Open Applications
Call for Playwrights: The Ruth Hunt Cream Candy Project
The Gateway Regional Arts Center (GRAC) is now accepting submissions from playwrights for an exciting new commission: a live radio play inspired by the life and legacy of Ruth Tharp Hunt, with a storyline that unfolds across the decades.
Ruth Tharp Hunt—entrepreneur, candy maker, and Kentucky cultural icon—put Mount Sterling on the map with her world-famous pulled cream candy and other sweet creations that became beloved across the region and around the world.
We are looking for playwrights to bring her story to life.
Phase 1 - Open Submissions
Playwrights are to submit the following for initial consideration:
● A 5-10 page work sample of previous original theatrical works
● A 1-2 page proposal outlining your unique vision for the play
● A professional resume
The deadline for submissions is August 1, 2025. Kentucky-based women playwrights are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed by a juried panel selected by GRAC and the Hunt estate. The panel will identify the top three finalists by August 15, 2025 and notify these individuals.
Phase 2 - Finalists Submit a Scene
The finalists will receive a request to draft a full scene for the play, along with a $300 stipend for their time. GRAC will provide finalists access to research materials, recorded oral history interviews, and additional support to aid in the writing process. The selection of the scene for which the playwright selects to write should be definitive of the style, aesthetic, and scope through which the story will be told. Ideally this would be an opening scene, closing scene, or the play’s climax. Finalists should submit their scene and any other information that would help the selection committee by September 15, 2025.
Phase 3 - Full Play Commissioning
The winning playwright will be chosen and announced October 5, 2025. The selected playwright will receive $5,000 for completion of the commissioned play and for their light involvement in the rehearsal process for a world premiere performance in early 2026.
Submission closes: August 1, 2025
Finalists announced: August 15, 2025
Winning Playwright selected: October 5, 2025
World Premiere of Ruth Hunt play: Early 2026
Join us in celebrating Kentucky’s rich foodways and the legacy of a woman whose handmade confections continue to sweeten lives nearly a century later.
Questions? Email anna@grackentucky.org
Call for Artists: The 9th Annual Joshua O. Ingram Paint the Small Town
August 9th, 2025
Artist Check-In | Gateway Regional Arts Center | 8-9am
Paint the Small Town Event | Downtown Mt. Sterling | 8am-3pm
En Plein Air painting event in Downtown Mt. Sterling during the Small Town America Festival. Grab your brushes, pencils, pens, markers, whatever tools you need, pick your spot and create your masterpiece!
Open to all artists and not just for plain air painters!
Reception & Awards Ceremony | Gateway Regional Arts Center | 5:30-7:30pm
All artwork will be featured and available for purchase. Winners will receive cash prizes!
Call for Artist Submissions: A Little Bit of Heritage. A Little Bit of Hustle: The Court Day Experience
Gateway Regional Arts Center | September 26 – October 28, 2025
The Gateway Regional Arts Center (GRAC) invites artists to submit work for an upcoming exhibition celebrating the rich history and enduring traditions of Mt. Sterling Court Day— Kentucky’s oldest and most beloved festivals. This special exhibit will run from September 12 to October 25, 2025, leading up to the annual Court Day festival.
Theme & Scope
We are seeking artwork that captures the spirit, history, and personal experiences tied to Mt. Sterling Court Day—from its origins in 1794 as a historic trading day to the vibrant, bustling festival it is today. Submissions may explore:
Historical moments and traditions of Court Day
The evolution of trade, craftsmanship, and community gathering
Personal and family connections to the event
The sights, sounds, and culture of Court Day through the years
Accepted Media
Artists may submit work in any visual medium, including but not limited to:
Painting, drawing, and printmaking
Photography and digital art
Sculpture and mixed media
Textile and folk art
Submission Guidelines
Eligibility: Open to artists of all backgrounds and experience levels.
Entry Limit: Up to three works per artist.
Submission Materials:
High-resolution images of each artwork
Title, medium, dimensions, and year created
An artist statement (300 words max) detailing the connection to Court Day
A short artist bio (200 words max)
Deadline: August 15, 2025
How to Submit: Complete the online submission form at https://form.jotform.com/250654970143053
Selection & Exhibition Details
A panel of jurors will review submissions based on artistic quality, originality, and relevance to the theme. Artists will be notified of acceptance by August 29, 2025. Selected works will be exhibited at the Gateway Regional Arts Center in Mt. Sterling, KY, with an opening reception on September 26, 2025.
All exhibited work will be available for sale unless otherwise indicated by the artist. A 35% commission will be taken on all sales.
Contact Information
For questions or more details, please contact:
beth@grackentucky.org
859-588-7614
Join us in celebrating the history and legacy of Mt. Sterling Court Day through art. We look forward to your submissions!
Want to join our Artist Directory?
Submission Deadline: There is no deadline, we are accepting artists on a rolling basis.
Location: Artist must be located in and willing to reach the entire Gateway Region, which includes Montgomery Co, Bath Co, Menifee Co, Morgan Co, & Rowan Co.
The Gateway Regional Arts Center is calling for artists to join our Artist Directory. The directory is a free resource for artists in the Gateway region. The directory is a great way increase visibility for your work and to connect with potential clients, collaborators, and art buyers.
The Uncommon GRACkle
Literary Zine Publication
Submission Deadline: Currently open for submissions
Our Grackle editor is working hard to recover some lost files. If you submitted writing, images, art, or other content to The Uncommon Grackle this year, please let us know by emailing the editor. Click on button below to learn how to submit or resubmit content.
Normally, we are open for submissions each January and February for our Spring publication, and again each June and July for our fall publication.
“We want works that mean something, either to you or others, that transport us places, that reveal old or new ideas in deep ways, that entertain and speculate, that challenge and diversify our minds and the minds of readers. If it’s simple, great. If it’s complex, great. If it’s weird, great. Our GRACkle is voracious, and guttural, and wants to feed on harsh truths of all kinds
This literary zine is edited and was created by Allen Blair, poet, writer, late-night cat wrangler, and past president of the Gateway Regional Arts Center board.
Submit Your Mural Request - Rolling Application
Submission Deadline: No deadline, rolling submission.
Are you a building owner wanting to join the mural craze sweeping our region? Wait no more! Due to the recent uptick in murals, we have received dozens of requests from owners of buildings and businesses wanting to add a mural to their walls. Through our new mural program, we hope to connect local businesses & building owners to mural artists from the area.
Interested building owners should submit the form linked here to be added to our list to contact for potential projects. Murals increase tourism, increase foot traffic, enhance business sales, and beautify otherwise empty/dull areas. We appreciate your interest in continuing to make Mount Sterling the Rural Mural Capital of Kentucky!