The Wayne Art Center is now accepting submissions for Art Quilt Elements 2026, the 17th biennial iteration of its acclaimed exhibition of contemporary fine art quilts. Renowned internationally for its professional presentation and dedication to elevating the art quilt as a legitimate fine art form, Art Quilt Elements has consistently garnered praise from critics and artists alike.

The juried group exhibition will be on display in both the Davenport and Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith Galleries at the Wayne Art Center from March 23 through April 25, 2026.

This year’s distinguished jurors include:

• Toni Kersey: An award-winning mixed-media fiber artist known for fusing African American improvisational quilt making with painterly abstraction. Her work has been featured nationally and internationally, including the “Art in the Embassies” program.
• Karl Reichert: Executive Director of Textile Center, a national fiber art hub in Minneapolis, MN. Reichert has led the organization through significant growth and brings extensive experience in promoting textile arts.
• Danielle Williams: Managing Editor of Art Quilting Studio magazine for Stampington & Company, bringing deep immersion and insight into the quilting world.

Eligibility Requirements for Artists: Artists interested in submitting their work must be 18 years of age or older. Submitted works must be original in design (collaborative works accepted) and completed after January 1, 2024. Pieces previously exhibited at the Wayne Art Center are not eligible. All submitted work must be available for sale and remain on display for the entire exhibition duration. Works up to 12 feet (144 inches) high will be considered. Accepted artwork must be available for the full jurying process and exhibition; if accepted to AQE 2026 and another concurrently running exhibit, the piece must be shown exclusively at AQE 2026. Withdrawal of invited work prior to the exhibition will result in exclusion from exhibiting at WAC the following year. The Wayne Art Center reserves the right to reject entries not meeting these requirements or differing from digital submissions.