Chasing Summer - 2026 Art Contest
Capture the feeling of summer through your own creative lens.

Welcome to this season's Green Room Art Contest! Four times each year, we invite artists to create original work inspired by a seasonal theme. This summer, we're celebrating Chasing Summer. Inspired by the colors, light, traditions, and moments that make the season unforgettable.
At the close of the contest, every accepted submission will be displayed together in the Chasing Summer Gallery, where visitors from around the world can browse the collection and vote for their favorite artwork. The gallery is featured online on The Green Room at 831's website.
Two winners will be announced inside the Fall Issue of Gather on October 2, 2026.
Each artist may submit one original artwork.
We encourage you to choose the piece that best captures your interpretation of Chasing Summer.
Submit Your Artwork

This Year's Theme
Chasing Summer
Summer has a way of slipping by too quickly.
This year's theme celebrates the colors, light, energy, and moments that make summer unforgettable. Maybe it's saltwater and surfboards. Maybe it's melting ice cream, striped umbrellas, beach reads, or long afternoons spent outdoors. Maybe it's something completely unexpected.
Your interpretation is entirely your own.
We encourage artists to think beyond the obvious and create work that captures what Chasing Summer means to them.

Creative Direction
Need a little inspiration?
We've created a Pinterest board filled with colors, lighting, textures, and imagery that inspired this year's theme. Think of it as creative direction rather than something to recreate.
The goal isn't to copy these images.
Instead, use them to spark ideas and discover your own interpretation of Chasing Summer.
View the Pinterest Inspiration Board

Prize Package
Two winners will be selected.
🏆 People's Choice
Chosen by community vote.
🏆 Curator's Choice
Selected by The Green Room at 831.
Each winner will receive:
• A Green Room Editorial Feature ($195 value) - What's an Editorial Feature?
• A signed physical copy of Gather - Fall Issue 02
• A boosted social media spotlight
• A feature inside the Fall Issue, Gather

Contest Timeline
Entries Open
July 23, 2026
Entries Close
August 24, 2026
Community Voting
August 27 – September 21, 2026
Winners Revealed
October 2, 2026
Inside the Fall Issue of Gather
Chasing Summer Gallery
After submissions close, every accepted artwork will be featured in the online Chasing Summer Gallery, where visitors from around the world can browse the collection and vote for their favorite piece.
New artwork is added regularly throughout the submission period. If you don't see your artwork right away, don't worry! Please allow a few days for us to review and publish new submissions.
Community voting begins August 27, 2026.
View The Gallery (Coming Soon)

Submission Guidelines
Accepted mediums include, but are not limited to:
• Painting
• Photography
• Illustration
• Mixed Media
• Fiber Art
• Ceramics
• Sculpture
• Printmaking
• Digital Art
Artwork must be your own original creation.
Please use the Pinterest mood board as inspiration only. We encourage original interpretations of the theme and ask that submitted artwork not closely replicate any reference images.
Submit Your Artwork

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entry fee?
Nope. Entry is free!
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Can I submit more than one artwork?
Only 1 artwork submission is allowed per person.
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What is an Editorial Feature?
The Green Room Editorial Feature is a thoughtfully curated online publication designed to introduce readers to the people behind the work. Through a beautifully written editorial, you'll share your inspiration, creative process, and the journey that brought your work to life.
Read More
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Can I submit artwork I've already created?
Yes, as long as it fits this year's theme and you own all rights to the artwork.
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How are winners selected?
One winner will be chosen by community vote. The artwork with the most votes wins.
One winner will be selected by The Green Room at 831. This piece will be chosen based off of its fit within the theme, Chasing Summer.
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When will voting begin?
Community voting opens August 27, 2026.
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When will winners be announced?
The People's Choice and Curator's Choice winners will be revealed inside the Fall Issue of Gather on October 2, 2026.
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Can I share my entry?
Absolutely!
Once the gallery opens, we encourage every participating artist to share their entry and invite friends, family, and collectors to vote.
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Ready to Enter?
We're excited to see your interpretation of Chasing Summer and celebrate artists from around the world through this year's seasonal contest.
We can't wait to see what you create!
Submit Your Artwork