West Bend, Wi – The Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend, WI, is thrilled to announce the return of the Wisconsin Artists Biennial, an exhibition established in partnership with Wisconsin Visual Artists (WVA). For the 2026 edition, nearly 500 artists submitted over 1,200 entries; 52 works by 50 artists hailing from all corners of the state were ultimately selected.
Representing geographical diversity as well as a range of media, this year’s cohort features a significant number of established artists as well as a robust group of newcomers. The Wisconsin Artists Biennial will be on view February 7 through April 19.
With origins dating back to 1900, the Biennial is one of the oldest recurring art competitions in the country, celebrating Wisconsin’s rich tradition of artistic innovation and expression.
The 2026 selections represent a wide spectrum of media and perspectives that engage, challenge, and inspire viewers, reflecting the breadth and depth of contemporary American art as seen through the lens of a single state.
To ensure objectivity and fresh perspectives, jurors are consistently chosen from outside the state. This year’s judges include: Nicole Jacquard, Professor and Area Coordinator of Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design at Indiana University; Taylor Jasper, Susan Rob White Assistant Curator of Visual Arts at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis; and Melissa Oresky, Multidisciplinary Artist and Professor of Painting and Drawing at Illinois State University.
“The Biennial offers us the opportunity to experience the latest and greatest that Wisconsin’s artists have to offer,” said MOWA’s Deputy Director, Dr. Jane Aspinwall. “MOWA has been the permanent home of the Biennial since 2014—underscoring our commitment to contemporary Wisconsin art.”
The Biennial awards $10,000 in cash prizes with the top honor, the MOWA Prize, consisting of $5,000 and a solo museum exhibition to run concurrently with the next iteration of the Biennial in 2028.
Additional prizes are awarded for excellence, including the Lee Weiss Award for a first-time exhibitor and two merit awards.
Join us for the Wisconsin Artists Biennial 2026, on view February 7 through April 19 and celebrate the vibrant arts community that continues to shape artist conversations throughout Wisconsin and beyond. Opening party 1-4pm on February 7 includes juror remarks and award ceremony. Please consult our website for a full list of 2026 participants.
Taj Matumbi, Hustle, 2025
ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF WISCONSIN ART
A vital cultural center, educational institution, an expanding network of ideas, the Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA) collects and interprets American art through the lens of a single state. Informed by dynamic initiatives and collaborations, MOWA is an innovative forum for contemporary artists, socially relevant exhibitions, lectures by artists and industry experts, and engaging classes and activities for all ages.
MOWA has two permanent venues—the West Bend “Mothership” and MOWA | DTN in downtown Milwaukee’s Saint Kate—The Arts Hotel—as well as two partnering community organizations that create access across the state. MOWA annually welcomes 225,000 visitors, making it a cultural destination for the art and artists of our time.