Visit This Exhibit

**March 4, 2026 - April 15, 2026**
**Open Wednesday – Sunday**
**11 AM – 4 PM CST**

Accessibility

This exhibit is located on the first floor and second floors of the Museum. The first floor is wheelchair accessible. A binder of images of the artwork on the second floor will be made available.

Hope for Spring: Stars and Stripes Forever

An exhibition of local artists on the theme of freedom and the American spirit

On display at the Neill-Cochran House museum
March 4, 2026 - April 4, 2026

The Neill-Cochran House Museum (NCHM), is pleased to present our sixth annual juried exhibition, Hope for Spring. This year, the exhibition will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and what freedom means to you. Titled Hope for Spring: Stars and Stripes Forever, local artists are invited to commemorate and interpret this historic moment as we consider what we value the most about these United States. 2D and 3D works can be abstract, realistic, graphic, fine art, crafts – all interpretations in all mediums are welcome.

For the past 250 years, the United States grew from 13 humble colonies to a global superpower. In that time, Americans have fought, struggled, negotiated, and renegotiated countless times what America is and what it means to be an American. Anniversaries such as this one are times to look back and reflect on our past, and what kind of country we want to be in the future. This year as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we hope to celebrate art that asks what does freedom mean, and what does America mean to you with Hope for Spring: Stars and Stripes Forever.

This is a juried exhibition with cash prizes. Artists will be permitted to submit up to two pieces per entry. You may enter as many times as you like, however, only 60 pieces will be accepted into the show. Three winners and an Honorable Mention will be selected. 1st Place: $250, 2nd Place: $150; 3rd Place: $100. Have a workshop idea that aligns with this exhibition? Email Estevan Balderrama at ebalderrama@nchmuseum.org to share your concept.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Open Call Deadline: Friday, February 20th, 5:00 PM
Notification of Acceptance: Friday, February 27th by email
Art Drop Off: Monday, March 2th, 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Show Dates: Opens March 4th, Closes April 5th
Opening Reception: Saturday, March 7th, 4:00PM - 6:00PM
Art Pick Up: Monday, April 5th and Tuesday, April 6th, 11:00AM - 3:00PM