Garden City Arts invites you to participate in the third annual SWKS Squared Art Competition. Any subject matter or medium is welcome. The only rules are that the work submitted must be hangable AND it must be 12 inches by 12 inches in size.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: Sept 26, 2026
Find more information below!
OVERALL GUIDELINES
Artists may enter up to 3 original works.
This exhibit is for wall-mounted works only! Each piece must be 12x12 inches in both width & height.
All mediums of work will be accepted.
Artwork must be ready to hang.
Garden City Arts will retain a 25% commission on all sales of work during the exhibit. Artwork does not have to be for sale.
Each work submitted must be clearly labeled on the back with the tags provided on the Entry Form (see the printable guide & entry form by clicking on the link above).
Applicants must be 18+ years of age.
Utmost care will be given to all entries; however, Garden City Arts will assume no responsibility for the loss or damage to any work entered.
HOW TO ENTER
Applicants can enter up to 3 pieces for a flat fee of $25
All entries must arrive at Garden City Arts before 5PM on Sept 26th.
You must complete the entry form and securely attach the entry tags to the back of each piece of artwork submitted.
SCHEDULE
SEPT 26TH: All entries must arrive at Garden City Arts before 5PM
OCT 2ND: Art Exhibit Opens
OCT 2ND: Opening reception will be held at Garden City Arts from 6-8PM. Winners will be recognized at 6:30PM
NOV 14TH: Exhibit concludes: All entries must be picked up by December 6th
MEET THE JUROR
PRIZES
1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $300
3rd Place: $250
4th Place: $150
5th Place: $150
6th Place: $75
7th Place: $75
Chandler A. Reich is a Kansas-based artist and arts administrator currently serving as Executive Director of the Hays Arts Council. A Fort Hays State University alumna, Reich graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2022 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing, a Bachelor of Science in Education, and a Certificate in Art History. During her time at FHSU, she worked at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History from 2016 to 2022 and was deeply involved in the university's arts and museum community. Following graduation, Reich served as Executive Director of the Grassroots Art Center in Lucas, Kansas, from 2022 to 2025 before returning to Hays to lead the Hays Arts Council. Born in Shawnee Mission and raised in Russell, Kansas, she continues to draw on her rural roots to shape her appreciation for Kansas communities, creativity, and the arts. Her personal artwork primarily explores textile and watercolor, with colorful, natural, floral, and abstract subject matter inspired by nature and the world around her.