Throughout 2026, the Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) is celebrating its 110th anniversary of its opening.

In recognition of 110 years of being the museum “for all the people forever,” as written by industrialist and philanthropist Jeptha Wade on the deed in 1892 when he gifted the land for construction of the Cleveland Museum of Art, CMA officials opened a call for artists yesterday, Tuesday, Jan. 20, for submissions for “Lake Effect: Artists from Cleveland Now.”

“Lake Effect” is a juried group exhibition that celebrates the vibrant creative community in Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.

Cleveland Museum of Art is accepting artists submissions for The exhibit honors the region’s long-standing legacy as a center for artistic innovation and excellence, drawing inspiration from the museum’s historic May Show—an annual exhibition that championed regional artists from 1919 to 1993.

For almost 75 years, the May Show served as a forum for highlighting the vitality, creativity, and variety of the arts of Cleveland and the Western Reserve—the exhibition reaffirms the CMA’s deep roots in the community and its enduring role as a source of inspiration for artists and audiences alike.

As the museum looks toward its next century, “Lake Effect” celebrates the artists who have shaped its past while envisioning new creative possibilities for the future.

Selected artworks will be presented from Thursday, July 9 through Sunday, Nov. 22, at the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Transformer Station, a dynamic hub for visual and performing arts located in Ohio City’s Hingetown neighborhood.

“Lake Effect” is open to artists who live and/or work in Northeast Ohio, including Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit counties. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Artists working in all media are encouraged to apply, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, installation, textile, ceramics, and mixed media.

Both individual and collaborative proposals are welcome. Submitted works must have been completed within the last five years.

Selection process
Submissions will be reviewed by a curatorial jury composed of Cleveland Museum of Art curators and museum professionals. Selection will be based on artistic excellence and feasibility of installation.

Additionally, three micro-grants of $1,000 each will be awarded to selected artists.

Timeline
The call for artists is now open.
Submission deadline: Friday, April 24
Selection notifications sent: Friday, May 1
Exhibition Dates: July 9 through November 22

Complete instructions on how to apply and the submission requirements can be found on the Lake Effect Call for Artists website.