The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is thrilled to announce a fresh new direction for the 2026 Tulip Festival Art Exhibit, one that celebrates the creativity of our local artists and the beauty of tulip season like never before. This exhibit will feature original tulip-themed artwork from local artists, shifting the spotlight from past poster art to unique, one-of-a-kind pieces created by our creative local community. Selected artwork will be displayed throughout April 2026, and for one standout artist, their piece will become the official 2027 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Poster, earning them a $1,000 prize. Plus, we’re adding a People’s Choice Award, where exhibit visitors can vote for their favorite piece, earning the winning artist a $200 prize.
Who Can Submit
This open call is for artists ages 16 and older who live in Skagit, Whatcom, San Juan, Island, or Snohomish Counties. Whether you’re a student, hobbyist, or professional, we welcome your unique take on the tulip season that brings our region to life.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking original tulip-themed artwork in any 2D medium: painting, drawing, digital art, mixed media—you name it. Your work should capture the spirit, joy, and beauty of the tulips and what they represent to the Skagit Valley.
Think beyond just rows of blooms! Consider the energy of spring, the local agricultural roots, or the creatures that might wander through the fields: bees buzzing between petals, birds overhead, or even a curious bunny nestled among the stems. Let your creativity bloom with a scene, story, or perspective that’s uniquely yours.
All submitted pieces must measure no smaller than 16×20 inches and no larger than 24×36 inches. There is no orientation requirement, so feel free to create in either portrait or landscape.
Need inspiration? Take a look at our past poster artists to see how others have brought the tulips to life in their own way.
How It Will Work
Artists are invited to submit tulip-inspired 2D artwork for consideration to be in our 2026 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Art Exhibit. A committee of local community members will review all submissions and select 25–30 pieces to be featured in the exhibit. Selected artists will be notified before the end of January 2026 and must be available in the spring for a potential exhibit opening night.
This exciting art exhibit will take place throughout April 2026, with plans to showcase the selected pieces in up to two different Skagit County cities. Visitors will have the chance to view the art, learn about the talented local artists behind each piece, and potentially purchase the artwork directly from the exhibit. Exact exhibit location(s) and dates will be announced later in fall of 2025.
One artist will also be selected as the 2027 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Poster Artist. This winning piece will not be publicly displayed during the 2026 exhibit. The selected artist will be notified privately, and the artwork and artist will be announced at a later date. Along with receiving a $1000 prize, their artwork will be featured as the official 2027 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival poster and reproduced on a variety of festival merchandise including apparel, mugs, magnets, and more.
How to Submit
Artists may submit up to two pieces for consideration with a single $25 entry fee. All submissions are due by December 1, 2025 at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival office.
To submit your entry for the 2026 Tulip Festival Art Exhibit, please make sure to:
- Submit your artwork digitally via email to info@tulipfestival.org
- Complete and return the submission form
- Include a short artist bio (100–150 words) — may be displayed with your artwork if selected
- Pay the $25 entry fee
Selected artwork will have the opportunity to be purchased by the public during the exhibit. If your piece is sold, 70% of the sale will go to you, and 30% will go to support the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.
Entry fees can be paid by cash, check (mailed or dropped off at the Tulip Festival office), or credit card at our office or over the phone.
Important Dates
- Submission Deadline: December 1, 2025
- Selected Artists Notification: January 2026
- Artwork Drop-Off: Mid-March 2026 (at Tulip Festival office in Mount Vernon; details provided upon selection)
- Exhibit Dates: April 2026 (exact dates TBA)
