Apply on CaFE here: https://bit.ly/66stories-callforart2026
Important Dates:
Exhibit dates | May 30 – August 1, 2026
Call dates | Feb 13 – April 13, 2026
Jurying dates | April 15 – April 17, 2026
Notification date | April 17, 2026
Deadline for work arrival | May 16, 2026
Pick up dates | August 4 – 6, 2026
Mailed back by | August 7, 2026
In honor of the 100th anniversary of Route 66, this exhibition invites artists to explore the rich visual culture of the Mother Road, from Chicago to Santa Monica—an enduring symbol of Americana, adventure, and discovery. We welcome works that celebrate the quirky character of roadside attractions as well as the charm of the mom-and-pop businesses that defined the Route 66 experience. From towering fiberglass icons, vibrant neon signs, vintage motor courts, and roadside oddities to small-town diners, family-run shops, and nostalgic service stations, submissions should reflect the whimsy, warmth, and wanderlust that transformed ordinary stops into unforgettable waypoints. Artists are encouraged to capture the stories, spirit, and sense of place that made traveling Route 66 a uniquely American journey. All media welcome.
Artists are encouraged to approach Route 66 as a source of cultural and creative inspiration rather than relying on familiar icons. Works featuring the classic Route 66 shield or general open-road motifs are not the focus of this exhibition.
This call is open every day from February 13 through April 13 at 11:59pm CST.
