In our Judge Stone House Gallery, Nickel Plate Arts welcomes submissions from artists throughout Central Indiana. Preference is given to those in or connected to the five communities along the 30-mile historic Nickel Plate Railroad in eastern Hamilton County. If you have questions or encounter issues with our submission form, please contact Les Reinhardt at Lreinhardt@nickelplatearts.org.
June 2-July 1, 2023: The Melting Pot - Deadline May 19
This exhibit explores Indiana’s evolving cultural heritage.
We seek artwork in all media that celebrates the different cultures, perspectives and experiences that shape Hamilton County’s current social landscape. Whether you’re capturing the sunlight reflecting off your grandmother’s heirloom china, or exploring the feeling of belonging, we want to see how local culture shapes you and your art!
July 7-29, 2023: Noblesville Nostalgia (Our Bicentennial Celebration) - Deadline June 23
This exhibit will showcase 200 years of history in Noblesville, Indiana.
Share your original art or photographs of Noblesville’s history and heritage, including images of spaces that no longer exist, moments that capture life in the county seat, or memories from your earlier life.
August 4-26, 2023: Stylin': Wearable Art - Deadline July 21
Art comes off the walls and onto our bodies. Fashion designers, weavers, costumers, jewelers, body painters, tattoo artists and anyone else who creates art to wear are encouraged to submit to this exhibit.
September 1-30, 2023: Members Only - Deadline August 18
This annual exhibit shines a spotlight on our Learn, Promote, Showcase, and Lead level Artist Members.
Nickel Plate Arts Members lift each other up, advance the communities they take part in, and are incredibly talented. They hold offices, raise families, sing, dance, paint, sculpt, weave, weld, carve, draw, cook, photograph, film, act, and so much more. September is all about celebrating them in their artistic glory!Â
October 6-28, 2023: Through the Night - Deadline September 22
In honor of “Spooky Season” artists share artwork that evokes the shadowy, mischievous, ghastly and ghostly – and things that go bump in the night.Â
All mediums of creative expression are encouraged – poetry, short stories, pottery…even pumpkin carvings?
November 3-11, 2023: Prized: Our Annual Art Competition - Deadline October 20
“Prized” is our annual competitive exhibit, where where we ask our Artist of the Year to judge each piece and award cash prizes. Artists are to submit their ONE BEST piece of the past year. Other rules will apply: for detailed rules, contact info@nickelplatearts.org.
The physical exhibit will last from Friday, November 3rd through Saturday, November 11th. We will also post images of all items in this exhibit on our website and Facebook page and those online exhibits will run through Nov 30.
A “People’s Choice Award” will be given to the person who receives the most in-person votes AND likes on Facebook. Details on how to vote will be provided to all artists accepted into the exhibit.
November 24 - December 30, 2023: Gifted: Handmade Wonders - Deadline November 9
Our annual celebration of artistic creativity returns for another holiday season! We are seeking items of all media and varieties that make great gifts, from holiday-themed fine art to giftable handmade crafts, to create our annual pop-up holiday shop.
This exhibit begins the day after Thanksgiving, to capitalize on holiday shopping, and runs through Christmas. We may choose to extend the end of the show, depending on various operational concerns and opportunities.
Artists may submit multiple types of items.
Please note: it is VERY important that ALL items be submitted for approval in advance in order to help us track and manage our inventory for this exhibit. If you have difficulty using our submission form or have questions, please contact Les.
Submit to Noblesville City Hall Exhibits
In the Noblesville City Hall Gallery, the City welcomes submissions from artists throughout Central Indiana. Preference is given to those living in or with strong connections to Noblesville, Indiana. Scroll down on the right to reach City Hall’s submission form.
 If you have questions or encounter issues with our submission form, please contact Les Reinhardt at Lreinhardt@nickelplatearts.org.
April 3-28, 2023: Keep America Beautiful - EXTENDED Deadline March 22 @ 11:59PM
“Keep America Beautiful” focuses on the beauty of Noblesville and the surrounding areas. We welcome photography, drawings, paintings, and odes to the charm of our historic downtown.
May 1-June 30, 2023: Art in Bloom - Deadline April 21
In celebration of spring and the annual Indiana Peony Festival on May 20th, we adorn the gallery with beautiful blossoms and blooms of art! Photography, drawings, paintings, and mixed media works are welcome – as long as the celebrate the glorious floral delights of Indiana, especially our state flower, the peony.
July 5-31, 2023: Noblesville Bicentennial - Deadline June 16
It’s Noblesville Township’s month to celebrate Hamilton County’s Bicentennial. As the county seat, Noblesville needs to show off the best that our county can offer. We’re looking for historical photos and artwork that feature people, places and things of days gone by. We also welcome new artwork that reflects on the nostalgia of yesteryear.
August 1-31, 2023: Look This Way: Abstract Art - Deadline July 14
Abstract Art opens us up to a variety of mediums and possibilities. We welcome all mediums and styles of abstract art for this month’s exhibit.
Want to be Featured in Another Location?
The Meyer-Najem Corp. headquarters in Fishers’ Nickel Plate District hosts quarterly exhibits featuring contemporary art with a modern or abstract feel.
The gallery does well with large 2-D hanging works and a collection of small works, or about 40 smaller pieces. The space can be shared with another artist. Works will be available for purchase. Exhibiting artists enjoy an opening reception at Meyer-Najem.
The spacious open-concept gallery space is open to the public. Its gray and white walls offer neutral backgrounds to contrast artwork. A hallway branches off the gallery with multiple spotlights to showcase more art. High ceilings and exposed ductwork round out the contemporary space.
Four Day Ray Brewery offers artists the ability to hang artwork in select locations around the first and second floors of their restaurant in Fishers. The exhibiting artist will have an opening reception at Four Day Ray in the brewery area on a Monday or Tuesday with complimentary beers on tap, courtesy of Four Day Ray. Only 2-D artwork can be accommodated, and anywhere from 9 to 13 pieces can be on display, pending size.
To be considered for these opportunities, contact Les Reinhardt at lreinhardt@nickelplatearts.org for information on how to become a Showcase Level Member.
Nickel Plate Arts Exhibits
TO SUBMIT: Use the form on this page to submit up to 3 pieces for consideration by the date specified. If you have difficulty with the form, please submit your information to Les via email.
Noblesville City Hall Exhibits
: Use the form on this page to submit up to 3 pieces for consideration by the date specified. You can submit multiple times. If you have difficulty with the form, please submit your information to Les Reinhardt via email.