Art Trust

2026 Winners Announced

We are pleased to announce the winning entries for the 2026 Ottawa County Art Trust exhibition. The County will purchase the awarded pieces for its permanent art collection:

• Sean Sterzer, Farm & Field – Cut Paper
• Michele Gort, Joyful Series-Joy – Oil
• Heather Persch, Ottawa Blues – Acrylic
• Nancy Sackrison, Beach Music – Pastel
• Elizabeth Van Ark, Memory Branches – Ceramic (wood fire)

The exhibit, which includes 115 entries by 65 artists, will remain on display at the Ottawa County Administration Building weekdays from 8AM to 5PM until September 3. Pieces not selected for the County’s collection are available for purchase.

About the Art Trust

Ottawa County and the Holland Area Arts Council collaborate annually to hold the Ottawa County Art Trust Exhibition. This is a juried art exhibition and collecting program featuring Ottawa County resident artists. The Art Trust tangibly demonstrates the importance of creativity and culture to Ottawa County while preserving a legacy of assets from local artists for generations to come.

How Does It Work?

During the annual juried show held from June to September, Ottawa County purchases several works to add to its permanent art collection. The works are chosen by a juror selected by the Holland Area Arts Council. The unpurchased art pieces remain on display and for sale to the public for the duration of the exhibition. Individuals, businesses, and other organizations may purchase works for their own enjoyment or to donate to the Ottawa County Art Trust collection. In these cases, a special honorarium tag is displayed with the work. Artists and art appreciators can register here to be notified of future annual Art Trust Exhibitions.

2027 Prospectus & Call for Artists

• Eligible Artists: The exhibition is open to submissions from adults who live or work in Ottawa County.
• 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 representing 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. Entries must be entirely conceived and created by human hands. Any artwork generated by or primarily derived from AI tools will be disqualified.
• Bio: Artists must also email a bio, no more than 250 words, to exhibits@hollandarts.org.
• Fees: There is a $15 entry fee for one or two works. You may pay by personal check, money order, or cash when you drop off your art.
• Art Sales: Purchase awards will be subject to a 40% commission to the Holland Area Arts Council. 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, hazardous, or unstable works will be declined. Email exhibits@hollandarts.org for questions.
• Art Drop-off & Entry Form: Be sure to label your works and complete an entry form [PDF] coming soon. Works may be dropped off on June 15 and 16 between 10:00am and 3:00pm at the Administration Building, Cedar Room, 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive.
• 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 for the show and arrange a time for pickup.
• Care & Terms: Reasonable care will be given to the artwork delivered, but neither Ottawa County, HAAC, nor its agents assume liability for loss or damage of the artwork while in its possession. By submitting your work, you authorize Ottawa County and HAAC to use your images for promotional purposes of the Art Trust.
• Awards & Reception: The exhibition starts on June 21 with an opening reception at 4:00pm and an awards ceremony at 4:30pm at the Administration Building-Hickory Room, 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive. 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 in response to the need to add life to the plain walls of its buildings. Partnering with the Arts Council opened up the door to a network of local talent, enabling the County to build a collection of local works to catalog and display for future generations. Today, Ottawa County and The Holland Area Arts Council collaborate for the annual Ottawa County Art Trust Exhibition each summer. On average, the annual show displays 70 works from 40 unique artists each year. From the exhibit, the juror and the County select several works for the Art Trust to purchase. Additionally, Ottawa County purchases pieces from local artists when budgets permit. As of August 2026, Ottawa County has grown its local art collection to 99 pieces from 67 unique artists.