Compete Boston Printmakers 2026 North American Print Biennial
Opportunity Description
U.S. National Deadline: February 15, 2026 – Presenting the best in contemporary and traditional printmaking, the North American Print Biennial has long been recognized as one of the most prestigious events in printmaking.
Founded in 1947, the mission of the Boston Printmakers is to promote public knowledge of printmaking, encourage and support artists working in printmaking, and promote excellence and innovation within the field of printmaking.
Exhibition dates: September 8 – November 21, 2026 at 808 Gallery, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.
ELIGIBILITY
North American artists 18 years and older are eligible to enter. Original, innovative works in all printmaking media are eligible. Photographs, offset reproductions, or reproductions of artwork originally produced in another medium will not be considered.
All work must be framed in simple (e.g. Nielsen) black metal or black wooden frames no more than ½” thick on the front edge. All frames should have Plexiglas, and a standard white or off-white window mat, minimum 3 inches wide. Your print must be securely mounted to the backing board. Frames must be ready to hang with wire or D-rings. Place your framed print into a clear plastic bag before boxing.
JUROR
Esther Adler is Curator in the Department of Drawings and Prints at The Museum of Modern Art.
Ms. Adler joined the museum staff in 2005, and worked as a Research Assistant, Curatorial Assistant, and Assistant Curator in the former Drawings Department. She has also worked at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden as a graduate fellow, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. She has a BA from Brandeis University, and an MA from the University of Maryland… see more
AWARDS
$10,000 is available in juror-designated purchase prizes and materials awards. The Boston Printmakers’ purchase prizes are placed into permanent collections at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; the Art Complex Museum, Duxbury, MA; Boston Athenaeum; and the Boston Printmakers Collection at the Boston Public Library. Additionally, this show generates a large number of sales through patron and public purchases.
ENTRY FEE
$35 USD for members of the Boston Printmakers with coupon code (sent after receipt of 2025 or 2026 membership dues). $50 USD for non-members. The non-refundable entry fee entitles the artist to submit up to 3 works.
APPLY ONLINE
Visit us for more details and to Apply. Artists may submit up to three digital images of original prints completed within the time frame of 2023-2026.
Results of the jurying will be emailed before April 1, 2026.
SALES
A 35% commission will be charged on all sales. Artists must assume the expense and responsibility of supplying to purchasers any additional prints in the edition that may be sold. The Boston Printmakers is a non-profit organization that uses proceeds from commissions for exhibition expenses.
DATES
- Feb. 15, 2026 Application process closes
- April 1, 2026, or before: Notifications emailed
- April 27 – May 12, 2026 Period to receive all shipped work
- June 6, 2026 Hand delivered work received at 808 Gallery, Boston University
- Saturday, September 19, 2026 Public Reception and Juror’s Talk
- Saturday November 21, 2026 Exhibition closes
- November 21, 2026 Pick up of hand delivered work at 808 Gallery
- November 30, 2026 Return of shipped work
About:
The Boston Printmakers is international, professional print alliance based in Boston. It offers the best of contemporary print media, supporting traditional print techniques as well as promoting printmaking in the expanded field of installation, performance, and time-based media. Interfacing with digital media, prints are well positioned to play a cultural role in promoting justice and equity. The Boston Printmakers promotes public knowledge and understanding; it supports printmaking as both a traditional practice and an interdisciplinary field.
The Boston Printmakers at Lesley University
College of Art and Design
29 Everett Street
Cambridge MA, 02138
