Call for Artists
Put on by the Fish, Family, Freedom Fund
Previous Entries
Deadline to Submit Artwork:
Closed
Submissions closed Friday, September 25, 2026.
See the Final ExhibitArtist Exhibition
THEME: “Protecting Our Way of Life”
What makes Alaska great? When you hear “Alaskan way of life,” what specific parts of your daily life come to mind that you feel are at risk? What traditions, livelihoods, or community practices do you believe must be protected at all costs? What does home in Alaska look like for you?
WHAT: This Call for Artists invites artists working in all mediums to submit proposals for traditional campaign materials like signs, stickers, and buttons or for creative community events. We’re looking forward to uniquely Alaskan projects presented in unexpected and creative ways.
WHY: As Alaska’s former representative in the U.S. House, and current Senate candidate, Mary Peltola champions issues that matter to all Alaskans: Abundant salmon, high quality childcare and an expanding economy that protects working families. If you haven’t yet, check out Mary’s policies here.
WHEN: All completed submissions are due by Friday, September 25, 2026.
An in-person Gallery of selected pieces will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Grant Applications
This Call for Artists will make funding available for multiple artists at a variety of funding levels, ranging from $100 to $2,000 per project. Grants are strictly for the cost of the artist’s materials.
Grant proposals are due by Friday, August 7th, 2026 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Applicants should plan to complete their project promptly, with the deadline being the end of day Friday, September 25th, 2026. This allows enough time for communities to experience them before the election on November 3rd.
Due to the timeline and realities of campaigning, we’ll be prioritizing early applicants.
Additional Considerations
We encourage out-of-the-box thinking and mediums of all types, as long as the project can be completed given the program’s constraints. We want Mary’s message to be beaded, painted, sung, and danced!
Winning Prizes
- First Place
- King Salmon $3,000
- Second Place
- Silver Salmon $1,500
- Third Place
- Sockeye Salmon: $500
- Runner Ups
- Chum Salmon: Mary Gift Pack
Your Artwork
on the Campaign
Official Rules (PDF)
How It Works
It All Begins With an Idea
Consider what is important to you about Mary’s candidacy – is it her promise to protect subsistence fishing? Her commitment to rooting out corruption in DC? Her advocacy for affordable living? Her experience building coalitions that get results for Alaskans?
1. Decide what your project will be
Decide how you will represent your shared values in art. Are you a painter? Digital media artist? Singer? Dancer? Poet? Plan out your costs and request a grant for your materials!
2. Fill out the application
Tell us about you, your idea, and how you will share it with your friends, family, neighbors, and community. Share any links that can help us understand your project idea.
3. Our Selection Committee will get to work
To help us determine which projects will be sponsored from of finite funds, we’ve assembled a selection committee of prominent artists from around Alaska to evaluate projects on three criteria: (1) the execution of the creative idea, (2) the feasibility that the project could be completed with the time and funds available, and (3) connection to the campaign themes. Whether your project is funded or not, our team will reach out to let you know the outcome of the application.
4. If your project is funded, get creating!
Our team will be sending a funding check to the address you shared in the application. We will be in touch about project progress, documentation, and trouble-shooting. If you have questions or need help refining an idea, reach out to us at [email protected].
Our Selection Committee
About the Final Exhibit
Join us for a captivating evening of Alaska-inspired art!
Witness the culmination of our Call for Artists program as we unveil the talented artists who have captured the essence of Alaska’s future. Enjoy a gallery opening featuring stunning pieces, followed by a prestigious award ceremony put on by the Fish Family Freedom Fund.
Event Highlights:
- Award Ceremony: Witness the announcement of the prizes:
- 1st | King Salmon: $3,000
- 2nd | Silver Salmon: $1,500
- 3rd | Sockeye Salmon: $500
- Honorable Mentions | Chum Salmon: Mary Gift Pack.
- Gallery Opening: Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Alaskan art as you explore the diverse and inspiring works on display.
- Fundraiser Auction: Participate in an auction of the featured artworks.
Indulge in delicious food and drinks while celebrating the creativity and talent of our local artists. All showing artists (our Chum Salmon honorable mentions) will receive a Mary Gift Pack. Don’t miss this opportunity to support the arts and experience the beauty of Alaska through the eyes of our talented community.
Get Featured at
Mary’s Art Show
Official Rules (PDF)
Exhibition FAQs
Find the answers to frequently asked questions about the Artist Exhibition below:
Who can apply?
This call is open to artists living and working in Alaska.
What types of art can be submitted?
All visual arts media are welcome, including:
- Painting
- Photography
- Collage
- Sculpture (3D art)
- Mixed Media
- Video
Do I need to submit new work?
Yes. Only new work proposals specifically created for this campaign will be accepted. Existing work cannot be submitted.
How many grant applications can I send?
Only one grant application per artist is allowed.
Is there a submission fee for grant applications or artwork submissions?
No, there is no fee to apply to the grant application nor artwork submission.
Is this a paid opportunity?
Yes. Selected artists will receive funding for materials to complete their project proposals based on their submitted grant application. Please be sure to fill out your projected funding needs for materials in this proposal.
Payment details will be shared upon selection.
You are welcome to submit your art to this Call for Artists after the grant application deadline, if you do not find funding for your project necessary, and your art too will be open for exhibit selection and cash prizes.
What kind of work are you looking for?
We are seeking work that reflects Alaska’s communities, cultures, land, and future. Projects that uplift local Alaskan’s perspectives, stories, and traditions are especially encouraged.
What happens if I am selected?
- Selected artists will be notified late September that their work will be featured in a public exhibit highlighting Alaska’s creative voices.
- From the STANDARD exhibit only, the selected artists will compete for CASH prizes.
- 1st place: $3,000
- 2nd place: $1,500
- 3rd place: $500
When will submissions open and close?
Grant applications and artist submissions both open on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026.
Grant applications are and are due by Friday, August 7th, 2026. We do suggest submitting earlier rather than later for these!
All artwork submissions are due Friday, September 25th, 2026.
When will artists be notified if they received a grant?
Notifications will be sent on Monday, August 10th, 2026.
When are projects due?
Final projects must be completed by September 25th, 2026.
When will artists be notified if their artwork made it into the exhibit?
Notifications will be sent October 2nd.
Do I have to live in a specific part of Alaska?
No, artists from all regions of Alaska are welcome to apply.
Can collaborative teams apply?
Yes, collaborations and collectives are welcome.
How will the artwork be used?
Selected work will be featured in campaign exhibits, materials, events, and outreach. Full details will be provided to selected artists.
Who owns the work?
By submitting your artwork, you are granting Fish Family Freedom Fund (and each of its joint fundraising participants, including Alaskans for Mary), a license to publish, reproduce, display, distribute, modify, use, and sell the work and transferring ownership of the physical piece itself to Fish Family Freedom Fund. Selected pieces will be sold at an auction fundraiser for Fish Family Freedom Fund. Submitted artwork may not be returned to you.
Who do I contact with questions?
For questions, please email [email protected].
We can’t wait to see your proposals and celebrate the creativity and cultural richness of Alaska’s artists!
Paid for by the Fish, Family, Freedom Fund