About the Open Call

If you’re looking for meaningful visibility and a platform that truly values your creative voice, Artist of the Month is an opportunity worth entering. Each month, Blue Koi Gallery highlights artists whose work shows strong direction, originality, and craftsmanship—offering participants a chance to expand their reach and strengthen their professional presence. This feature celebrates more than a single result; it celebrates the ongoing dedication, growth, and vision behind every piece. If you’re ready for your work to be seen, supported, and showcased to a wider audience, we invite you to submit your best images and take part in this monthly recognition opportunity. Open to all artists worldwide, 18 and older. All mediums and skill levels welcome. Best in Show (1 Artist) receives a $100 cash prize via PayPal, front-page feature on the Blue Koi Online Gallery, showcase placement in the Artist of the Month Winner Circle, a dedicated announcement to collectors, galleries, and art enthusiasts through our newsletter and social media, Instagram spotlight, a website feature page with their best piece, biography, and links, direct links to their website and social media, a digital award package (Best in Show Certificate, Press Release, Event Postcard), and automatic consideration for an annual award. Finalists (4 Artists) receive official inclusion in the Artist of the Month Winner Circle, a front-page carousel spotlight, social media announcement, website feature section including portfolio links, wide-reaching online publicity, and a Digital Finalist Certificate. Submissions are reviewed anonymously by an independent panel of art professionals. Final selections focus on creativity, skill, and originality.

What is Offered

Cash prize of $100, front-page feature on the Blue Koi Online Gallery, showcase placement, dedicated announcement to collectors and galleries, Instagram spotlight, website feature page, direct links to artist's website and social media, digital award package, automatic consideration for annual award, official inclusion in Winner Circle, social media announcement, website feature section, online publicity, and digital certificates.

Requirements

Open to all artists worldwide, 18 years or older. All backgrounds, skill levels, and visual media are welcome, including painting, mixed media, photography, digital art, and sculpture. All submissions must be original works created by the entering artist. Image requirements include max 2MB file size, jpg/jpeg/png format, max 2000px on longest side, no watermarks/signatures, professional lighting, and neutral background. File names must be 'Artist Name – Title of Art.jpg'.

How to Apply

Artists are invited to submit their best images through the online application form. The entry fee is $15 for 2 images. Required image format is jpg, jpeg, or png, with a maximum file size of 2 MB and maximum 2000px on the longest side. Images should be high-resolution, professionally presented, with proper cropping, no mockups, frames, or watermarks. File names should be formatted as 'Artist Name – Title of Art.jpg'. Artists must provide their full name, email, website/social media link (public), how they heard about the opportunity, and an artist statement.