Call for Art: Small but Mighty 2026
SMALL BUT MIGHTY 2026: The Dayton Society of Artists (DSA) is pleased to present Small but Mighty 2026, our annual small works exhibition celebrating the power and impact of artwork on an intimate scale.
Open to DSA members in good standing, the exhibition welcomes all mediums, techniques, and styles. Artists may submit up to three works, with each work measuring no larger than 12" x 12" for 2D work, including framing, or 12" x 12" x 12" for 3D work.
The exhibition runs November 13, 2026–January 1, 2027, making it a great opportunity for visitors to purchase original artwork during the holiday season. All artwork submitted must be available for sale. Purchased artwork may be taken home at the time of sale, and participating artists may be contacted to provide an additional piece if their work sells.
The Dayton Society of Artists will do its best to accept all eligible works submitted. Acceptance will depend on available gallery space and whether artwork meets the size, presentation, and eligibility requirements outlined in this call.
Location: Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High Street, Dayton, OH 45403
SUBMITTING ARTWORK
Please submit your work through the website submission form by Friday, October 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
Direct questions to: director@daytondsa.org
CALENDAR
Entries Due: Friday, October 30, 2026, by 11:59 PM
Art Drop-Off:
Saturday, October 31, 12:00–5:00 PM
Sunday, November 1, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Exhibition Runs: November 14, 2026–January 1, 2027
Opening Reception: Saturday, November 14, 6:00–8:00 PM
St. Anne’s Hill Christmas Tour: Friday, December 11–Sunday, December 13
Art Pick-Up:
Saturday, January 2, 12:00–5:00 PM
Sunday, January 3, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Artwork left beyond the scheduled pick-up dates may be subject to a storage fee.
ENTRY FEE
$5 submission fee
Artists must be current Dayton Society of Artists members in good standing through the duration of the exhibition.
REQUIREMENTS
- Eligibility: Submissions are open to Dayton Society of Artists members in good standing. Membership must remain active through the duration of the exhibition. Not a member yet? Become a member at daytondsa.org/becomeamember.
- Entries: Member artists may submit up to 3 pieces.
- For Sale: All submitted artwork must be available for sale. NFS (Not For Sale) work will not be accepted.
- Dimensions: All 2D artwork must be no larger than 12" x 12", including all framing and matting. All 3D artwork must be no larger than 12" x 12" x 12".
- Presentation: Artwork must be professionally presented. 2D work must be ready to hang and wired on the back. D-rings for wiring are highly recommended. Sawtooth hangers, magnets, Command Strips, or other unapproved hanging methods will not be accepted. Works on paper must be framed.
- 3D Work: Three-dimensional artwork must be pedestal-based and sturdy enough to sit safely on a pedestal without additional display hardware. If special hardware, cases, or other display materials are required, they must be provided by the artist and approved by DSA.
- Labeling: Artwork must be labeled on the back with the artist's name, title, medium, contact phone number or email, and sale price.
- Originality: Artwork must not have been previously exhibited at the Dayton Society of Artists.
- Duration: Unsold artwork may not be removed before the close of the exhibition.
- The Dayton Society of Artists reserves the right to reject work that does not meet the size, eligibility, safety, sales, or presentation requirements.
SALES
Small but Mighty is designed to encourage the purchase of original artwork during the holiday season. All artwork in the exhibition will be available for sale.
Artwork purchased during the exhibition may be taken home by the purchaser at the time of sale.
If a piece sells, the participating artist may be contacted and asked to provide another piece to help keep the exhibition full throughout its run. Replacement artwork must meet all Small but Mighty requirements and be available for sale.
The Dayton Society of Artists will retain a 30% commission on all artwork sold. Artists should price their work accordingly.
ART DELIVERY
All artwork must arrive ready to install. Works that are not gallery-ready, do not meet the size requirements, or do not demonstrate appropriate presentation may be omitted from the exhibition.
Artists are responsible for insuring artwork during transportation to and from the Dayton Society of Artists.
In-Person Delivery:
Dayton Society of Artists
48 High Street
Dayton, OH 45403
Artwork must remain on display for the duration of the exhibition unless purchased.
LIABILITY
Artists are responsible for insuring their work during delivery, installation, the exhibition period, and pickup. The Dayton Society of Artists is not liable for loss or damage due to circumstances beyond its control. Please note that the gallery does not have constant climate control.
Reasonable safety and security precautions will be taken while artwork is on the premises.
GALLERY DISCRETION
The Dayton Society of Artists reserves the right to reject any submitted artwork at its discretion. This may include, but is not limited to, work that fails to meet eligibility, size, sales, or presentation requirements; is deemed unsafe or unstable; is not accurately represented in the submission; or is otherwise considered unsuitable for the exhibition.
AGREEMENT TO PARTICIPATE
Submitting artwork indicates that you agree to the conditions of entry and exhibition outlined in these guidelines and agree to make accepted work available for the duration of the exhibition unless the work is sold.
The Dayton Society of Artists may use submitted images and images of exhibited artwork in print and/or digital marketing materials.
CONTACT
For questions regarding the exhibition or submission process, please contact:
director@daytondsa.org
Thank you to our Sponsors: 
