2026 Featured Partner Organization: Congaree Riverkeeper

Congaree Riverkeeper works to protect and improve water quality, wildlife habitat, and recreation along the Broad, Lower Saluda, and Congaree Rivers throughout the Midlands region. The organization supports these waterways through advocacy, education, volunteer cleanups, water-quality monitoring, and policy engagement at the local, state, and federal levels, while also holding polluters accountable through enforcement of environmental laws.

Call for Entry

Building Bridges Through Art: 2026 Exhibition with Congaree Riverkeeper

Presented by Stormwater Studios

Learn more about Building Bridges Through Art

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Exhibition Focus

This exhibition is inspired by the mission of Congaree Riverkeeper and the theme Clean Water, Healthy Rivers.

Through a partnership with Stormwater Studios, this community-centered exhibition invites artists to explore the environmental, cultural, recreational, and community significance of the Broad, Lower Saluda, and Congaree Rivers, as well as the urgent need to protect these waterways for future generations.

These rivers provide drinking water, wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, and natural beauty throughout the Midlands, while also facing growing threats from pollution, urbanization, and environmental mismanagement.

Artists are encouraged to create or submit work that:

• Reflects connections between people and rivers
• Explores environmental stewardship and conservation
• Highlights local ecosystems and wildlife habitats
• Responds to threats facing waterways
• Celebrates recreation, access, and shared natural resources
• Inspires awareness, dialogue, and community action

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Exhibition Dates

Wednesday, July 8, 2026, through Sunday, July 19, 2026

Gallery Hours

Wednesday–Sunday | 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Opening Reception

Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

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Who Should Apply

This call is open to South Carolina artists working in all media whose work aligns with themes of environmental awareness, conservation, water access, wildlife habitat protection, recreation, and community connection to rivers and natural resources. Artists at all stages of their careers are encouraged to apply.

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Submission Guidelines

Submission Deadline:
Sunday, June 14, 2026, by midnight

Acceptance Notifications:
Sent by Wednesday, June 17, 2026, by midnight

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How to Submit

• Visit the EXHIBIT WITH US page on the Stormwater Studios website.
• Scroll to the bottom of the page, below the section titled: “Ready to book an exhibition at Stormwater?”
• Complete the application form with your information.
• In the appropriate field, indicate: Building Bridges Through Art with Congaree Riverkeeper.

Submissions must be uploaded as a single PDF containing the information outlined below. Applications will not be reviewed without the required PDF.

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Required Information

Please include the following in your PDF:

• Building Bridges Through Art with Congaree Riverkeeper (clearly labeled)
• Your name
• Phone number
• Three to six images of artwork you would like to exhibit or that represent the type of work you propose to create
• Title of each piece
• A short description of how your work relates to the exhibition focus.

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Optional Materials

You may also include:

• Artist statement
• Bio
• Website
• Social media accounts
• CV

To have your work reviewed, you must upload a PDF that includes the required information listed above.

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Questions

If you have questions, please contact Maya Smith, Stormwater Studios Operations Manager, at [email protected].