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.
Receiving:
December 29
Exhibit Dates:
Dec 31 - Jan 31
Reception:
January 2, 2026 at 10:00:00 PM
February
Love is...
Receiving:
February 2
Exhibit Dates:
Feb 4 - Feb 28
Reception:
February 6, 2026 at 10:00:00 PM
March
Local Scenes, Local Themes
Receiving:
March 2
Exhibit Dates:
March 4 - March 28
Reception:
March 6, 2026 at 10:00:00 PM
April
Bloom
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
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
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.
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.
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
Early entry is recommended. The show will be held from Wed., Sept. 2 through Sat., Sept. 26 at the RAL Art Center, 19 North Main Street, Kilmarnock VA 22482, 804-436-9309. The Awards presentation for participating artists (4-5 pm) and the public reception (5-7 pm) will be held on Fri., Sept. 4 at the Art Center.
Fees: Entry forms and entry fees must be received by August 15, 2024
• First Entry - $35.00
• Second Entry - $35.00
• Over-sized Entries - $45.00 (40” x 40” or over); limit is one entry if piece is over-sized
• Bin Entries - $7.00 each (limited to Five Entries)
Show Calendar
8/15 Entry Forms and Fees must be received
8/29 Art received 10 am to 4 pm
8/30 Art received 1 pm to 4 pm
8/31 Art received 10 am to 12 pm
9/1 Closed for Judging
9/2 Show opens to the Public
9/4 Awards Presentation, 4-5 pm; Reception, 5-7 pm
9/6-7 Special Open Hours (Sun & Mon), 10 am - 4 pm
9/12 Viewers’ Choice Award presentation
9/26 Pickup of Artwork, 10 pm to 4 pm
9/27 Pickup of Artwork, 1 pm to 4 pm
9/29 Pickup of Artwork, 10 am to 12 pm
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.
Receiving:
September 28
Exhibit Dates:
Sept 29 - Oct31
Reception:
October 2, 2026 at 9:00:00 PM
November
The Art of Abstraction
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!
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