“My Valentine Is Art”
Because art is worth falling in love with.
Annual Mural Banner Competition & Juried Exhibition
The Marshall Muse Gallery | February 2026
Exhibit Overview
My Valentine Is Art is The Marshall Muse Gallery’s annual February juried exhibition celebrating creativity, connection, and community.
While February often focuses on romantic love, this exhibition highlights the joy and inspiration art brings into shared spaces. Artists are invited to submit uplifting, inclusive work that is appropriate for all ages and reminds us that art itself can be our Valentine.
Selected artworks will be exhibited in the Community Gallery throughout February. One winning artwork will be reproduced as part of a large-scale outdoor mural banner and displayed on the gallery exterior for approximately one year.
Artwork Requirements
Size: 16 x 20 inches (vertical or horizontal)
Surface: Canvas or art board only
Presentation:
Unframed
Wired and ready to hang (securely attached on back)
Medium: Any medium executed on or attached to canvas or board
Original Work: Created by the submitting artist
Display Ready: Stable and suitable for public gallery display
Canvas or art board only, unframed presentation ensures consistency and keeps the focus on the artwork itself.
Subject Matter Guidelines
Open subject matter
Must be positive, uplifting, inclusive, and appropriate for all ages
No political statements, hate speech, or divisive content
Awards & Recognition
Gallery Jury Award
Artwork reproduced as an approximately 8 x 10 foot outdoor banner
Banner displayed on the gallery exterior for approximately one year
Participation in banner unveiling celebration (date TBD)
$250 prize
People’s Choice Award
Selected through combined in-gallery and online public voting
$50 prize
Honorable Mentions
Awarded at the jurors’ discretion
One artwork may receive multiple awards.
Banner & Image Use
The banner will feature the winning artwork along with the tagline “I fell in love with art at The Marshall Muse Gallery in Greensboro, North Carolina” and promoted as a selfie spot location for gallery visitors.
The Marshall Muse Gallery will produce, own, and retain the banner
Banner may be reused for future promotions or events
Artists retain full rights to their original artwork
Reproduction rights granted for banner production and gallery promotion only, with full artist credit
Sales & Commission
All submitted artwork must be for sale
Artists set their own prices
A 30% gallery commission applies
All artwork will be clearly labeled with artist name and price
Voting & Community Engagement
This exhibition is interactive and community-driven.
Voting takes place:
In-gallery throughout February
Online via a curated digital gallery
Artists must submit one high-quality JPEG image for jury review, online display, and public voting. Votes from both platforms are combined to determine the People’s Choice Award.
Submission Process
All entries must be submitted through the official online submission form at the end of this page and include:
High-quality JPEG images. Professional, well-lit photographs are required, as images will represent the artwork online and during voting.
Artwork title
Medium
Artist name
Entry Fee
$25 submission fee; $5 for additional images
This is a juried exhibition; not all entries will be accepted
Submission fees are non-refundable
Important Dates (To Be Finalized)
Submission Deadline: February 1, 2026
Artist Notification: February 2, 2026
Artwork Drop-Off: February 3–4, 2026
Exhibition Dates: February 6–27, 2026
Voting: Throughout February
Winners Announced: February 28, 2026
Artwork Pick-Up (unsold work): February 28, 2026
Events & Visibility
Featured during:
Artists and artwork will be promoted online through: this website, email newsletters, and our social media accounts.
Why Participate?
Be featured in a high-visibility, year-long outdoor mural installation
Gain exposure through gallery events and online voting
Participate in a joyful, community-centered exhibition
Join a signature annual tradition at The Marshall Muse Gallery
How to Apply
Click the link below to make your nonrefundable $25 payment for each submission. Click the second payment option to pay $5 for each additional submission. Once you have paid your fee(s), please submit your entry details using the form below. For those submitting multiple pieces, you will need to fill out the form one time each for every entry.
Questions? Before submitting your payment and entry, please email Tracey Marshall through our Contact form.
