Hope for Spring: Stars and Stripes Forever

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

open call deadline
Friday, february 13 | 5:00pm

On display at the Neill-Cochran House museum
March 4, 2026 - April 5, 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.

Open Call Deadline: Friday, February 13 | 5:00PM
This application fee payment form will say “Donation” – This is correct.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Open Call Deadline: Friday, February 13th, 5:00 PM
Notification of Acceptance: Friday, February 20th 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

APPLICATION

• For a fee of $15, each artist may submit up to two pieces per entry. Artists may enter as many times as you like, however, only 60 pieces will be accepted into the show.

• Please fill out this form to submit your application (this will say “Donation.” It is correct!).

• After registering, you will receive a link to a Google form to provide your personal information, biographical information, website and social media links, a place to upload an image of your artwork, and agree to the waiver and 15% commission donation to the NCHM for artwork sales.

GUIDELINES

• 2D work: minimum size is 4x4” maximum size 40X40.” 3D work must be free-standing within a radius of 3 feet (36 inches); if it requires a pedestal, the pedestal must be furnished by the artist.  

• Only original works, created by the artist/entrant, will be accepted.

• Entrants must be at least 18 years old and from the Austin, TX region.

• Artwork must be exhibited for the duration of the exhibition. Substitutions of artwork are not permitted.

• Art must be family friendly and appropriate for public consumption.

Sample Artwork

Coming soon. Want to see your artwork at the Museum. Apply above.

Participating Artists

This juried exhibition is open to all. Follow the link at the top of the page to apply.