The 80th Art Annual is an all-media, juried exhibition featuring contemporary artworks created by artists residing in the counties of Northeastern Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This prestigious juried art exhibition first began in 1942 during the height of World War II, making it one of the region's most enduring cultural institutions.
For more than three-quarters of a century, many of the region's most celebrated and talented artists have exhibited their work as part of this cherished Green Bay tradition. The exhibition has served as a vital platform for regional artists to showcase their creativity and connect with the broader community.
Submissions for the 80th Art Annual will open on July 1, 2025, and close on August 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM. The museum welcomes applications from artists at all career levels, from emerging talents to established professionals. However, all participating artists must be at least 18 years of age and must be current residents of Northeast Wisconsin or Upper Michigan.
To be eligible for consideration, artwork must have been completed between 2023 and 2025 and cannot have been previously exhibited at the Neville Public Museum. The exhibition accepts a wide range of media, including but not limited to painting, drawing, printmaking, digital art, graphics, photography, ceramics, glass work, metal work, mixed media, and textile art.
The museum has established specific guidelines for submissions. Works may not be reproductions in any form, including giclée fine art reproductions. Additionally, AI-generated artwork is not permitted, nor are works submitted on behalf of another individual or pieces completed prior to 2023. These guidelines ensure the exhibition maintains its focus on original, contemporary regional artwork.
Artists interested in participating can access the complete submission guidelines in the 2025 80th Art Annual Prospectus PDF, available through the museum. For any questions regarding the exhibition or submission process, artists are encouraged to contact Devyn McIlraith at devyn.mcilraith@browncountywi.gov.
The museum notes that all exhibit dates are subject to change. The 80th Art Annual represents not only a celebration of regional artistic achievement but also a continuation of a tradition that has persevered through decades of social and cultural change, from its wartime origins to the present day.
