Oelwein Public Library Art Show
The Oelwein Public Library is pleased to sponsor it's ninth competitive Art Show.
June 8th-12th 2026
Participants may bring in their artwork during library business hours May 28th-June 5th, 2026.
All entries must be in by 4:00 p.m. on June 5th.
Library business hours:
Monday-Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Wednesday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Printable entry tags and official rules
GENERAL RULES:
1. All entries must be delivered to the Oelwein Public Library at 201 E. Charles St. in Oelwein, Iowa. Participants may bring in their artwork during library business hours May 28th-June 5th. All entries must be in by 4:00 p.m. on June 5th. Library business hours are: Monday & Tuesday 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. This year's show will run from June 8th-June 12th, 2026.
2. There is no entry fee. Works must not be removed from the show prior to its conclusion. Entries are limited to two (2) per person. All entries must be framed and ready to be hung except for students' work.
3. Each entry must be the original work (no prints) of the entrant and must have been completed within the last two years.
4. Entry size must not exceed 48 inches in any direction (unframed).
5. The library will use customary care in handling entries but will in no case be responsible for the loss or damage of any artwork. Prints may be left in bags until hanging.
Please mark your bag with your name.
Please mark your bag with your name.
6. Judging will take place on Friday, June 12th. Winners will receive ribbons. Voting for the PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD will be June 8th- June 12th. The public is allowed one vote for their favorite artwork. People's Choice will be awarded at the same time as the ribbons. Artwork will remain on display for one week following the awarding of ribbons.
7. Deadline for picking up artwork is Friday, June 22nd.
Please mark your artwork as one of the following categories:
MEDIUMS:
Painting - oil or other opaque mediums (acrylics)
Painting - watercolor or other transparent medium
Drawing - ink or pencils or pastels or other medium (prismacolor)
Ceramics- All original clay and porcelain work other than jewelry is accepted in this category. No machine-made or mass produced work is permitted. All works must be signed.
Wood- Original works in wood that are hand-tooled, machine-worked, turned or carved are accepted in the wood category.
Sculpture- Three-dimensional original work done in any medium.
Photography- Photographic prints made from the artist's original image, which have been processed by that artist, or under his or her direct supervision, are included in this category.
Digital art –an original work in which the original image was executed by the artist using a computer (only images produced by the participating artist are acceptable - participants’ drawings or paintings).
Repurposed- Reuse recycled items to transform them into a collective work of art.
CLASSES:
Professional – person who has participated in gallery showings and has regularly
sold their work or has been commissioned for work
Amateur – person who engages in art as a hobby or pastime
Novice - first entry in any art show
Student - Secondary (9th - 12th grade)
Student - Elementary and Middle School
Painting - oil or other opaque mediums (acrylics)
Painting - watercolor or other transparent medium
Drawing - ink or pencils or pastels or other medium (prismacolor)
Ceramics- All original clay and porcelain work other than jewelry is accepted in this category. No machine-made or mass produced work is permitted. All works must be signed.
Wood- Original works in wood that are hand-tooled, machine-worked, turned or carved are accepted in the wood category.
Sculpture- Three-dimensional original work done in any medium.
Photography- Photographic prints made from the artist's original image, which have been processed by that artist, or under his or her direct supervision, are included in this category.
Digital art –an original work in which the original image was executed by the artist using a computer (only images produced by the participating artist are acceptable - participants’ drawings or paintings).
Repurposed- Reuse recycled items to transform them into a collective work of art.
CLASSES:
Professional – person who has participated in gallery showings and has regularly
sold their work or has been commissioned for work
Amateur – person who engages in art as a hobby or pastime
Novice - first entry in any art show
Student - Secondary (9th - 12th grade)
Student - Elementary and Middle School
For further information, call the Library at (319) 283-1515.