CALL FOR ARTISTS from Discover Wauwatosa, WI Offering a $20,000 Grand Prize...2/26/2026 Application Deadline...details here

Call for Artists: ART 64® presented by North Shore Bank Returns to Wauwatosa in June with $20,000 Grand Prize Discover Wauwatosa Seeks Artists to Compete in the Fifth Annual Live Painting Tournament Milwaukee, Wisc. – Discover Wauwatosa proudly announces the return of ART 64® presented by North Shore Bank, the dynamic live painting competition offering artists from across the nation the chance to compete for a grand prize of $20,000.

The event will take place June 5-6, 2026, in the Village of Wauwatosa. ART 64 invites 64 artists to showcase their talent in a bracket-style tournament where the public votes in real-time to decide which artists advance through three rounds of competition. Each participating artist is guaranteed a minimum of $100, with prize amounts increasing as the tournament progresses.

There will be three rounds total, with the final sixteen artists competing for the $20,000 grand prize. The application for artists who wish to participate is now available online at DiscoverART64.com. The application is open to any artist over the age of 18. With participants from 14 states and artists from Spain and Mexico, the 2025 ART 64 event saw over 11,000 attendees in The Village of Wauwatosa, over 12,000 votes cast for artists, and more than 100 tournament paintings sold. The event also included family-friendly activities, live music, food and drinks, and shopping from unique, local small businesses.

“ART 64 reflects what makes Wauwatosa special – creative energy, strong partnerships, and a community built around shared experiences,” said Melissa Cantarero Weiss, Deputy City Administrator for the City of Wauwatosa.

“The City proudly champions this event that elevates artists and advances our commitment to being a premier public art destination.” Now in its fifth year, North Shore Bank returns as the presenting sponsor of the event. “We’re proud to once again sponsor and support ART 64 in Wauwatosa—an outstanding event that brings people together from near and far,” said Mary Rose Balzer, Community Engagement Manager for North Shore Bank.

“What began as a great community gathering has quickly grown into a beloved annual tradition. Supporting local events and strengthening community connections is central to who we are as a community bank, and we invite everyone to join us in celebrating live art and enjoying activities for all ages.”

The deadline for artists to apply is midnight March 1, 2026. There is a $20 fee to apply. A jury of artists and Discover Wauwatosa staff will determine the 64 artists who will compete. All inquiries related to the ART 64 application are to be directed by email to ART64Tosa@newaukee.com with the subject title “ART 64 Inquiry.”

All inquiries must be submitted no later than February 26, 2026 at Noon CST. Accepted artists will be notified on March 20, 2026. For more information and to view the application, visit: DiscoverART64.com. ###

Learn more at DiscoverWauwatosa.com.