Olympia seeks artists of all mediums for the cover artists for 2025 Arts Walk

Olympia is accepting submissions for the 2025's Cover Artist, which is due Nov. 18; the Olympia-based Arts Walk celebrates and showcases local artists' work.

Olympia selects and commissions two artists each year to create a new, original work for next year's Arts Walk for the event posters and other event publications.

Selected artists will receive $750 for this commission. "One artist is highlighted for each the fall and spring events," said the City of Olympia in the news release. 

They will be featured via multi-media platforms, including website and social media, in-studio interviews, and other forms of promotions through event marketing and publications.

Interested artists may submit their applications using the online form by 11:45 p.m. on Nov. 18, 2024.

As part of the application process, artists are required to submit five images of their artwork. Applicants will also be asked to respond to several questions, including providing a description and focus of their studio work, specifying the media in which they are most fluent, and detailing the themes that inspire their art.

Applicants can include a statement on how their cultural heritage influences their art.

Olympia encouraged applications from artists working in diverse media, including 2D and 3D artwork, installations, and performance pieces. The key requirement is that the work can be captured in a photograph for publication purposes.

Art by Eileen Bochsler

David Hoekje's art

Selection criteria

Artists 18 or older who have officially participated in Olympia's Arts Work within the last two years are eligible to apply. 

Submitted portfolios will be evaluated based on excellence in craftsmanship, consistency of style, originality, and the ability to connect with a broad audience.

"[The] intent of the annual selection is to provide a wide variety of style, media, and subject matter that reflects the diversity of the Arts Walk event. Artists should bear in mind that the audiences will be broad-based and of all ages, and artwork should be appropriate for display in a public place and must not violate any copyright or right to image/likeness, or any other law," stated the Olympia Arts Walk press release.

Important dates to remember

• November 18, 11:45 pm – application deadline
• November 25, 6-8 pm at the Olympia Center, Rm 200 – The jury panel meets to review applicants and select a recommendation for Olympia Arts Commission consideration.
• December 12 – The Arts Commission reviews recommendations and makes final selections
• February 17 – Selected artists' commissioned artworks are due.

The jury includes China Star; the Gallery Coordinator; Washington Center for the Performing Arts; Eillen Bochsler, Fall Arts Walk 2024 cover artist; and Andrew Repcik, Olympia Arts Commission.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence. Our human editorial team carefully reviewed and edited all information to ensure accuracy and relevance.