Call for Art: 2026 Firehouse Gallery Exhibits
Firehouse Gallery 2026 Show Themes
January 3 – March 1, 2026 Blooms of Hawaii – 33rd Annual Blossoms Art Show
This captivating exhibition brings together the exquisite floral artistry of Big Island creators. This show highlights Hawaii’s unique and vibrant flowers, beautifully rendered in various mediums. Witness the artistic interpretations of blossoms that thrive in the island’s diverse environments and experience the beauty of Hawaii’s flora through the eyes of its local artists.
- Submissions limited to WAC members only
- Artwork Submission Deadline: December 28, 2025. Delivered to the Firehouse Gallery.
- Show installation: December 29
- Reception: January 3, 2026, 3-5pm
- Show closes March 1.
March 7 – April 29, 2026 Making Visual Poetry
Artists explore the relationship between image and word in this creative members’ exhibition. Each participant selects or writes a poetic verse, then creates an original artwork inspired by that line of poetry.
- Submissions limited to WAC members only
- Artwork Submission Deadline: March 1, 2026. Delivered to the Firehouse Gallery.
- Show installation: March 2, 2026
- Reception: March 7, 3-5pm
- Show closes March 29.
Virtual 42nd Na ʻŌpio Show March 2026
This longstanding annual exhibition highlights the imagination and talent of Hawai’i’s young artists. Presented virtually, Na ʻŌpio celebrates student creativity and offers a platform for emerging voices to share their vision with the community. Open to students and homeschoolers in grades 6-12. The show can be viewed on YouTube.
April 4 – May 31, 2026 Ola I Ka Wai: Water is Life
Water sustains all living things – flowing through culture, memory and the natural world. In this members’ exhibition, artists interpret the essential and spiritual connection between wai (water) and life in Hawai’i. Through diverse media and perspectives the show honors water as both a precious resource and a symbol of renewal.
- Submissions limited to WAC members only.
- Artwork Submission Deadline: March 29, 2026. Delivered to the Firehouse Gallery
- Show installation: March 30, 2026
- Reception: April 4, 2026 3-5 pm
- Show closes May 31, 2026.
June 6 – July 26, 2026 Light and Shadow
Light and shadow define the world we see – revealing form, creating contrast, and shaping emotion. In this members’ exhibition artists explore the interplay between illumination and darkness, both literal and metaphorical. The works invite viewers to consider how light transforms what is hidden into what is seen.
- Submissions limited to WAC members only.
- Artwork Submission Deadline: May 31, 2026. Delivered to the Firehouse Gallery
- Show installation: June 1, 2026
- Reception: June 6, 3-5pm
- Show closes July 26.
August 1 – September 27, 2026 Portal 3 All-island juried show
The theme “Portal” was created to spark creativity and invite artists to explore new realms within their practice, embarking on a journey that reaches beyond conventional horizons. Embracing this theme encourages participants to move beyond familiar subjects and styles. What does a “Portal” truly signify?
- Submissions open to all Hawaii island artists
- Artwork Submission Deadline: TBD. Delivered to the Firehouse Gallery upon ntice of acceptance and payment of entry fees as outlined in the prospectus.
- Show installation: July 27, 2026
- Reception and Open House: August 1, 3-5pm
- Pick-up date for artwork not sold: September 27, 2026.
October 3 – November 15, 2026 42nd Annual Founders Juried Exhibition
A beloved island tradition celebrating creativity and excellence among our Hawai’i artists. This annual exhibition invites both new and established members to share their most compelling recent works across media, reflecting the diversity and vitality of our local art community. All WAC members are encouraged to show their best recent artwork.
- An all members juried show, non-refundable entry fees apply.
- Artwork Submission Deadline: September 27, 2026. Delivered to the Firehouse Gallery.
- Show installation: September 28, 2026
- Reception: October 3, 3-5pm
- Show closes: November 15, 2026.
November 19 – December 27, 2026 Celebrate a Season of Giving
A Waimea Arts Council members’ show where members are encouraged to submit art priced for holiday gift giving. The theme is left up to the artists with some holiday-themed works encouraged.
- Submissions limited to WAC members only
- Artwork Submission Deadline: November 15, 2026. Delivered to the Firehouse Gallery.
- Show installation: November 16, 2026
- Reception: December 5, 3-5pm
- Show closes: December 27, 2026.
General Information for submitting art:
- Location: Firehouse Gallery, Waimea, Big Island, Hawaii
67-1201 Mamalahoa Highway, Kamuela - Entry Limit: Up to 3 artworks per artist.
- Eligibility: as listed in the description of the show
- All artworks must be for sale.
- Sales Commission: 50% to Waimea Arts Council (graduated commissions available for
Waimea Arts Council members) - Delivery: Artworks can be delivered to the Firehouse Gallery on or up to 7 days
before the due dates
Special Notes:
- The gallery committee reserves the right not to hang artwork (poorly executed,
inappropriate, etc.), in which case the hanging fee will be returned. - Non-WAC members need to sign a waiver when dropping off artwork.
Artwork Guidelines
- Submit up to three pieces (24 x 36 in. max. including frame) enumerated #1, #2, #3
indicating your first choice, etc., in case space is limited. - Wall art must have a hanging wire and a gallery tag on the back. Please attach the
gallery tag to the hanging wire. - Email jpeg images of your work to photos@waimeaartscouncil.org for publicity/social
media. Name your image files as follows: LastName.Title.Size.Medium.Price.jpg.
For example, for an 8×10 piece named Cherry Blossoms for $300, please name your
photo ArtistsLastName.CherryBlossoms.8×10.photo.300.jpg. - Record your art on the show intake form in the bunkhouse.
- Questions? Email to waimeaartscouncil@gmail.com.