Ottawa County Art Trust

How Does It Work?

During the annual, juried show, Ottawa County purchases several works to become part of its permanent art collection. The County usually purchases a total of $3500 worth of art. The works to be purchased are chosen by the juror in collaboration with the County. The unpurchased art pieces remain on display and for sale for the duration of the exhibition. Individuals, businesses, and other organizations may purchase works for themselves, or they purchase pieces to be donated to the Ottawa County Art Trust collection. Some residents have purchased works to remain in the Art Trust collection in honor of a colleague or loved one. In these cases, a special honorarium tag is displayed with the work. Artists and art appreciators can register here to be notified of annual Art Trust Exhibitions.

2023 Prospectus & Call for Artists

Prepare now for the 2023 exhibition. The exhibition is open to adults who live or work in Ottawa County. Please download the entry form to submit it with your entry.

The 2023 exhibition will open on June 26 with a public awards presentation and reception from 4 - 5 pm. Those employed in Ottawa County are also eligible.

We are honored to name the juror for the 2023 show: Barbara Carlson, the Director of Armory 2 Art Studio in Grand Haven.

Submission Details

• Number of Entries - An Artist may submit up to two original works in any medium except video, reflecting the rich range of cultural traditions, activities, or natural features that represent life in Ottawa County.
• Eligible Entries - Only original works completed in the last three years are eligible. Commercial reproductions will not be accepted. Traditional print media, photography, and digital art are not considered reproductions. 2-D pieces may not exceed 48" high by 60" wide, and 3-D pieces may not exceed 6' high x 3' wide. Only work easily handled by two people will be accepted.
• Bio - Artists must also email a bio, no more than 250 words to mary@hollandarts.org.
• Fees - There is a $15 entry fee for one or two works. You may pay by personal check, money order or pay in cash at the time you drop off your art.
• Art Sales - Purchase awards will be subject to a 30% commission to the Holland Area Arts Council and a 10% Ottawa Art Trust for a total of 40%. Price your work up accordingly.
• Entry Condition - Works must be ready for presentation. Artwork must be framed securely with a wire. No saw tooth hangers. An unframed gallery-wrapped canvas with a depth of 1.5” with a wire is acceptable. Any works improperly framed without a wire will not be accepted. Works must not be wet to the touch. Unsuitably prepared, framed or hazardous, or unstable works will be declined. Email mary@hollandarts.org for questions.
• Art Drop-off & Entry Form - Be sure to label your works and complete an entry form. Works may be dropped off between 10AM and 2PM on June 19 and June 20 at the Fillmore Complex Administration Building, 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, MI 49460. Use Parking Lot C and enter the main lobby near the Sheriff's Office statue.
• Exhibition Space - There is limited exhibition space and some works may not be juried into the show. We will contact you if your work is not accepted into the show and arrange a time for it to be picked up.
• Care & Terms - Reasonable care will be given to the artwork delivered, but neither Ottawa County nor its agents nor HAAC assume liability for loss or damage of the artwork while in its possession. By submitting your work you authorize Ottawa County and HAAC the use of your images for promotional purposes.
• Awards & Reception - The exhibition kicks off on June 26 with a reception at 4PM and an awards ceremony at 4:30PM at the Fillmore Complex Administration Building, 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, MI 49460. Use Parking Lot C and enter the main lobby near the Sheriff's Office statue. The public is welcome.

History of the Art Trust

Ottawa County and the Holland Area Arts Council joined forces in 2018 to establish the Ottawa County Art Trust. An art trust allows the County to build a collection of works to be displayed and cataloged for future generations. To build the collection, Ottawa County and The Holland Area Arts Council collaborate for the annual Ottawa County Art Trust Exhibition each summer. As of December 2022, Ottawa County has grown its collection to 47 art pieces with an estimated value of $21,000. On average, the exhibition displays 60 works from 34 unique artists each year.