Who We Are

Southern Tier Center for Emerging Artists (STCEA) is an affirming + accessible art space and creative community. STCEA offers exhibitions, workshops, and individual creative coaching to help you build creative confidence as you cultivate, celebrate, and share your work.

STCEA is located in the historic Chautauqua region within Western New York’s Southern Tier, a group of fourteen southwestern counties connected by a rich artistic and cultural heritage.

Why Exhibit With STCEA?

STCEA provides a safe space for you to build creative confidence. Our affordable exhibition entry fees allow you to submit and have your work evaluated through a competitive juried show process that is welcoming to art students, new and emerging artists, and seasoned artists alike.

Having your work displayed in an international juried show is a great way to boost your artistic presence, increase sales, and build your exhibition portfolio for future show opportunities, gallery representation, or entrance to MFA programs - or just for fun and personal growth!

Our online exhibits are good for the environment and your pocketbook - you save shipping fees and artwork preparation costs as your work is professionally displayed in an online gallery with shareable links for your website and social media feeds.

Plus, you can direct viewers to your online shop, where you’ll keep 100% of the proceeds for any artwork sold through exposure from an STCEA exhibit.

Art That Does Good

STCEA donates 20% of the proceeds from every exhibition to support non-profits doing good work in the communities we serve that address:

  • Food security and basic living needs

  • Racial equity

  • Environmental and natural resources

  • Substance abuse and mental health services

  • Animal rights and care

  • Refugee resettlement

  • Music education

  • Affordable housing

  • Health and human services

FAQs

Do you accept all entries to your exhibitions?

A professional juror evaluates each entry and selects works for inclusion based on artistic merit, adherence to theme, and quality of artwork images for display in an online, digital gallery. We always look for opportunities to include new and diverse talents and voices in our shows.

How are entries accepted?

STCEA accepts entries via www.artcall.org. Each exhibit has its own call to entry page. Submission links are found on the STCEA Upcoming Exhibitions page.

What types of mediums do you accept?

Generally, we are open to all mediums - painting, illustration, photography, printmaking, sculpture, textile and fiber arts, and more. If you can create it, enter it!

How will I know if I am accepted to an STCEA show?

You will receive a notification through Art Call of your submission status.

Is my entry fee refunded if my work is not accepted?

Unfortunately, entry fees are due at the time of entry submission and are not refundable if works are not selected.

Will I be able to promote the exhibit on my website or social media account?

Absolutely! You will also have the chance to list your website on your exhibition entry.

Do you offer awards and cash prizes for your exhibits?

For every exhibition, a Best in Show award is issued with a cash prize. The juror may also designate Awards of Distinction to works of high artistic merit. A People’s Choice and Artists’ Choice is awarded for each exhibit based on voting results. Award-winning entries feature a ribbon in the online exhibit.

What are the fees for entries?

Exhibition fees for the 2023-2024 season are $30 per show for 3 entries, payable by credit or debit card, with a maximum of 5 entries per artist per show.

Do I need to submit an Artist’s Statement to enter a show?

While jurors always love the opportunity to read more about you and your work, artist’s statements are not required to enter any STCEA show.

What if I’m not sure how to size my work for entry?

The call for entry page has resources to help, or you can contact us for assistance.

What types of files can be uploaded to a call?

JPG and PNG files up to 4 MB are accepted. The system will create a generic file name before the entry is judged.

Will I be able to access or link to the exhibit after the show’s end date?

Yes! The show will be accessible on Art Call and the STCEA website.