Current Calls for Artists
Theme: The Suffolk Art Gallery and Suffolk Art League are teaming up for their annual spring exhibition, this year in partnership with the U.S.O. to highlight the abundant creativity of active and reserve duty service members, their families, and veterans. Beyond the call to serve our nation, many of our military are inspired by a powerful call to share their diverse perspectives and ideas through art.
BEYOND THE UNIFORM
America’s 1.3 million service members are creative, innovative, and express their individuality in countless ways. This exhibit celebrates the immense artistic talent of Mid-Atlantic service members, their families, and veterans. During the celebration of America250 in 2026, it is an opportune moment to highlight the wide-ranging abilities of our dedicated military beyond the uniform.
STEPPING OUT OF FORMATION
We invite all Mid-Atlantic active and reserve duty military, their family members, and veterans ages 18 and up to submit artworks that consider the questions:
How has the military lifestyle impacted you? How has it informed your identity, themes you explore, and/or the subjects (people, places, objects) you depict in your artwork?
Artwork does not need to be military-themed or limited to military life specifically to be considered. We welcome applicants to submit a wide variety of subject matter, mediums, processes, and techniques that speak to their multi-faceted identities and imagination.
Calendar
Call for Entries Opens ……………… Monday, February 2, 2026
Entry Deadline ……………………….. Friday, March 20, 2026
Notice of Acceptance ………………. Friday, March 27, 2026
Artwork Delivery …………………….. Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, April 19 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Monday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Exhibit Dates …………………………. April 28, 2026 – June 12, 2026
Reception and Awards ……………... Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Artwork Pick-up ……………………… Saturday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, June 14 from 1 to 4 p.m.
BEYOND THE UNIFORM
America’s 1.3 million service members are creative, innovative, and express their individuality in countless ways. This exhibit celebrates the immense artistic talent of Mid-Atlantic service members, their families, and veterans. During the celebration of America250 in 2026, it is an opportune moment to highlight the wide-ranging abilities of our dedicated military beyond the uniform.
STEPPING OUT OF FORMATION
We invite all Mid-Atlantic active and reserve duty military, their family members, and veterans ages 18 and up to submit artworks that consider the questions:
How has the military lifestyle impacted you? How has it informed your identity, themes you explore, and/or the subjects (people, places, objects) you depict in your artwork?
Artwork does not need to be military-themed or limited to military life specifically to be considered. We welcome applicants to submit a wide variety of subject matter, mediums, processes, and techniques that speak to their multi-faceted identities and imagination.
Calendar
Call for Entries Opens ……………… Monday, February 2, 2026
Entry Deadline ……………………….. Friday, March 20, 2026
Notice of Acceptance ………………. Friday, March 27, 2026
Artwork Delivery …………………….. Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, April 19 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Monday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Exhibit Dates …………………………. April 28, 2026 – June 12, 2026
Reception and Awards ……………... Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Artwork Pick-up ……………………… Saturday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, June 14 from 1 to 4 p.m.
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Public Art Opportunities
Downtown Beautification Project: Bus Shelters
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Call for Designs: Brighten Downtown Suffolk Bus Shelters
The Suffolk Art League is partnering with Suffolk Transit to seek talented local artists to submit
artwork for an exciting new public art initiative. Selected designs will be printed and installed on
four bus shelters in downtown Suffolk, transforming everyday spaces into vibrant works of art
for the community to enjoy.
Project Overview
This project aims to celebrate creativity, enhance the visual appeal of downtown, and create a
more welcoming experience for residents and visitors who use public transit. Each bus shelter
will serve as a canvas to showcase original artwork that reflects Suffolk’s character, culture, and
community spirit.
Design Guidelines
Medium: Artwork may be created digitally or scanned from original works (painting,
drawing, collage, etc.).
Theme: Open to interpretation but encouraged to reflect community pride, local culture,
natural beauty, or imaginative design.
Size: Designs will be printed on to a 10ft by 4ft board. A design is needed for the back
and front of the bus shelter. Refer to specification sheet.
Format: Final artwork must be scalable and high-resolution for large-format printing.
Originality: Designs must be the artist’s original work and free of copyrighted material.
Specifications
Four bus shelters will feature artwork. Eight designs needed for front and back of each
bus shelter.
Artwork will be printed on panels sized to fit each bus shelter (exact dimensions provided
upon selection).
Designs should consider visibility and impact from both pedestrian and street view.
Eligibility
Open to artists of all backgrounds, with preference for Suffolk-based or Hampton Roads
artists.
Individual or collaborative submissions welcome.
Apply Here: https://forms.gle/3Mj1SAFE3mrC6m8t7
Submit images to: Hillarey Breedlove [email protected]
Featured Artists
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Artist: Rajendra KC – Courthouse Shelter
Originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, and now based in Falls Church, Rajendra KC is an award-winning plein air painter known for his vibrant landscapes and passion for teaching. His work captures the beauty of natural light and the spirit of community. Raj has taught at numerous Virginia art centers and exhibited widely along the East Coast. His painting for the 2024 Taste of Suffolk festival was featured on official event posters and merchandise, connecting his art directly with the local community.
Originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, and now based in Falls Church, Rajendra KC is an award-winning plein air painter known for his vibrant landscapes and passion for teaching. His work captures the beauty of natural light and the spirit of community. Raj has taught at numerous Virginia art centers and exhibited widely along the East Coast. His painting for the 2024 Taste of Suffolk festival was featured on official event posters and merchandise, connecting his art directly with the local community.
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Artist: Clayton Singleton – East Washington Street (Wilson Pine Apartments) Shelter
A Norfolk-based visual artist, educator, and community advocate, Clayton Singleton uses art to inspire dialogue, reflection, and empowerment. His work celebrates culture, identity, and connection—values that align with Suffolk’s vision of inclusive public spaces. Clayton has exhibited in major museums in Virginia and served in leadership roles with regional arts organizations. A five-time Teacher of the Year and Norfolk Public Schools’ 2023–2024 City-Wide Teacher of the Year, he continues to uplift youth and communities through creative engagement.
A Norfolk-based visual artist, educator, and community advocate, Clayton Singleton uses art to inspire dialogue, reflection, and empowerment. His work celebrates culture, identity, and connection—values that align with Suffolk’s vision of inclusive public spaces. Clayton has exhibited in major museums in Virginia and served in leadership roles with regional arts organizations. A five-time Teacher of the Year and Norfolk Public Schools’ 2023–2024 City-Wide Teacher of the Year, he continues to uplift youth and communities through creative engagement.
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