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Call for Community Artists

Elevate Here: Visions in Art
Posted on: July 14, 2026 - 9:32am
Call for Community Artists

The Town of East Hartford invites community artists of all ages and experience levels to submit artwork for a community banner project celebrating East Hartford. 

Selected designs will be reproduced (printed) on light pole banners along the Town Green corridor creating a vibrant visual connection throughout the community.  
There will be a public unveiling during our annual Fall Fest!

Eligibility 

  • Open to East Hartford residents of all ages 
  • Welcoming artists of all skill levels 
  • Parent/Guardian consent required for artists under 18 
  • Original work only (no AI-generated content) 

Themes 
Artists are encouraged (but not required) to submit work inspired by one or more of the following themes:  

  • The Connecticut River 
  • Aviation and innovation (Aviation) 
  • Ethnic and cultural heritage (Ethnic Heritage) 
  • Education 

Submissions should reflect the creativity, diversity, and spirit of East Hartford. 

Design Considerations 

  • Bold, visually clear designs that read well from a distance 
  • Avoid fine details that may be lost when enlarged 

    Public Suitability 
    Must be family-friendly and appropriate for public display. The Town of East Hartford reserves the right to remove from the contest any submitted image that depicts illegal, unsafe, patently offensive, or otherwise inappropriate content, that is deemed contrary to the goals and intent of this contest. 

    Age Categories 

    • Under 18 
    • 18-34 
    • 35-54 
    • 55+ 

    Artwork Requirements 

    • Artwork must be suitable for a vertical banner format. Please keep in mind that the final banners will be 24” wide by 48” high, with artwork space 24” wide x 30.75” high. 
    • Artwork must be submitted in image format (jpg, png, tif, etc.) with a high enough resolution that it can be fairly assessed by our judges.  
    • Please name the image using the following pattern: Artist Name_Title of Artwork. 

    Note: Assistance with uploading artwork will be available during scheduled upload days at the East Hartford Public Library (Raymond Library, 840 Main Street). See IMPORTANT DATES section for more information 

    Submission Guidelines
    Artists may submit 1 (one) entry. Submission should include: 

    • Artist Name 
    • Contact number 
    • Contact email 
    • Age Category 
    • Title of Artwork 
    • Related Theme (s)
    • Medium/Materials 
    • Brief description (optional) 
    • Image file (jpg, png, tif, etc.) 
    • Please name the image using the following pattern: Artist Name_Title of Artwork

    Submit your artwork here!

    Selection Process 
    A committee representing a range of ages, backgrounds, and interest or expertise in art, will select artwork based on:  

    • Relevance/alignment to East Hartford identity and project theme(s) 
    • Creativity and originality 
    • Suitability for banner reproduction 
    • Visual Impact & legibility 

    *All submitted photos may be used on our websites as well as in other Town or media placements.  

    Prizes 
    Selected artwork from each age group will be displayed on banners at the Town green. Of those selections, the top 3 across all age categories will receive a cash award.  

    • 1st - $100.00 
    • 2nd - $75.00 
    • 3rd - $50.00 

    Installation & Community Event 
    Selected artwork will be printed on banners and installed on light poles around the Town Green. Unveiling event will be held at the Town Green during our annual Fall Fest (Saturday, October 3rd). 

    Important Dates 

    • Submission Deadline: August 14, 2026 at 11:59 P.M. 
      • Support will be available at East Hartford Public Library (Raymond Library, 840 Main Street) on the following days: 
        • Aug 12 (2pm-6pm) & Aug 13 (3pm-6pm) 
      • Support will be available at the East Hartford Senior Center (15 Milbrook Drive) on: 
        • Aug 13 (10am-12pm) 
    • Judging and Selection: August 15th - Aug 22, 2026 
    • Winners Contacted and Public Announcement: Aug 24th – 28th, 2026 
    • Banner Production: Aug 24th – September 20th  
    • Installation: September 21st – October 2nd 
    • Unveiling Event (East Hartford Fall Fest): October 3rd, 2026 

    Questions? 
    Contact Paul Mounds, Sr. at pmounds@easthartfordct.gov or (860) 291-7451

    Tips for Photographing Artwork for Submission


    Lighting 

    Good lighting is essential when photographing your artwork. Whenever possible, use natural daylight by placing your artwork near an open window or doorway. Avoid using your phone or camera’s flash, as it can create glare and distort colors. With adequate natural light, flash should not be necessary. To minimize shadows, position yourself so you are not standing between the light source and the artwork. 

    Lighting

    Perspective 

    To accurately capture your artwork, make sure your camera is positioned parallel to the piece. If the artwork is lying flat, photograph it directly from above rather than at an angle. Keeping both the artwork and camera level will help prevent distortion and ensure the image appears straight and proportional. 

    Perspective

    Background 

    Keep the focus on the artwork by minimizing distractions in the background. Frame the image so that only the artwork is visible whenever possible. If needed, use your phone’s editing tools or another photo-editing program to crop out any unnecessary background elements. 

    Background

    Submit your artwork here!
     

    This project made possible with support from Connecticut Main Street Center

    CMSC logo