$5,000 in Cash Prizes
Juried Exhibition
Mackinac State Historic Parks announced an Art Exhibition at The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Art will be chosen by a juror and displayed to the public starting in early May, 2027 until closing in October, 2027.
The juror will select a single Best of Show, second and third place, and three honorable mention awardees from the pieces displayed in the exhibition. Winners will be announced at the June 16, 2027 awards ceremony on Mackinac Island.
Award
There will be a single Best of Show award which will be chosen by the juror. The winner will receive The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum Gold Medal and $2,500 cash prize. Their name will be on the list of annual Gold Medal winners, which is displayed at the museum. In addition, there will be second and third place cash prizes of $1,000 and $750, respectively, and three (3) honorable mention awards with cash prizes of $250 each. All prizes are donated by the Mackinac Arts Council and Mackinac Associates. Winners will be announced at the June 16, 2027 awards ceremony.
Guidelines
The subject of the artwork must conform to the theme Legendary Mackinac.
The theme for the 2027 juried art exhibition is Legendary Mackinac. Step into the stories, traditions, and moments that make Mackinac unforgettable. From iconic landmarks and historic figures to local legends and personal memories, Mackinac State Historic Parks invites artists of all mediums to capture what Legendary Mackinac means to them.
All media of artwork will be accepted from living artists, including photography, paint, sculpture and others. Artwork must have been completed within the last two years. No artwork that has been selected as a finalist in previous juried exhibitions will be accepted. Artists are encouraged to submit more than one artwork, but no more than three will be accepted. Due to space limitation, entries larger than 46″ high or wide (measurements include frame) will not be accepted.
Participation is open to all artists, nationally and internationally, who are 18 years of age or older.
Sales
Artwork selected for inclusion in the exhibition may be available for sale with permission of the artist.
Fee
There is a non-refundable entry fee of $25 for each entry. There is a limit of three entries.
Procedures
The entry form link is at the bottom of this page. All entries are accepted electronically. Entries must be a high-resolution (300 dpi, up to 10MB) JPG image of the artwork. Incomplete entry forms will not be considered.
Entries must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 26, 2027. Artists will be notified of the juror’s selection by Friday, March 12, 2027. Please do not call or email to inquire.
Preparation Requirements
Accepted entries must be ready for presentation. Accepted pieces must be ready for hanging with wire or other appropriate mounting hardware. It is recommended that framed pieces have a glass or Plexiglas front. Additional arrangements may have to be made for three-dimensional objects. Works that are not prepared may cause disqualification from the final judging.
Rights and Reproductions
Mackinac State Historic Parks reserves the right to photograph and reproduce all entries accepted for the exhibition, regardless of copyright for the sole purpose of catalog publication and publicizing the show.
Delivery of Accepted Artwork
Artwork must be shipped to the Mackinac Island State Park Field Office between March 15, 2027 – April 16, 2027.
Mackinac Island State Park Field Office
ATTN: 2027 Art Contest
PO Box 370
1856 Fort Service Road
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Questions on shipment to Brian Jaeschke – [email protected] or 231-436-4100.
Liability
Mackinac State Historic Parks’ staff will exercise all reasonable care with your original artwork. However, Mackinac Island State Park Commission, its directors, staff, volunteers, and anyone connected with the exhibition will not be responsible for loss or damage, including damages made during the mailing process. It is suggested that artists carry their own insurance.
Agreement
Submission of a work shall constitute and agreement to comply with all the conditions set forth in this invitation. The juror reserves the right to reject any work not accurately represented by the digital image. The decision of the juror is final.
Juror
Juror for the show will be announced soon.
Important Dates
June 18, 2026
Mackinac State Historic Parks begins accepting submissions.
February 26, 2027
Submission deadline. Any entries received after 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time February 26, 2027 will not be considered.
March 12, 2027
Artists notified by email of juror results.
March 15 – April 16, 2027
Ship artwork to the Mackinac Island State Park Field Office.
Early May, 2027
Legendary Mackinac exhibition opens to the public
June 16, 2027
Awards ceremony announcing the exhibition winners held at The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum.
Early October, 2027
Exhibit closes to the public for the season. However, it may reopen during various dates through late October for special group tours and events. All artwork must remain at the museum through October 18, 2026.
After Close of Exhibition 2027
Artwork can be picked up by artists. Appointments for pick-up must be made between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If artists wishes to have artwork returned via mail, the appropriate packaging and return postage will be requested at exhibition closing. Please ensure that packaging and postage included for return artwork is of the appropriate dimensions and denomination.
