ALTON - Organizers of the Mississippi Earthtones Festival are seeking an artist to design entryway banners for the festival’s 20th annual event on Sept. 19, 2026, at the Alton Riverfront, offering a paid opportunity for original artwork that will greet attendees as they enter.
The call for artists comes from Sierra Club Illinois’ Three Rivers Project, Alton Main Street and the Jacoby Arts Center, which said the banners will be the first thing thousands of festival-goers see at the main entrances and will help set the tone for the event.
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Artwork is intended to capture the spirit and mission of the Mississippi Earthtones Festival, described by organizers as a celebration of life on the Mississippi River through music, art and conservation.
“We appreciate American Rivers’ sponsorship for the Mississippi Earthtones Festival branding endeavor,” said Christine Favilla, Three Rivers Project coordinator for the Sierra Club. “We fully believe in paying local artists for their original artwork and not using AI, as the data centers needed for AI include severe threats to the energy grid, water resources, and climate progress. The Riverbend region has wonderful artists and we look forward to working with them while protecting our natural resources.”
Organizers said the selected artist will receive a financial award in exchange for the right to use the artwork in the production of festival entryway banners. The award and banner production are supported by American Rivers.
According to the submission guidelines, designs should reflect the festival’s core mission through themes tied to the Mississippi River, music, nature and community. The festival name, Mississippi Earthtones Festival, must be legible and naturally integrated into the composition.
Organizers also said submissions should use bold, readable designs suitable for large-scale outdoor printing and viewing by people in motion. Fine detail that could be lost in print should be avoided. The arch banner will be printed on one side only.
All submitted artwork must be original work created by the artist, according to the guidelines. Organizers said entries may not include stock imagery, unlicensed photography or AI-generated elements. Designs also must be family-friendly because the festival is free and open to all ages.
Submissions are due by July 10, 2026, and up to three submissions per artist will be accepted. Final selection will be made by Mississippi Earthtones Festival organizers.
“This year, 2026, marks 20 years of MEF. Your artwork will help us welcome guests for the next 20 years,” said Rachel Lappin, executive director of Jacoby Arts Center.
Click here for the full guidelines and submission form.
