The Bristol Art Museum Announces
An Open Call for Art
2026 BAM Members Open Exhibition
at Blithewold’s Marjorie Van Wickle Lyon Gallery
101 Ferry Rd., Bristol, RI

​On View: Saturday, March 28 - Sunday, May 10
Artists' Reception: Sunday, March 29, 2026, 1-3pm

Still Growing: Art Inspired by Trees
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In celebration of Blithewold’s 100th anniversary as a recognized arboretum by scientists from the Arnold Arboretum, the Bristol Art Museum’s 2026 open Members’ Exhibition at Blithewold’s Marjorie Van Wickle Lyon Gallery invites artists to reflect on trees, time, and place.
 
Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly. Submissions may explore trees as living forms, symbols of growth and endurance, or quiet witnesses to time and change. Work may be inspired by Blithewold’s gardens and arboretum, personal experiences with trees, seasonal cycles, memory, or the natural environment more broadly.
 
All 2 dimensional media are welcome. Representational, abstract, and conceptual approaches are equally encouraged. Artists need not depict specific trees at Blithewold; rather, the exhibition seeks thoughtful, personal responses to the idea of trees as enduring presences in our lives and landscapes.

Eligibility:

• Active Bristol Art Museum membership is required for all entrants. Memberships may be purchased online at the time of submission.
• Open to artists 18 years of age or older.
• Submitted work must be original.
• Entries previously displayed at BAM will not be accepted.
• Blithewold has a specific hanging system; saw-tooth hangers will not work on their system, please use wire on the back of your artwork.
• 2-D Work: Maximum dimensions – no more than 24” in any direction.

Entry Information:

• Each artist may submit one (1) artwork.​
• All artwork must first be submitted online via the submission form below. No exceptions. If you need help with the process don’t hesitate to call the Museum at 401-253-4400.
• Online submission deadline midnight March 20.
• $10 Submission fee.
• All artwork must be hand delivered Sunday, March 22 & Monday, March 23, Noon–4pm, at Blithewold’s Marjorie Van Wickle Lyon Gallery (the carriage house), 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI.
• Pick up of all artwork is Monday, May 11, 12-3pm.
• Times are non-negotiable. No exceptions.

Art Sales: 50% of sale to the artist and 50% to Blithewold

• Artists may offer their works for sale, with all transactions processed through Blithewolds' gift shop. *The Museum does not take any commission.
• Alternatively, artists may label an entry as NFS (Not for Sale).
• For those who would like to purchase work, the exhibit will be cash and carry.
• Artwork may not be removed until the close of the exhibition, May 11, 2026.

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