About the Open Call

Blue Koi Gallery invites artists and photographers to submit to True Blue, an open-themed art competition dedicated to exploring Blue, in all its emotional, symbolic, and visual depth. Artists are encouraged to showcase work that resonates with this timeless color and concept, whether literal or abstract, cool-toned or emotionally charged. All mediums, styles, and interpretations are welcome. The competition is open to all artists worldwide, aged 18 or older, and accepts all visual media including painting, mixed media, photography, digital art, and sculpture. Submissions must be original works. Winners will be notified between December 9-12, 2025, and the online exhibition starts December 15, 2025. Submissions are reviewed anonymously by an independent panel of art professionals, focusing on creativity, skill, and originality.

What is Offered

Prizes totaling $500, including cash awards of $100 for First Prize and $50 for Second Prize. All winners and honorable mentions receive features in the Blue Koi Online Art Exhibition, social media promotion, and a Certificate of Achievement. First Prize also includes a newsletter feature to collectors, galleries, and art lovers. Finalists and honorable mentions receive social media promotion and exhibition opportunities. All winners will also receive a permanent display on the Blue Koi platform.

Requirements

Open to artists worldwide, aged 18 or older. All backgrounds, skill levels, and styles are welcome. Accepts visual media including painting, mixed media, photography, digital art, and sculpture. Submissions must be original works. Image requirements: Max 2 MB, jpg/jpeg/png format, professional presentation (proper cropping, no mockups, frames or watermarks). File names must be 'Artist Name – Title of Art.jpg'. High-resolution images (Max 2000px longest side), no watermarks/signatures, professional lighting/neutral background preferred.

How to Apply

To apply, artists should submit their work via the provided online form. Submissions require high-resolution images (max 2000px on the longest side) in JPEG or PNG format, with a maximum file size of 2MB. Images must be professionally presented without watermarks, signatures, mockups, or frames. File names should be formatted as 'Artist Name – Title of Art.jpg'. Applicants should review the full guidelines before submission.