RAL Art Center Exhibits and Signature Events
2025 Exhibit Schedule
2026 Exhibits Schedule
Click here to download 2026 Exhibit Guidelines.
Click here for Entry Form.
Click here for Entry Directions.
Please review our 2026 Exhibit Guidelines to ensure proper hanging equipment is used, size limitations are followed, and all other guidelines are adhered to.
January
Whatever You Want
This is a People’s Choice show. All subjects and styles are accepted. Viewers will vote for their choice for this show.
New Year, New Art
This is a People's Choice show. Create a work designed to draw the viewer in for a closer look, focusing on detail and design.
Receiving:
December 29
Exhibit Dates:
Dec 31 - Jan 31
Reception:
January 2, 2026 at 10:00:00 PM
February
Love is...
Winter Wonderland
Receiving:
February 2
Exhibit Dates:
Feb 4 - Feb 28
Reception:
February 6, 2026 at 10:00:00 PM
March
Local Scenes, Local Themes
New Beginnings
Receiving:
March 2
Exhibit Dates:
March 4 - March 28
Reception:
March 6, 2026 at 10:00:00 PM
April
Bloom
Native Species
Receiving:
March 30
Exhibit Dates:
March 31 - April 25
Reception:
April 10, 2026 at 9:00:00 PM
May
Art in Transit
See entry form for details. Click the link below.
Art in Transit Awards Reception
https://netorgft4527857-my.sharepoint.com/:i:/g/personal/ral_ralartcenter_com/IQBL6AcfrQjjTahJ5iV6x3m3ATxFmAcZApFrHX4Fe9sU0P8?e=IuDcZc
Close Up
Receiving:
April 25, 26, 27
Exhibit Dates:
April 28 - May 30
Reception:
May 1, 2026 at 9:00:00 PM
June
Art Heist
Artwork by invitation. Works will be raffled at a special event for ticket holders.
Art Heist Event: June 27th
https://www.ralartcenter.com/event-details/the-great-art-heist-early-bird-tickets
Chesapeake Bay and Beyond
Receiving:
June 1
Exhibit Dates:
June 2 - June 27
Reception:
June 5, 2026 at 9:00:00 PM
July
Red, White, and Blue
Artists are invited to interpret the vibrant themes of "Red, White, or Blue" in their chosen medium. Explore the emotional, symbolic, or cultural meanings of these colors—together or apart. From bold abstraction to nuanced storytelling, artworks might reflect personal identity, history, celebration, or contrast. Let your creative vision shine through hues that evoke memory, provoke thought, or spark joy, and share your unique perspective in this dynamic exhibition.
***No Political Campaign imagery or messages will be accepted; all work must be non-partisan.
Small Works
For the "Small Works" exhibition, we invite artists to embrace the art of limitation and discover the impact found in modest scale. This show celebrates creativity that thrives within boundaries, where miniature masterpieces command attention and invite close inspection. Whether your work is bold or subtle, abstract, or representational, every brushstroke, chisel mark, or photographic detail should make the most of an intimate format. Present your grandest ideas distilled into a concentrated space, perfect for collectors and admirers seeking art with presence beyond its size. The only restriction is the size of the art, which is 154” overall. For 2D works, it cannot be more than 11’ x 14” high including the frame.
Receiving:
June 29
Exhibit Dates:
June 30 - Aug 1
Reception:
July 3, 2026 at 9:00:00 PM
August
Anything Water
Unleash your creativity without limits! "Anything Goes" invites artists to submit work in any medium, style, or subject matter. This is your opportunity to break boundaries, surprise viewers, and share your boldest ideas. Embrace the freedom to experiment, express, and explore, because in this show, truly anything goes.
Butterflies and Birds
Celebrate the beauty and wonder of flight! "Butterflies and Birds" invites artists to explore the delicate elegance, vivid colors, and lively spirit of these winged creatures. Whether through realism or abstraction, capture their movement, habitats, and symbolism in any medium. Let your work take flight and inspire awe in viewers as we showcase the magic of butterflies and birds.
Receiving:
August 3
Exhibit Dates:
Aug 4 0 Aug 28
Reception:
August 7, 2026 at 9:00:00 PM
September
65th Labor Day Art Show
Call to Artists! There has never been a better time to join us than in the RAL Art Center’s 65th Annual Labor Day Art Show. Artists are invited to enter original works of art in any medium. The show is limited to 200 works of art. Early entry is recommended.
All work must be original and cannot be AI generated.
Must be a member to submit work for the LDAS. https://www.ralartcenter.com/membership
Receiving:
August 29, 30, 31
Exhibit Dates:
Sept 2 - Sept 26
Reception:
September 4, 2026 at 8:00:00 PM
October
Photography/Digital Art
The Photography/Digital Art show is a great opportunity to display your favorite artwork whether it be landscapes, local scenes of the Northern Neck, flowers, portraits of people, historical buildings, pets or the changes in seasons.
Autumn Colors
Autumn invites artists to draw inspiration from the rich palette of the season; fiery reds, golden yellows, deep oranges, and earthy browns. For your entry in this show, consider highlighting the essence of fall through your choice of colors, whether you work in paint, photography, textiles, or mixed media. Let the warmth and vibrancy of autumn guide your creative process, as you explore themes of change, harvest, and the quiet beauty found in the turning of leaves. Your artwork can evoke the mood and energy of the season, capturing the fleeting moments and natural splendor that define autumn’s embrace.
Receiving:
September 28
Exhibit Dates:
Sept 29 - Oct31
Reception:
October 2, 2026 at 9:00:00 PM
November
The Art of Abstraction
Reality is...
Receiving:
November 2
Exhibit Dates:
Nov 2 - Nov 21
Reception:
November 6, 2026 at 10:00:00 PM
December
Holiday Shop
December's Holiday Shop offers a welcoming space for you to display and sell your creative work. Some wonderful options are jewelry, ceramics, textiles, paintings, ornaments, unique gifts and anything that reflects the magic of Winter!
Walk on the Wile Side
Receiving:
Holiday Shop - Nov 23 & 24
Walk on the Wild Side - Nov 30
Exhibit Dates:
Dec 1- Dec 28
Reception:
December 4, 2026 at 10:00:00 PM