL CONTACT YOU when the exhibition is curated, and we have scheduled the poetry and art pairings.
April 4 - 25, 2026 | Alexander Community Gallery