Bristol Art Museum Announces 2026 Members’ Exhibition at Blithewold: Still Growing: Art Inspired by Trees

The Bristol Art Museum invites its members to submit artwork for consideration of its upcoming exhibit Still Growing: Art Inspired by Trees, the Museum’s 2026 open Members’ Exhibition to be held at the Marjorie Van Wickle Lyon Gallery at Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum. The exhibition will be on view from Sat., Mar 28, through Sun., May 10, 2026, with an Artists’ Reception on Sun., Mar. 29, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Submissions must be made online by midnight on Mar. 20. The exhibition celebrates Blithewold’s 100th anniversary as a recognized arboretum, first acknowledged by scientists from the Arnold Arboretum. 

“The Bristol Art Museum invites artists to reflect on the enduring presence of trees and their role in shaping landscapes, memories, and the passage of time,” said Museum Board Member and Curator Mary Dondero. “Submissions may explore trees as living forms, symbols of growth and resilience, or quiet witnesses to seasons, history, and change. Works may be inspired by Blithewold’s gardens and arboretum, personal experiences with trees, the natural environment, or the metaphorical meaning of trees in our lives. Representational, abstract, and conceptual approaches are all welcome.”

The exhibition is open to artists 18 years of age or older who hold an active Bristol Art Museum membership. All submissions must be original works that have not previously been exhibited at the Museum. Artists may submit one two-dimensional work (maximum 20 inches in any direction) in any medium. Due to Blithewold’s gallery system, artwork must be wired for hanging; saw-tooth hangers cannot be accommodated.

Artists may choose to offer their work for sale. All sales will be processed through Blithewold’s gift shop, with 50 percent of proceeds going to the artist and 50 percent to Blithewold. Alternatively, artists may designate their work as not for sale.

---