CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: 2027 ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Each year, the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce selects one artist whose work captures the spirit, creativity, and natural beauty of our community. The selected artist will create original artwork for two of Cannon Beach’s signature events The Sandcastle Contest and the Stormy Weather Arts Festival. The artist will be featured on the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce website for the year.

OPPORTUNITY

The 2027 Artist of the Year will design official poster artwork for:

• 63rd Annual Sandcastle Contest (2027)
• 40th Annual Stormy Weather Arts Festival (2027)

This is a unique opportunity for regional exposure, recognition, and creative contribution to Cannon Beach’s cultural identity.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Original Work: Must include Haystack Rock
• Artwork Submission Options:
  • Include photographs of finished poster concepts, or
  • Submit up to 3 completed works representing your style, along with up to 3 additional concept ideas (sketches, paintings, or idea-based works) that communicate your proposed poster direction *see Timelines for art due dates
• Letter of Interest (1 page max):
  • Why are you interested
  • Your connection to Cannon Beach and its artistic community
  • If applicable, please include any affiliation with a local art gallery or business (not required, but we’d love to include this in our marketing materials)

WHAT THE JURY IS LOOKING FOR

• Engaging imagery that captures the spirit of the festivals
• Artwork that reproduces well in print (posters, merchandise, etc.)
• Strong compositions with broad visual appeal

TIMELINE

• Submission Deadline: 5pm, Tuesday October 1, 2026
• Final Artwork Deadline – Sandcastle Poster (if selected): February 1, 2027
• Final Artwork Deadline – Stormy Weather Poster (if selected):  June 1, 2027

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• $1,000+ compensation
• Featured as 2027 Artist of the Year on the Cannon Beach website
• Promotion through festival marketing and official materials
• Increased visibility, especially for artists affiliated with local galleries

We strongly encourage artists connected to the Cannon Beach community to apply.

ARTIST PARTICIPATION (OPTIONAL)

Selected artists will have the opportunity to:

• Attend an official unveiling of their artwork at the Chamber of Commerce Awards Night In mid-late February.
• Participate in poster signing events at the Sandcastle Contest held in June.
• Attend the Stormy Weather Arts Festival as a featured meet-the-artist, including additional poster signing opportunities
• Your original poster artwork may be on display & for sale by the artist at these events or at a local gallery you participate in. If you participate in a local gallery, the artist of the year is an especially effective marketing tool during the Stormy Weather Arts festival to gain interest in your collective works.

These optional appearances may also include marketing and promotion as the Artist of the Year, including photo opportunities. Participation can help support art sales that benefit the festivals, while offering meaningful ways to engage with the community and connect with collectors. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Open to all 2D illustrative media
• Poster designs may be in portrait or landscape orientation
• Text is not required in the submitted artwork; all typography will be added digitally by the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce
• Artwork Poster Print will need to fit the following Specifications:
  • Open edition posters: 12" x 18" on glossy poster stock
  • Special edition posters: 18" x 24" on fine art quality
• All work must be original
• No generative AI submissions will be accepted
• The Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to reproduce selected artwork for promotional purposes
• The Chamber of Commerce will have the artwork professionally photographed for printing at no cost to the artist

Submit your entry to art@cannonbeach.org

Questions? art@cannonbeach.org 

We are honored that you would choose to participate and share your ideas with us. These festivals are deeply personal to our community. We truly appreciate the time, care, and creativity you bring to your work. We look forward to seeing your unique vision and the thoughtful concepts you create!