Exhibition Dates
Monday, January 11 to Friday, January 29, 2026
Old Town Hall (460 Botsford Street)
The Old Town Hall Art Gallery invites artists to submit artwork for the exhibition Care To Be You: Stories that Shape a Community celebrating the Town of Newmarket’s new community branding. This exhibition invites artists to show us who they are, what they care about and how they express themselves through art. In Newmarket, we celebrate creativity, authenticity, and the courage to tell your story.
We welcome work that reflects pride, empowerment, and community. Because when we share our stories, we create connection, understanding, and belonging.
We turn care into courage, and courage into community. This exhibition is a celebration of that journey.
Artwork does not have to be created specifically for this exhibition but must relate to the exhibition’s theme. If artwork is still underway, artists may apply with a sketch of their planned piece or a detailed image of part of the artwork. Please note that the gallery space is also a multi-use facility that hosts programming for all ages therefore artwork should reflect age-appropriate content.
Call for Submissions
Submission Deadline: December 9, 2026
Gallery hours including exclusion dates will be posted on the Old Town Hall Gallery Exhibit webpage, click the link below to learn more.
Guidelines
- Artwork submitted must relate to the 2026 theme (Care to be You)
- All forms of art will be accepted (including work created digitally).
- Original artwork only.
- Up to two pieces of art may be entered into the show by each artist.
- Maximum dimension for 2D artwork is 60” (152 cm). Maximum dimensions for 3D work are 30” width x 30” depth x 72” height.
- Works on paper, canvas board etc. must be framed and ready to hang – clean with proper d-rings and hanging wire. Artwork will be not accepted unless it is gallery ready.
- 2D artworks on stretched canvas, gallery canvas, etc. must be clean and have finished/painted sides with proper d-rings and hanging wire. Artwork will be not accepted unless it is gallery ready.
Submission Requirements
- Up to 3 high-resolution images of your work
- An artist statement (max 125 words) explaining how your work responds to the theme
- A brief bio and link to your portfolio/social media
- Submit all components in a single pdf document to curatorialteam@newmarket.ca no later than December 9th, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Additional Information
- Applications will be juried by December 20, and results will be shared with the artists by that date.
- The Exhibition Coordinator may edit stories/statements that exceed 125 words for the purpose of display. Any editing will be communicated to the artist prior to the exhibition.
- The Old Town Hall will produce a label including name of artist, title, medium, size of artwork, sale price and artist’s statement.
- Each artist will outline the cost of their artwork and HST will be charged on all sales. A commission of 25% to the Town of Newmarket will apply on all sales. The Town of Newmarket will handle the sale of the artwork, notify the artist, provide the payment of 75% of the sale to the artist and arrange pickup with the purchaser after the end of the exhibit.
- If your work will require a display case or specific hanging arrangements, please include that information in the entry form.
- Artwork must remain on display for the entire duration of the exhibition – even if work is sold.
- The Town of Newmarket may share photos of your artwork and story on social media for promotional purposes.
- The Town of Newmarket reserves the right to decline a submission deemed unsuitable for the exhibition.
- Successful entries must be delivered to Newmarket’s Old Town Hall on Saturday January 9, 2026, between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
- All artwork on display is covered under the Town of Newmarket property insurance. Please note this coverage only covers art on display and not during transportation to or from the gallery.
- The Town of Newmarket’s Old Town Hall is an accessible site.