WVAC prepares African American Arts Exhibit

The West Valley Arts Council is accepting submissions from Arizona-based African American artists for its 2026 exhibition, “IMPRINT: African Americans in the Arts,” which will run Jan. 16 through Feb. 26 at the Arts HQ Gallery.

The annual exhibit is part of WVAC’s IMPRINT: Celebrating Cultural Diversity in Arts program, launched in 2020 to recognize and elevate artists of color across the Valley. The show highlights the cultural and artistic contributions of African American artists living and working in Arizona.

Professional African American artists ages 18 and older may submit up to three original 2D or 3D works. Reproduction prints will not be accepted, except for photography and graphic art. Visual themes and media are open, though works should be suitable for a family-friendly gallery setting.

Submissions must include high-resolution images, artwork details, an artist biography and a description of the work. Entries must be received by midnight Saturday, Dec. 30, 2025. Artists will be notified of selections on Dec. 31.

The exhibit opens with a public reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 16. Selected artists are responsible for delivering and retrieving their artwork. Admission to the gallery is free.

Full submission guidelines are available at westvalleyarts.org.