Region 8x8: A Small Works Show

Region 8x8 is the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council’s annual small works exhibition, held each December and featuring original 8" × 8" works by established artists, emerging artists, community creatives, and students from across the 12 parishes of Region 8.

Artists must reside in or originate from one of the following parishes: Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, or West Carroll.

NEW FOR 2026: Region 8x8 is expanding student participation to include 8th-grade artists!

Students in grades 8–12 may submit one artwork each. Eighth grade is the only middle-school grade eligible to participate. Adult artists may submit up to three artworks each.

Artwork may be 2D or 3D and must have finished exterior dimensions of exactly 8" × 8". This measurement includes any frame, mat, border, or mounting surface. If you choose to frame your artwork, the entire finished piece, including the frame, must measure 8" × 8".

Artworks must be signed ONLY on the back so that they can be exhibited anonymously.

Participation is free. All accepted artworks will be exhibited and offered for sale to the public for $64 each, with 70% of each sale going to the artist and 30% supporting the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council. The artist’s identity is revealed to the buyer only after purchase.

The complete artist call facts are listed below, along with the downloadable entry form. Please read thoroughly before entering. The entry drop-off window is Monday-Thursday, November 9th-12th. Please email abigail@nelaarts.org in order to set up your drop-off time and day per staff availability.

Thank you for your generous support!
@region8x8 | #region8x8

DROPOFF WINDOW: MONDAY-THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10th-13th

SUBMISSION FACTS

Participating in Region8x8

Q: How do I enter my artwork?
A: Complete both left and right side of the entry form (download button is below) for each individual artwork. There is no fee to enter. Artwork entries are accepted now until the entry deadline date. Artworks MUST NOT be signed on the front, but only on the back! Hand deliver artworks to:
The Northeast Louisiana Arts Council
118 Cotton Street
West Monroe, LA 71291
Q. Where does the money from the "sale" of an artwork go?
A: 75% of a sale goes into the artist's pocket - 25% goes to support the Arts Council. This is a fun initiative that brings together a diverse collection of artists and artworks, while also helping further the Arts Council's mission to nurture a vibrant arts culture in Region 8.
Q. Can minors enter?
A. Yes! Region 8x8 is open to students in grades 8–12. Eighth grade is the only middle-school grade eligible to participate. Each student may submit one original 8" × 8" artwork. Minor participants must have signed permission from a parent or guardian and must identify themselves as a student on their entry materials. A parent or guardian must accompany the student at artwork drop-off to complete the required permission form.
Q: Do I need an art background to enter?
A: No. We welcome and encourage participation from all skill levels.
Q: Can I enter more than one piece?
A: Adult artists may submit up to three artworks. Student artists in grades 8–12 may submit one artwork each.
Q. Can my piece be 3D (three dimensional)?
A. Yes, up to 8inches by 8inches by 4 inches. Please keep in mind that in order to install this exhibition our staff will have to hang all works from our gallery system and want to ensure they will hang nicely.
Q. How will my work be installed?
A. Artworks will be installed in the order they are received. All works will be hung from our gallery system. If multiple works are entered, they will not be hung together as a set, but separately. They must be wired to hang, 1/3 of the way down from the top of the piece and the wire must be taunt as pictured below. Staff may utilize velcro strips to secure the back of the pieces to the cable.

Q. Can I enter works that are not canvas?
A. Yes. Please keep in mind that it will be hanging from a hook and cable hanging system and must be properly wired (see above).
Q. I want to frame my piece. Can I?
A. Absolutely, but the frame is part of the 8" × 8" requirement. The finished exterior dimensions—including the artwork, frame, mat, border, or mounting surface—must measure exactly 8" × 8". A frame cannot be added outside the 8" × 8" dimensions.
Q. Does 8" × 8" include a border or mat? Can my piece be smaller than 8 inches square?
A. The finished exterior dimensions must be exactly 8" × 8", including any border, mat, frame, or mounting surface. Artwork that begins smaller may be mounted, matted, or framed to reach the required 8" × 8" finished size. Because the exhibition is installed on an 8" × 8" grid, works larger or smaller than the required finished dimensions cannot be accommodated.
Q. Can I enter a series?
A. Of course. However, the complete series will not be installed together or in order. We cannot accommodate vertical or horizontal sequencing.
Q. If my piece does not sell during the exhibition will I get it back?
A. Yes. Any works not sold by the end of the exhibition evening will be available for pickup during the pickup window December 7th-10th but can remain for sale online with artist permission. The Arts Council will help facilitate the pickup/delivery of any online sales.
Q. Will all artworks be displayed?
A. Yes!
Q. Are any artworks rejected?
A. We reserve the right to reject any artwork. However, 8x8 is intended to be an unfiltered regional expression of creativity and during our time in this gallery we have rarely had to reject a work due to content as long as general community guidelines are followed.
Q. What other restrictions are there for the artworks?
A. No glitter. No unfixed charcoal or pastel. That’s it!
Q. If my artwork sells, do I still retain copyright?
A. Yes, the copyright belongs to the artist upon creation and remains as such. It is important to include contact information with your piece so that the buyer can contact you. http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf
Q. Will the artist find out who purchased their artwork?
A. If the buyer would like them to! At checkout, buyers will have the option to share their name and contact information with the artist whose work they purchased. If they choose to do so, the Arts Council will provide that information to the artist after the exhibition. Regardless, each buyer will receive the Buyer Copy of the artwork’s entry form, which includes the artist’s name and the contact information the artist has chosen to share. We encourage buyers to connect with the artists whose work they take home!

DOWNLOAD ENTRY FORM