The Iowa Exhibited show will be returning to the Polk County Heritage Gallery this summer! This is an annual show where Iowa artists can submit up to three works to be blindly judged by this year’s juror, Ben Millet. Works selected for awards will receive a cash prize up to $350. Submissions for the show will be open from May 17, 2024 through May 31, 2024. The show will run from Thursday, June 27, 2024 through Thursday, August 15, 2024 with an opening reception on Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. This event is free and open to the public.

This is a fantastic opportunity for Iowa artists to get their fantastic works displayed in a unique space located in downtown Des Moines.

AWARDS

The juror will award $950 in cash among seven artists

• One $350 Best in Show 

• Three $125 Merit Awards

• Three $75 Honorable Mention Awards

FEES & RULES

$30 for up to three submissions

1. Eligibility. Submitting artists must live in the state of Iowa.

2. Authenticity. All work must be original.

3. Age. All artists must be 16 years of age or older.

4. Exhibit-ready. All work must be ready for display and wired for hanging. Artwork cannot weigh more than 75 pounds or measure over 5 feet in any direction. No wet oils will be accepted. Fragile/delicate 3D work, pottery or sculpture that requires more than normal care will be the responsibility of the artist to install and remove.

5. Drop off. All accepted work must be delivered during the posted delivery time. Late delivery may result in exclusion of the accepted piece from the exhibit.

TIMELINE + IMPORTANT DATES

• CALL FOR ENTRIES WINDOW - Friday, May 17 to Friday, May 31

• ANNOUNCEMENT OF SELECTED ARTISTS - Wednesday, June 12

• ARTWORK DROP OFF - Thursday, June 20 to Friday, June 21

• AWARDS SHOW - Thursday, June 27 at 6:30pm (awards will be mailed within 72 hours of the ceremony)

• EXHIBIT DURATION - June 27 to August 15

ABOUT THE JUROR

Quilting is Ben Millett's creative outlet outside his work at an agriculture company in Des Moines, Iowa. Ben explores color and shape by applying contemporary color palettes to traditional quilt blocks, turning digital concepts into a physical reality with fabric and thread. He creates to play, to communicate ideas, to further the gay agenda, to make what he wants to see.