The Artability Art Show & Sale returns in 2026, and we’re thrilled to welcome artists back for another inspiring year of creativity, community, and mental wellness. Whether this is your first time submitting or you’ve participated for years, this guide includes everything you need to know about eligibility, submission rules, writing guidelines, event logistics, compensation, and more.
About Artability Art Show & Sale
Artability is a free annual art show and sale that celebrates the connection between mental health and creativity. The show is open to adults (18+) who feel that engaging in creative expression benefits their mental health.
No diagnosis, documentation, or affiliation with People Incorporated is required to participate. Find more information here.
Artwork & Writing Submissions
Submission Events
People Incorporated will host three in-person submission events. Artists can turn in artwork, receive assistance with forms and labeling, and ensure pieces are ready to hang.
Monday, August 17th, 2026
Location: NCSP, Minneapolis
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: 1309 Girard Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Wednesday, August 19th, 2026
Location: York, St. Paul
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: 317 York Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55130 (Door #1)
Friday, August 21st, 2026
Location: Ames, Eagan
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: 3000 Ames Crossing Rd, Eagan, MN 55121 (Door #17)
These events are not framing workshops. Artwork must arrive framed and ready to hang unless it qualifies for complimentary framing (details below).
Eligibility
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Open to adults 18+
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You feel that creative expression benefits your mental health
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No diagnosis or provider verification required
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You do not need to be a client of People Incorporated
What Can I Submit?
Artwork
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Up to 5 art pieces
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All artwork must be for sale
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Pieces may be any size but must be under 48” wide to fit display walls.
Writing
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Up to 3 writing pieces
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Maximum 500 words each
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Writing submissions do not count toward art submission limits
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Email writing to artability@peopleincorporated.org with the subject line “Anthology” by Friday, August 21st, 2026
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Writing will be printed in an anthology sold at the show (proceeds support printing costs)
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Writing-only participants do not need to submit a form
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Writing submissions do not qualify for the Melissa Lewis Scholarship
Framing Requirements
Complimentary Framing
People Incorporated provides free framing for pieces sized 11×14.
All Other Artwork
Any artwork not sized 11×14 must be:
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Framed
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Ready to hang
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Stretched canvas must include:
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Eyelet screws
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Hanging wire
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Need Framing Help?
Attend our Matting & Framing Workshop:
Saturday, August 1st, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Location: York, Saint Paul
Artists can bring art and frames to receive hands-on framing support.
Pricing Your Artwork
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Price artwork between $5 and $300, in $5 increments
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Lower price points increase likelihood of sales
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Larger or more detailed pieces may be priced higher, but pricing conservatively is encouraged
Compensation
Artists receive:
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75% of the sale price
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25% supports Artability workshops and programming
Payments are mailed to the address on file 30–60 days after the show closes, typically in early December.
Labeling & Required Forms
To submit artwork, artists must:
1. Complete the 2026 Submission Form & Waiver
(Links will go live August 3rd, 2026.)
2. Label each piece on the back or bottom with:
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Your name
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Title of the piece (cannot be “Untitled”)
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Submission number (from form)
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Pickup location (Ames – Eagan, York – St. Paul, or NCSP – Minneapolis)
Example:
Tessa Weyhe, “Title of Art Piece”, #3, York
3. Ensure art is framed and ready to hang (if applicable)
If all three steps are not completed, artwork cannot be accepted. Staff will be available at submission events to assist as needed.
Staff Sale (Bonus Selling Opportunity)
After the Art Show closes, any unsold artwork will be displayed at People Incorporated headquarters to give artists another chance to make a sale.
Unsold Artwork Pickup
Artists with unsold artwork will be notified via email by Friday, November 6th, 2026. Pickup must occur at the same location where artwork was originally submitted.
Pickup Events
Monday, November 9th, 2026
Location: Ames, Eagan
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday, November 11th, 2026
Location: York, St. Paul
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, November 13th, 2026
Location: NCSP, Minneapolis
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
If you cannot attend a pickup event, email artability@peopleincorporated.org to coordinate an alternative arrangement.
Important:
Artwork not picked up by January 1st, 2027 becomes the property of People Incorporated, with no payment.
Registration Information
The 2026 submission form and waiver will go live on
📅 August 3rd, 2026
Check back on our website for links to submit your artwork and register.