The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival has announced an open call for artists aged 16 and older from Skagit, Whatcom, San Juan, Island, or Snohomish Counties to submit original tulip-themed 2D artwork for the 2026 Tulip Festival Art Exhibit. A committee will select 25–30 pieces for display throughout April 2026, with one artist chosen to create the official 2027 festival poster and receive a $1,000 prize, plus a People's Choice Award offering $200. Submissions are due by December 1, 2025, with a $25 entry fee.
This shift from past poster-focused exhibits to a broader, community-driven art show matters because it amplifies local creative voices and deepens the festival's connection to the Skagit Valley region. By offering purchase opportunities with a 70/30 artist-festival split, the initiative also provides tangible support for emerging and established local artists, reinforcing the festival's role as a cultural and economic engine for the area.