Hosted by the Eccles Art Center and sponsored by Ogden Pioneer Days, Traces of the West celebrates the enduring spirit, landscapes, and stories of the American West through original works in a variety of mediums. From sweeping vistas to quiet, personal moments, the exhibition invites artists to reflect on the people, places, and traditions that continue to shape the West. In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, artists are also encouraged to explore themes of history, resilience, and the evolving identity of our nation through a Western lens.
Traces of the West will be on exhibit July 3 through July 31, 2026. An opening reception will be held on Friday, July 3 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Eccles Art Center. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
ENTRY DEADLINE: Friday, JUNE 26, 2026
COMPETITION GUIDELINES:
The Ogden Pioneer Days Traces of the West Competition is open to all artists.
Entries must be Western-themed. This includes, but is not limited to: traditional and contemporary interpretations of Western landscapes, Native American and Indigenous cultures, cowboys and cowgirls, ranch life, rodeo scenes, frontier history, Western folklore and mythology, as well as indigenous wildlife and domestic animals. All forms of Western art media are welcome, including 2D works (such as painting, drawing, photography, and printmaking), 3D works (such as sculpture and ceramics), metalwork, jewelry, leatherwork, textile and fiber arts, mixed media, and digital painting. Artists are also encouraged to thoughtfully incorporate themes related to America’s 250th anniversary, reflecting on the nation’s history, identity, and evolving Western experience.
Artists may enter up to two pieces. Works consisting of multiple parts (i.e., dyptych /triptych) WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Original works in any medium, including paintings, original prints, monoprints, drawings, graphics, pottery, sculptures, textiles, digital paintings, and photography, are eligible.REPRODUCTION PRINTS such as gicleé ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ENTRY
Size limitations: 3D entries may not exceed 60 inches in length or width.
2D clip or front-loading frames will not be accepted.
Digital Art: For the purposes of this competition, Digital Art is defined as artwork created directly by the artist using digital tools such as tablets, styluses, and art software. All entries must be original works, conceived and produced solely by the submitting artist. Photography (filtered, manipulated, or otherwise), scanned images, found graphics, stock imagery, and AI-generated content are not considered digital art.
Artwork generated wholly or in part by artificial intelligence (AI) will not be accepted. Entries must be conceived and created directly by the submitting artist.
Entries must have been created within the last two years, and must not have been previously exhibited in a juried exhibit sponsored by the Eccles Art Center
Non-local artists are welcome! Artwork may be shipped to the Eccles Art Center at 2580 Jefferson Avenue, Ogden, UT 84404. Artists are responsible for all shipping costs, including return shipping if the piece remains unsold.
Entries must be ready to hang, mounted, gallery wrapped, matted and framed, or otherwise ready for display. ALL WORK MUST INCLUDE WIRE OR SIMILAR HANGING SYSTEM. Works will not be accepted with only alligator hardware, D-ring, V- ring or keyhole hangers under any circumstance. Click here to review the EAC’s framing guidelines.
Artwork left unclaimed after 60 days from the end of the competition will become the property of the Eccles Art Center and may be disposed of or sold at the discretion of the Eccles Art Center.
ENTRY DROP OFF:
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY
JUNE 22 TO JUNE 26, 2026
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Eccles Art Center
2580 Jefferson Avenue
Ogden, Utah 84401
Work will not be accepted after 4:30 p.m. on Friday, JUNE 26, 2026
LIABILITY:
The Eccles Art Center does not accept responsibility for works damaged due to incorrect or poor framing. Every reasonable precaution will be taken to protect the work submitted. Work not accepted for exhibit left after JULY 3, 2026, and accepted work left at the Art Center after AUGUST 3, 2026, are left at the artist’s own risk, and storage charges may accrue. Works left at the Center for over 60 days will be deemed abandoned and disposed of at the Board’s discretion. There will be no exceptions.
SALES:
Sales will be encouraged, but are not required. The Eccles Art Center will retain a 35% commission on sales.
AWARDS:
BEST OF SHOW - $1,000
2D Category:
1st Place - $500
2nd Place - $300
3rd Place - $200
3D Award: $500
Photography Award: $500
Ogden Pioneer Days Award - $500
People’s Choice Award - $500
Susie Van Hooser Award - $500
PICK-UPS:
Work not accepted must be picked up on or before Friday, July 3, 2026, between the hours of 9:30 a.m. & 5:00 p.m.
Works accepted for exhibit and not sold must be picked up August 5, 2026, between the hours of 9:30 a.m. & 4:30 p.m.
See the LIABILITY section for insurance restrictions and storage charge notice.
OPENING RECEPTION & EXHIBIT:
A reception for artists, friends, and the community will be held on Friday, JULY 3, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Art Center. Awards will be posted at the reception.
The exhibit will be on display JULY 3, 2026, through JULY 31, 2026.
This project has received funding from Ogden Pioneer Days, Weber County RAMP, Ogden City, and is supported by the Utah Arts Council, with funding from the State of Utah and the National Endowment for the Arts.
ENTRY FEES & FORMS:
$10.00 per entry
$5.00 per entry for members of the Art Center
*Members with an "Artist Membership" will receive one free entry into this competition
Entry fees are used for prize money and publicity and are non-refundable.
Entries must be clearly identified by the artist with title, medium, and price/insurance value. Identification tags will be provided at the time of entry.
Notification of jury results will be emailed to the address you provide.
