The Nacogdoches Arts Collaborative’s Falling Star Gallery is proud to announce an art competition and exhibition in honor of the 250th Birthday of the USA.

The idea came from the big brain of Terry (TL) Steed, who could quote the Constitution and tell you all about each amendment, including when it was ratified. When asked by his sister how to “do more than vote”, he said, “Well, you DO have an art gallery and America’s birthday is September 2026.”

An idea was born. Then in October 2025, TL passed after a brief illness. So the contest has become the TL Steed Memorial Constitution Competition & Exhibition: What the Constitution Means to Me. Before he exited, he donated the seed money for the prizes and suggested one of the jurors. First and foremost, TL would want you to read the Constitution and pick what moves you.

https://www.senate.gov/about/origins-foundations/senate-and-constitution/constitution.htm

DETAILS & RULES

Artists 16 and over are invited to enter original work in Falling Star Gallery’s “What the Constitution Means to Me” show, to be held August 22nd - September 19th, 2026. Entrants will choose a passage from the US Constitution (including the Bill of Rights and all amendments) and create a piece of art inspired by the passage.

Do NOT use current politicians blatantly. Clever artists can lay their thoughts between the lines. Any piece using images of politicians other than the founding fathers will find their pieces disqualified. No matter your politics, this contest is about the Constitution, which I think we all agree is dandy.

RULES

The gallery hopes to hang all entries that follow the rules.

1. There is a $20 fee to enter. Artists may enter a maximum of two pieces, but each must be entered separately.
2. Artists must register on our website www.nacartscollab.com/constitution, and pay their tax deductible fee using our Give Butter platform. If an artist does not have a computer or needs assistance, we will accept a hand completed entry form and $20 cash or check. Credit card payments only available on our website (which includes options for Paypal and Venmo). Questions? Contact our administrator at info@nacartscollab.com
   Please register as early as possible so we have an idea what’s coming.
3. Finished entries must be delivered by August 22nd, 2026. Attach the Art ID form, which includes name & title and the passage from the Constitution that inspired your art. Mailed entries will also be accepted, but must be received by August 1st. Mailed entries must be registered prior to mailing. Send to: Constitution Show, AL Steed, 403 County Road 821, Nacogdoches, TX 75964. Roundtrip postage is up to you. Please advise by email if you have mailed an entry.
4. Entries can be in any visual art form, 2D, 3D, written (such as poetry or song), or film (3 minute limit). However, any medium that requires a player or equipment, the equipment must be provided by you and will be returned at the end of the show. Any film, music or noisy piece will need headphones provided. The gallery owns a limited number of pedestals and easels.
5. Any AI will be disqualified.
6. Artwork must be ready to hang or display, wires, etc. Include any special instructions in writing.
7. Though we do not have specific size restrictions, please remember that the space is limited and anything that is huge better be spectacular to be included. It is our hope to include as many entries as possible in the exhibition.
8. This contest will be juried by members of the gallery’s exhibition committee and two attorneys involved in the arts. Entries will be judged based on creativity/uniqueness, interpretation of the theme, overall visual appeal.
9. Cash and other prizes will be awarded. A minimum of $600 in cash will be awarded to 3 top winners (1st-$300, 2nd-$200, 3rd-$100). There will also be a People’s Choice award based on visitor votes. It is possible there will be additional prizes based on sponsorship opportunities.
10. Your piece(s) can be for sale or not. You may retain ownership. IF it is for sale, the split is 40% to NAC, 60% to you, or you can donate your piece to NAC for sale or auction.
11. There will be both opening and closing receptions and the show will be open for viewing on Saturdays from 11am-4pm, or by appointment.
12. Winners will be announced August 15 at approximately 3:00pm.

NO GLITTER unless its REALLY ATTACHED, NO PERISHABLE ART,
No pornography (tasteful nudity ok), no hate talk of any kind and appropriate for high schoolers.

The address to deliver: 320 North street, Suite 307, Saturdays, 11-4 starting July 11th. Or by appointment, text 917-209-1050 or email info@nacartscollab.com. All delivered art must have an art form attached.

Register here: https://nacartscollab.com/constitution-show-registration

No obligation or liability is assumed by NAC in connection with the contest.

Deadline: 08/15/26
Location: Nacogdoches, TX
Website: https://nacartscollab.com/constitution-show-registration

Southside Education and Training Center (SETC) Public Arts Project

Issued by: Alamo Colleges District
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Submission Deadline: August 17, 2026
Contact Email: ecastillo34@alamo.edu

Overview
The Alamo Colleges District seeks artists or artist teams interested in creating, fabricating, and installing a site-specific exterior sculpture for the Southside Education and Training Center (SETC), a member of the Alamo College District. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) will establish a pool of pre-qualified artists who may be invited to submit a full art proposal in our Request for Proposals (RFP) application in the fall.

About the Southside Education & Training Center at the Alamo Colleges District
The Southside Education and Training Center (SETC) serves as a workforce development hub that prepares individuals for careers in high-demand industries. Its programs include Information Technology, Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing, Skilled Trades, Business and Professional Services, Transportation and Logistics, and other industry-recognized credential pathways designed to meet regional workforce needs. SETC supports a diverse community of learners, including recent high school graduates, working adults seeking career advancement, military veterans and their spouses, career changers, underemployed and unemployed individuals, and lifelong learners from a wide range of cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
As a catalyst for economic mobility and workforce development across San Antonio’s South Side and the greater Bexar County region, SETC connects residents with education, employer partnerships, and meaningful career opportunities. Through accessible training and industry-aligned programming, the center strengthens both the local workforce and regional economy while fostering opportunity, resilience, innovation, and lifelong learning. SETC stands as an important community asset that empowers individuals and responds to the evolving needs of area employers.

Eligibility
This call is open to all professional artists or artist teams with experience in creating public art installations. Artists from all backgrounds, cultures, and artistic styles are encouraged to apply. Local and Texas-based artists are especially encouraged to participate and incorporate their unique insights into the project.

Specific Eligibility Requirements:

• Are 21 years of age or older
• Have experience with public or institutional art
• Can demonstrate successful completion of completed projects of this scale
  All qualified applicants will be considered.
  Submission Requirements

Please submit the following materials as a single PDF document:

1. Artist Statement (1 page maximum):

○ Describe your artistic approach and any relevant experience working on public art projects, particularly those requiring public engagement.

2. Resume or CV:

○ Highlight previous public art, mural, or community-based work.

3. Portfolio:

○ Include 5–10 images of past public art projects with brief descriptions (title, date, location, size, materials, budget).

○ For each sample, if applicable, include the title, date, location, dimensions, materials used, budget, and your role in the project.

4. References:

○ Provide contact information for two individuals familiar with your work in public or commissioned art.

Submission Instructions
● Format: Submit all materials in a single PDF document.

● Email: Send your submission to ecastillo34@alamo.edu with the subject line: "RFQ Submission – [Your Name]".

● Deadline: All submissions must be received by August 17, 2026.

Selection Process
Submissions will be reviewed based on:
● Artistic Quality and Originality: Demonstrated through past work and artist statement.

● Experience: Ability to execute projects efficiently and on time, with experience in public, urban, or collaborative settings.

● Flexibility: Responsiveness to site-specific needs and changing urban conditions.

Artists selected through this RFQ will be invited to submit a full art proposal and art rendering.
Timeline (Subject to Change)
● RFQ Release Date: July 1, 2026

● Submission Deadline: August 17, 2026

● Notification of Selection: October 2026

● RFP Deadline (if selected): November 2026

Contact Information
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Dr. Eric Castillo
Associate Vice Chancellor for Arts, Culture, and Community Impact/San Antonio Peace Center
Alamo Colleges District
ecastillo34@alamo.edu

Deadline: 08/17/26
Location: San Antonio Texas
Website: https://www.alamo.edu/about-us/offices-departments/departments/arts-culture-community

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We are offering one-week to one-month, self-guided retreats for a modest retreat fee of $1200/week. Interested in work trade for a discounted stay? We are always looking for people with the skills and motivation to help us maintain this family run property. Please send in your information and we can evaluate on a case by case basis.

Deadline: 12/31/26
Location: Dripping Springs, TX
Website: https://bartoncreekcabin.com/