Women of the Bible Exhibit - Seeking NELA Artists
Create an original artwork inspired by an assigned woman from Scripture, showing her story or actions rather than a portrait.
Does this fit your work? 5 questions score every call to your medium, location and budget. Free.
Get matched →- Deadline
- 22 days left
- Entry fee
- Free
- Award
- $200
- Location
- Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, Monroe, Louisiana
- Exhibition window
- Mar 20, 2027 → Jan 14, 2028
- Size cap
- ≤ 60" max dimension
About
Overview
The Biedenharn Museum and Gardens invites 36 Northeast Louisiana artists to create original works inspired by women from Scripture. Each participating artist will be randomly assigned a biblical woman and invited to interpret her story in their preferred medium. The primary rule: portraits are not allowed; instead, artwork should show part of the woman's story, an action connected to her significance, or a scene that helps viewers understand her role.
Key Dates
- Submission deadline: Friday, September 11, 2026 at 2:00 PM EDT
- Assignment drawing and lunch: Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
- Artwork delivery: Monday, March 8 – Friday, March 12, 2027, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Opening reception: Saturday, March 20, 2027, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- Art pickup week: Monday, January 10 – Friday, January 14, 2028, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Eligibility
Open to Northeast Louisiana artists ages 16 and up, of all genders. No religious belief restrictions. Artists do not have to be present at the assignment drawing to receive an assignment.
Media & Size
- Paintings and wall-hung artwork: no larger than 60 in. x 60 in. and no smaller than 5 in. x 7 in., including frame
- Three-dimensional work: artists must meet in advance with the museum to discuss size, display needs, and placement
- Portraits are not allowed
Awards
Each selected artist receives a $200 honorarium upon delivery of completed artwork.
Application Requirements
- Submit a 100- to 300-word description explaining the thinking behind your work
- Complete and return the attached tax form for payment processing
- Artwork may be offered for purchase but must remain in the exhibition through January 10, 2028
About the Exhibition
This exhibition is part of the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens' celebration of Emy-Lou Biedenharn's 125th birthday. The museum will provide a one- to three-page dossier on each assigned biblical woman to guide the artist's research and interpretation. This is the second iteration of a successful 2024 exhibition.
How to Register
Contact Ralph Calhoun at [email protected] to register for the assignment drawing or with questions. RSVP to the same email if you plan to attend the drawing.
- Award
- $200 honorarium upon delivery of completed artwork
- Entry fee
- Free to enter
- Theme
- Original works inspired by women from Scripture, showing their stories, significant actions, or scenes that illuminate their roles—not portraits.
- Eligibility
- Open to Northeast Louisiana artists ages 16 and up, all genders, no religious belief restrictions.
- Audience
- Artists ages 16 and up, of all genders, not restricted by religious belief or nonbelief
- Size & format
- Wall-hung artwork: no larger than 60 in. x 60 in. and no smaller than 5 in. x 7 in., including frame. Three-dimensional work by advance discussion.
- Also worth noting
- Wall-hung artwork: no larger than 60 in. x 60 in. and no smaller than 5 in. x 7 in., including frame. Three-dimensional work by advance discussion.
- Contact
- [email protected]
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.