Join us at the MAC to immerse yourself in our returning show Roots and Resonance!
This show is a collaboration between local African American artists and the Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills. The purpose of this collaboration is to showcase Black artists from the Flint Hills region, celebrate the cultural and creative contributions of the community, and provide meaningful engagement opportunities for the public. This show represents a shared commitment to honoring Black artistry and enriching the cultural landscape of the Flint Hills region through the Roots & Resonance exhibit.
This exhibit features work from:
Craig Green
Cierra Marrero
Jazmine Dawson
Daisha Kimbrough
2026 Annual Art Contest
The Manhattan Arts Center is now accepting applications for our Annual Art Contest! Last year's theme was "Transience" and our winner, Dan Nguyen, was featured in our hallway gallery. We are excited to see what this year's submissions will bring us. This year the theme is:
"Unravel"
What does Unravel mean to you? Is it a feeling? Maybe its a color, or a series of events, maybe it's current events, maybe its historical, or a place? Maybe we sound crazy talking about a word so in depth, or maybe this really resonates with you. We want to know what our community is moved to create!
The contest winner will win a $300 cash prize and will be featured in a 4 week hallway gallery show featuring their work. The winner will be announced and honored at our annual MAC & Cheese Festival on March 28th.
Who is eligible?
Artists must be at least age 18 and have a strong connection to Manhattan, KS and the surrounding areas. Artists do not have to be a current resident of Manhattan, KS. The submissions are open to all mediums, but must be able to be safely transported to the MAC. You can find more details on this in the
Entry Form.
How do I apply?
Review and fill out the
entry form. Submissions are to be emailed to
visualarts@manhattanarts.org with the following:
• 2-5 Digital images of the artwork
• Completed entry form
• Artist statement/bio
• A brief description of how the work connects to the theme
Dates and Deadlines:
Applications Open: Tuesday, Nov. 18
Applications Close: Monday, Feb. 2nd, 2026
Top 5 Artists Notified (privately): March 6th
People's Choice Award and Contest Winner Announced at MAC & Cheese: March 28th
MAC & Cheese Artist Booth Application
Howdy! The Manhattan Arts Center is proud to host our annual open air community festival that features art and music from our local community. We are inviting 25 practicing visual artists to display and sell their work. We will provide a 10 x 10 ft. space, a table and a pair of chairs. Participants must provide their own tablecloths, pop up tents, and any other accessories they feel are needed to display their work effectively. Accepted artists pay a $30 dollar booth fee; this application is free. This is an OUTDOOR festival so please plan accordingly. We may be able to provide electrical needs to booths with enough prior notice and Wi-Fi is available across all of our facilities.
Please fill out the Google Form to apply: MAC & Cheese Artist Booth Application
Applications close March 16th, 2026 at 5:00pm.
Selected Artists will be notified on: March 20th, 2026
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