Call for Art - Many Stories, One Place: Westmoreland at 250

Westmoreland County has always been shaped by many people and many stories. As part of the America 250 celebration, Many Stories, One Place invites artists to share creative work inspired by the land, people, and experiences that make up our region’s past and present. From the Indigenous peoples who first stewarded this land, to the county’s role during the American Revolution, and forward to the everyday lives, labor, traditions, and communities that followed, this project welcomes artwork that reflects the full and evolving story of Westmoreland County. We encourage artists to explore personal connections, family histories, community memories, and perspectives that have been excluded from traditional historical narratives. This project will culminate in an exhibition at the Westmoreland Historical Society and will include the selection of a “best of show” artist whose work will be featured across Westmoreland County Historical Society America 250 visual materials, including promotional and educational uses. The selected artist will receive a $500 cash prize.

Background & Theme  

Many Stories, One Place: Westmoreland at 250 is a community-centered call for artists inviting creative work that reflects the many lived histories of Westmoreland County as part of Pennsylvania’s America 250 celebration. From Indigenous presence and Revolutionary-era significance to everyday life, labor, and cultural traditions, the exhibition seeks artwork that expands how we understand our shared past. Open to artists of all backgrounds and experience levels, this project emphasizes equity, accessibility, and inclusive storytelling—uplifting voices and perspectives that have too often been left out of traditional historical narratives while fostering reflection, connection, and belonging across our community.

This call is open to artists of all backgrounds and experience levels, including emerging, self-taught, and professional artists. Artists do not need to have previous exhibition experience to apply.

We strongly encourage participation from:

  • Indigenous artists and artists from historically underrepresented communities

  • Artists with disabilities

  • Rural artists

  • First-time applicants

  • Artists of all ages (18+)

Artists do not need to live in Westmoreland County but should demonstrate a meaningful connection to the region or its histories.

To reduce barriers to participation:

  • There is no application fee

  • Multiple formats are welcome (including visual art, fiber, digital media, mixed media, and community-based work)

  • We are committed to working with artists to address accessibility needs, including physical access, communication accommodations, and alternative submission formats

This exhibition aligns with America 250’s statewide goals by encouraging reflection, inclusive storytelling, community connection, and the recognition that understanding our shared past helps us imagine a more welcoming future. Artists are encouraged to draw on local history, voices, and imagery, while using a bold, imaginative visual approach that invites public  engagement and education.  

Benefits  

  • The selected artist’s work will be featured in official WHS America 250 promotional materials, publications, and commemorative merchandise, and will be featured on  Yellow Bridge Brewing beer label for a historical beer collab series, helping shape how this historic moment is shared with the public. The artwork will reach broad and diverse audiences across the region, including residents, visitors, educators, and community partners.

  • The winner will receive a $500 award and all artists selected as finalists will have the opportunity to have their work displayed in WHS’s Many Stories: One Place art show at the historical society’s Greensburg education center and Historic Hanna’s Town site from May through October in commemoration of America 250. Community members will have the opportunity to vote in person and online for a “best of show” piece who will receive an $250 award.

  • The selected artist will receive clear credit and attribution whenever possible, recognizing the value of creative labor and authorship. Inclusion in official America 250 materials provides meaningful professional visibility and strengthens the artist’s portfolio through association with a major public history initiative.

  • By participating, artists contribute to an inclusive commemoration that uplifts the many histories, perspectives, and communities that make up our shared past, present, and future.

Eligibility & Criteria  

  • Artwork must be original and created specifically for this project.

  • Submissions must demonstrate alignment with the project’s theme.   

  • Artists may submit up to two (2) proposals.  

  • Submission grants permission for the Westmoreland Historical Society to publicly share selected works (in  part or in whole) for promotional purposes.  

  • The selected Artist must allow the Westmoreland Historical Society the right to utilize the artwork and/or  its likeness (in part or in whole) for promotional and other purposes.  

Submission Guidelines  

Submissions must include the following:  

 - A digital image (PDF or JPG, maximum 3MB) of submission

 - A written explanation (max 150 words) of how your design reflects the theme.

  - Name, mailing address, email, and phone number.  

 - Artist bio 

Email all materials to lauren@westmorelandhistory.org with the subject line “America250 Art Submission”  

(Failure to comply with the above submission guidelines may result in disqualification.)  

Timeline  

 Call Opens: December 23, 2025

 Submission Deadline: February 8, 2026

 Artist Notified: By February 28, 2026 

 Installation Period: Spring 2026 

Important Notes  

 Artists from all backgrounds, including historically underrepresented communities, are strongly  encouraged to apply.  

 Collaborative team proposals are welcome (though there is no change to award and/or  compensation).  

        Winning artist will require a signed artist agreement outlining  Rights of Use.  

Isaac Pleta