Birch Tree center 

4730 Matterhorn Circle, 

Duluth MN 55811            

Proposals Due February 15. 2026

Seeking art to purchase. No commissions at this time.

Submittable Link

Project Overview 

The art we select for our program will be displayed in common areas for staff, clients, and visitors of the program to see. We want our clients to feel that our building is not only a place of refuge, but a place of healing and understanding. We are looking to select pieces that promote a sense of calm and tranquility for many who are seeking recovery 

Birch Tree Overview Birch Tree Center is a residential mental health crisis stabilization program in Duluth, Minnesota. Birch Tree serves populations across a wide range of demographics and ethnicities in Northern Minnesota that struggle with severe mental health problems including but not limited to suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and psychosis. A large part of our clientele is part of the low income and unhoused populations from the surrounding areas; as well as others are survivors of abuse and trauma. WEBSITE

About Birch Tree Site The art we select for our program will be displayed in common areas for staff, clients, and visitors of the program to see. We want our clients to feel that our building is not only a place of refuge, but a place of healing and understanding.

PROJECT GOALS 

1. Art that promotes a sense of calm and tranquility for many who are seeking recovery 

2. Those who stay at Birch Tree feel a connection with the art they see, perhaps through representation of specific cultures, or perhaps through a deeper connection to feeling understood in the way we feel that only art can convey 3. Design a site-specific artwork that responds to the building interior and its manufacturing mission, creating a sense of cohesion and place. 

4. Art is about the delicate nature of the symptoms we address, but we are not opposed to work that is complex or promotes deeper contemplation and exploration of themes. 

5. Artists submit proposals around the delicate nature of the symptoms we address, but we are not opposed to work that is complex or promotes deeper contemplation and exploration of themes. 

6. Art that supports Birch Tree Center’s core programing that includes teaching skills for coping with the daily struggles that mental health symptoms can cause, such as mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, acceptance,

SITE & ARTWORK FOOTPRINT 

The site for the artwork is the main entryway, conference room, and common areas. The space can be enhanced with art hanging on the wall or from the ceiling. Artists who require their art piece to be anchored to the wall or supported by the ceiling structure are required to work directly with our Program Manager to ensure that artwork is properly secured. 

We are mainly looking for paintings or photographs on canvas. We have an option for a larger tapestry if it is in our budget – that wall space would accommodate a 7'x6' piece of hanging art. That might be nice to also serve to help with acoustic issues in our meeting room. The largest piece we can accommodate is 8’x 4’ and the smallest would be a 2’x2’. We identified 10 possible walls to place art within that size range.

Photos of the site and architect drawings with measurements are available at by contacting Jacob Lindig Jacob.Lindig@thrivebn.com

STEP ONE: Proposals

Artist, please submit 2-D artwork you have on hand. We have a total budget of $9,000. Art will be reviewed and selected pieces will be seen in person. Submit up to 10 pieces for us to consider. Include Title, medium, size, and cost. 

STEP TWO: In person 

Selected artwork will be seen in person at Birch Tree to determine the placement and inform final decisions. 

Birch Tree Center 4730 Matterhorn Circle, Duluth MN 55811

Rachel Broadway, Program Director 218-623-1800

A final budget for purchase is $9,000 for several pieces of art. 

TIMELINE: DATES ACTIVITY & DELIVERABLES

January 15, 2026 Open Call 

February 15, 2026 Artist Notified of in person meeting

February/ March, 2026 In person meetings

April/ May, 2026 Final decisions and delivery 

Submission Instructions All materials must be submitted electronically by February 15, at 6:00 PM 

Submittable Link

QUESTIONS

Artists are encouraged to submit any questions, preferably by email. 

Contact: Jacob Lindig Email: Jacob.Lindig@thrivebn.com

Opportunity Closes: March 9, 2026, midnight Central 

FREE to apply

2026 Annual Member Show: We Hold These Truths | On view April 21, 2026 

The Duluth Art Institute (DAI) announces an open call for submissions to the 2026 Annual Member Show under the year theme "We Hold These Truths." The exhibit is open to all current, 18+ DAI members.  You may submit one 2D or 3D work, except AI-generated. 

The Annual Member Show is the DAI’s largest event of the year, thank you for participating! 

Eligibility:

•Current DAI member as of April 9, 2026

• Ages 18+ 

• Artwork made in 2025 or 2026 

More about the theme "We Hold These Truths" 

The first four words of the Declaration of Independence. 

As we planned our exhibitions for 2026, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the DAI team and a panel of regional arts professionals asked one powerful question: What is American art?

We reached a clear conclusion: American identity holds many truths—complex, diverse, and sometimes contradictory—and art uniquely expresses every story, perspective, challenge, and hope that shapes our nation’s past and present. 

As the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches, we know it is important to include all voices in the expression of "truth."

"Truth" takes many forms. It can emerge from cultural heritage, lived experience, artistic process, or community connection. When brought together, artwork creates a collective conversation, showing us the richness and diversity of perspectives within our community. Your voice contributes to a broader dialogue about who we are and what we hold to be true.

We invite you to explore your own individual truth expressed through your artwork. For the 2026 Annual Member Show, you have the opportunity to show your work along with an art description that will support and explain your antwork and "truth." These descriptions will be hosted on Bloomberg Connects, our online platform, along with your artwork. 

Reflect, create, and share in your  description: What is your truth?

How To Apply

• read through this document
• follow the required application material section
• fill out and submit accompanied form prior to artwork drop off

Required Application Materials

• Only 1 work (maximum size 40" x 40") maximum weight 2D (20lbs) maximum weight 3D (50lbs)
• Only the artwork submitted can be installed
• High resolution images (jpeg or png at minimum 8.5 x 11" and 300dpi) 
• Save images with this title format prior to loading: artist name_title_medium_year_size_price/NFS
• Label information format: Artist name, "title," medium, year, size, price/NFS
• Artist Statement (max 500 words entered into field rather than uploaded as file)
• Art piece description about "your truth" (max 500 words entered into field rather than uploaded as file)
• Acceptance of terms (see below)
• Optional: audio description to be featured with your work on Bloomberg Connects Mp3/wav (max 3 minutes)
• No AI-generated artwork, diptych (two pieces), triptych (three pieces), etc are not eligible, single pieces only please  
• All artwork must be ready to hang with a wire on the back (no magnets). If artwork needs specialty installation, you must provide instructions and necessary hardware. 
• Please clearly label on the back of the work with: Artist Name, Title, Medium, Year, Size. 

Please contact the DAI Exhibitions Manager, mkayser@duluthartinstitute.org, before applying if your work is larger than 40" x 40" in any dimension or weights more than 50 lbs. 

Terms

• The DAI retains a 40% commission of artwork sales. All artwork sales at or relating to the Annual Member Show must be processed through the DAI.
• Artists are responsible for delivery and pick up of work to and from the DAI. Funding is not available for shipping assistance. Artists may ship work only if they provide a prepaid Fed Ex return label. 
• The DAI reserves the right to use images of your artwork appearing in the exhibition, before and during the exhibition and thereafter. Images may be used as publicity for the exhibition and the DAI organization including, but not limited to: HUE publication, social media, postcard announcements, staff business cards, membership cards, and press releases.
• The DAI reserves the right to refuse installation. 
• Your written artwork description submitted may be edited. please provide a final draft. 
• I understand I will not receive a monetary stipend or mileage or lodging, but may receive an honorarium if my artwork is selected under the people's choice award. 
• Your artwork will be included on the Bloomberg Connects app, a DAI platform.
•  If your artwork is for sale, it will be included in the DAI online store. 
• Artwork Images may be cropped into digital collages or used as a single image for DAI publicity. 
• I understand that my work will not be accepted if I do not provide the required materials or miss the drop off deadlines.
• I understand that I will take with me all my packing materials. 

Timeline

• March 9, 2026: Application closes at 11:59pm CST
• March 10–April 8, 2026: Accepted applicants will be contacted via email with details regarding schedule, artwork delivery, and may be asked to supply additional support materials. 
• April 6, 2026 Shipment Date: Artwork must be shipped through Fed Ex. Include or email a prepaid return label for Fedex. Artywork must arrive by to April 6.
• April 9, 2026, 9:00am–6:00pm CT: Artwork Drop-Off Day. Accepted artworks must be delivered to the DAI galleries during this time. Accommodations may be available prior to April 9. Contact Exhibition Manager by email. 
• April 21, 2026–July 10, 2026: Exhibition on view in the DAI Downtown Galleries
• April 21, 2026, 7:00pm–9:00pm CT: AMS Reception, open to the public
• July 14, 2026, 9:00am–5:00pm CT: Artwork Pick-Up Day. Artworks must be picked up from the DAI galleries during this time by the artist. Contact the DAI Exhibitions Manager by email, if alternative pick-up plans are needed.

Dates subject to change due to any events beyond the control of the DAI (including, but not limited to, war, national calamity, strike, severe acts of nature or weather, pandemics, acts of governmental authorities such as closure, condemnation, and changes in laws and regulations). The DAI, in its sole discretion, shall have the right to cancel the exhibition by giving notice to the artists.

DAI Address: 130 West Superior Street Suite 400, Duluth, MN 55802

Please direct questions to Madeline Kayser, DAI Exhibitions Manager mkayser@duluthartinstitute.org 

Whole Foods Co-op Teen Exhibition

610 E 4th St, Duluth MN 55805        

Submissions Due February 11, 2026 

FREE to apply

The Duluth Art Institute (DAI) announces an open call for submissions to the Whole Foods Co-op Teen Exhibition under the year theme "We Hold These Truths." The exhibit is open to all 13-18 year old students. You may submit one 2D work, except AI-generated. This show will be first come first serve up to 15 works submitted. 

Eligibility:

• Ages 13-18

More about the DAI theme "We Hold These Truths" 

As we planned our art exhibitions for 2026—the 250th birthday of the Declaration of Independence—we asked an important question: What is American art?

We discovered that there isn’t just one answer. America is made up of many people, stories, and ideas. Art helps us share those stories.

We believe it is important to include everyone’s voice. Everyone has their own truth to share.

Truth can come from who you are, where you come from, your experiences, and how you make art. When many artworks are shown together, they create a conversation that helps us understand and think about different points of view.

We invite you to share your own truth through your art. For the Whole Foods Co-op Teen Exhibition, you can display your artwork and write a short description explaining what your art means to you and what truth it shares.

Some examples of where your “Truth” can come from

•  Your family or culture
•  Your experiences and feelings
•  Your imagination
•  The way you create art

How To Apply

• read through this document
• fill out the required form
• Create a piece of art that shows your truth  
•  Write a short description telling us what your artwork means

Required Application Materials

• Only 1 work (maximum size 40" x 40") maximum weight 2D (20lbs)
• High resolution images (jpeg or png at minimum 8.5 x 11" and 300dpi) 
• Save images with this title format prior to loading: artist name_title_medium_year_size_price/NFS
• Label information format: Artist name, "title," medium, year, size, price/NFS
• Art piece description about "your truth" (max 200 words entered into field rather than uploaded as file)
• Acceptance of terms (see below)
• No AI-generated artwork, diptych (two pieces), triptych (three pieces), etc are not eligible, single pieces only please  
• Nudes, political or religious messaging are prohibited under the Whole Foods Co-op guidelines
• All artwork must be ready to hang with a wire on the back (no magnets). If artwork needs specialty installation, you must provide instructions and necessary hardware. 
• Please clearly label on the back of the work with: Artist Name, Title, Medium, Year, Size. 

Please contact the DAI Exhibitions Manager, mkayser@duluthartinstitute.org with any questions 

Terms

• The DAI retains a 40% commission of artwork sales. All artwork sales at or relating to the Whole Foods Co-op Teen Exhibition Show must be processed through the DAI.
• Artists are responsible for delivery and pick up of work to and from the Whole Foods Co-op. Funding is not available for shipping assistance.
• The DAI reserves the right to use images of your artwork appearing in the exhibition, before and during the exhibition and thereafter. Images may be used as publicity for the exhibition and the DAI organization including, but not limited to: HUE publication, social media, postcard announcements, staff business cards, membership cards, and press releases.
• The DAI reserves the right to refuse installation. 
• Your written artwork description submitted may be edited. please provide a final draft. 
•  If your artwork is for sale, it will be included in the DAI online store. 
• Artwork Images may be cropped into digital collages or used as a single image for DAI publicity. 
• I understand that my work will not be accepted if I do not provide the required materials or miss the drop off deadline.
• I understand that I will take with me all my packing materials. 

Timeline

• February 11, 2026: Application closes at 11:59pm CST
• February 15–20, 2026: Accepted applicants will be contacted via email with details regarding acceptance, schedule, and artwork delivery, and may be asked to supply additional support materials. 
• February 26, 2026, 7:00am–9:00pm CT: Artwork Drop-Off Day. Accepted artworks must be delivered to the Whole Foods Co-op Hillside during this time.
• February 28 - March 29, 2026: Exhibition on view in the Whole Foods Co-op Hillside
• March 2, 2026, 5:00pm–6:30pm CT: Art Reception, open to the public
• March 30th, 2026, 7:00am–9:00pm CT: Artwork Pick-Up Day. Artworks must be picked up from the Whole Foods Co-op Hillside during this time.

Whole Foods Co-op Address: 610 E 4th St, Duluth MN 55805 

Contact Information:

Madeline Kayser DAI Exhibitions Manager

mkayser@duluthartinstitute.org 

218-733-7565

 Andre Letendre-Wilcox Whole Foods Co-op 

aletendrewilcox@wholefoods.coop

218-728-0884   

Dates subject to change due to any events beyond the control of the DAI (including, but not limited to, war, national calamity, strike, severe acts of nature or weather, pandemics, acts of governmental authorities such as closure, condemnation, and changes in laws and regulations). The DAI, in its sole discretion, shall have the right to cancel the exhibition by giving notice to the artists.

Please direct questions to Madeline Kayser, DAI Exhibitions Manager mkayser@duluthartinstitute.org