About
The Nostalgia Art Show is a vibrant, feel-good exhibition celebrating the iconic moments, trends, and memories of the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. From Saturday morning cartoons to mixtapes, from retro fashion to classic video games—this show is all about the eras that shaped us.
We’re inviting artists to tap into nostalgia and reimagine the past through their own creative lens. Whether it’s playful, sentimental, bold, or thought-provoking, we want to see work that sparks recognition, joy, and connection.
Don't forget to follow the show for updates on Instagram @nostalgiaartshow and Facebook @nostalgiaartshow.
We’re inviting artists to tap into nostalgia and reimagine the past through their own creative lens. Whether it’s playful, sentimental, bold, or thought-provoking, we want to see work that sparks recognition, joy, and connection.
Don't forget to follow the show for updates on Instagram @nostalgiaartshow and Facebook @nostalgiaartshow.
Theme Inspiration
Artists are encouraged to explore subjects inspired by the 80s, 90s, and 00s, including (but not limited to):
Think: the sights, sounds, tastes, and places that defined growing up and make you say “I remember that!”
- Toys & collectibles
- Fashion & trends
- Music, bands, and pop icons
- TV shows, movies, and cartoons
- Video games & tech
- Cars & culture
- Books, magazines, and nostalgic reading moments
- Food & drinks (snacks, candy, fast food, iconic brands)
- Locations (arcades, malls, bedrooms, school scenes, hangouts)
- Everyday moments and memories from childhood and teen years
Think: the sights, sounds, tastes, and places that defined growing up and make you say “I remember that!”
Eligibility
- Open to artists ages 15+
- All experience levels welcome: student, emerging, and professional
- All work must be original
Entry Fees
Student (Ages 15–21)
• 1 Artwork: $15
• 2 Artworks: $25
Adult (Ages 21+)
• 1 Artwork: $25
• 2 Artworks: $35
Entry fees are required at the time of submission
• 1 Artwork: $15
• 2 Artworks: $25
Adult (Ages 21+)
• 1 Artwork: $25
• 2 Artworks: $35
Entry fees are required at the time of submission
Social Media Spotlight
All participating artists will be featured on our website. Want a little extra visibility? Add our Social Media Spotlight for $5—includes a custom social graphic with your headshot and promotion across our social media platforms. You can select this option during registration.
Select Your Era
As part of the exhibition, artists will select the era that inspires their work:
- 80s
- 90s
- 00s
Categories
2D Media
Mixed & Material-Based Work
3D & Object-Based Work
Photography & Digital
New & Emerging Media
Wearable & Functional
Special Focus Categories
Subject-Based
- Painting (Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor)
- Drawing (Graphite, Charcoal, Ink, Pastel)
- Printmaking (Etching, Screenprint, Linocut, Letterpress, Relief)
Mixed & Material-Based Work
- Mixed Media
- Collage
- Fiber & Textile (Weaving, Embroidery, Quilting)
3D & Object-Based Work
- Sculpture (Wood, Metal, Stone)
- Ceramics & Pottery
- Assemblage / Found Object Art
Photography & Digital
- Photography (Color / Black & White)
- Digital Art / Illustration
- Graphic Design (Poster Design, Branding, Typography)
New & Emerging Media
- Animation / Motion
- Game Art / Concept Design
- Generative & AI Assisted
- Installation / Experiential Art
Wearable & Functional
- Wearable Art / Fashion
- Jewelry
- Functional Art (Furniture, Home Goods)
Special Focus Categories
- Upcycled / Sustainable Art
- Mini Works (8x8 and under)
Subject-Based
- Portrait / Figurative
- Abstract
- Plein Air / Landscape
- Nature / Environmental
- Cultural Heritage / Storytelling
Submission Details
- Artists may submit up to two works
- All submissions must be completed online
Location & Key Dates
Location: Art on Main Dallas 4428 Main St Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75226
Submission Deadline: Sunday, August 2 by 11:59 PM
Artwork Drop-Off: Friday, August 14, 5:00–7:00 PM (Art on Main)
Exhibition Dates:
Saturday, August 15, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Sunday, August 16, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Artist Reception: Saturday, August 15, 5:00–7:00 PM *Costumes Encouraged
Artist Show & Tell: Saturday, August 15, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Artwork Pick-Up: Sunday, August 16, 12:00–2:00 PM (Art on Main)
Submission Deadline: Sunday, August 2 by 11:59 PM
Artwork Drop-Off: Friday, August 14, 5:00–7:00 PM (Art on Main)
Exhibition Dates:
Saturday, August 15, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Sunday, August 16, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Artist Reception: Saturday, August 15, 5:00–7:00 PM *Costumes Encouraged
Artist Show & Tell: Saturday, August 15, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Artwork Pick-Up: Sunday, August 16, 12:00–2:00 PM (Art on Main)
Artist Show & Tell
As part of this show, we will host a Show & Tell–style presentation, where artists will have the opportunity to:
A fun, interactive way to bring your work to life and connect with the community!
- Share the story behind their work
- Talk about their process and inspiration
- Engage directly with attendees
A fun, interactive way to bring your work to life and connect with the community!
Artwork Requirements
All work must be gallery-ready upon delivery. Work that does not meet these standards will not be accepted.
This is a family-friendly exhibition. The exhibition team reserves the right to refuse any artwork for any reason.
2D Artwork
3D Artwork
New & Emerging Media Work
Content & Material Restrictions
Size
General Standards
This is a family-friendly exhibition. The exhibition team reserves the right to refuse any artwork for any reason.
2D Artwork
- Must be matted, framed, or professionally presented
- Must be securely wired for hanging
- Work that is not properly wired will not be accepted — no exceptions
- NO sawtooth hangers
- Works on paper must be:
- Mounted to a rigid backing (e.g., foam board)
- AND matted or framed
3D Artwork
- Must be stable and ready for display
- Must not pose a risk to viewers or other artwork
- Please allow time during drop-off to set up your work properly
New & Emerging Media Work
- All New and Emerging Media work must be installed and deinstalled by the artist
- The exhibition team will supervise and assist as needed
- Artists are responsible for bringing all required equipment (screens, devices, cords, headphones, etc.), unless arranged in advance
- Artists are responsible for ensuring their work is fully operational and ready for display
- The exhibition team will coordinate with artists in advance to ensure all technical and installation requirements are clearly planned and supported
Content & Material Restrictions
- No wet work will be accepted
- No hazardous or toxic materials
- No work with strong odors or unstable components
- No nude content
- No violent, political, or religious content
Size
- There are no size restrictions
- However, the exhibition team reserves the right to:
- Adjust placement
- Modify display requirements
- Limit size or number of works
- Make changes due to space or unforeseen circumstances
General Standards
- All work must be professionally finished and ready to display
- Improperly prepared work will be declined at drop-off
- The exhibition team reserves the right to refuse any artwork that does not meet these standards
Artwork Label Requirements
A formal label is not required—feel free to use a Post-it note, index card, or a simple piece of paper (typed or handwritten).
The most important thing is that your label is securely attached to your artwork. This helps the exhibition team ensure your work is properly identified and matched with its corresponding information.
Placement
Please include:
The most important thing is that your label is securely attached to your artwork. This helps the exhibition team ensure your work is properly identified and matched with its corresponding information.
Placement
- 2D work: Top right (back of artwork)
- 3D work: Bottom of piece
Please include:
- Artist Name
- Artwork Title
Judging & Awards
Artwork will be evaluated based on:
Awards Include:
All participating artists will receive a certificate of participation. Additional awards and prizes may be presented at the discretion of the exhibition team.
- Creativity & originality
- Technical skill and execution
- Composition and overall presentation
- Interpretation of the nostalgia era and theme
Awards Include:
- Best in Show
- Juror’s Choice
- People’s Choice
- Best 80s Throwback
- Best 90s Nostalgia
- Best Y2K (2000s) Aesthetic
- Innovation Award
All participating artists will receive a certificate of participation. Additional awards and prizes may be presented at the discretion of the exhibition team.
Sponsorship Opportunities
We offer a variety of ways to support the Nostalgia Art Show while gaining visibility with a creative and engaged audience. All sponsors receive standard sponsor benefits (listed below). Sponsor booths are available as a separate add-on.
Sponsor Benefits (Included with All Sponsorships)
Catering Sponsor — In-Kind or $500
Provide food and/or beverages for the opening reception.
Print Sponsor (Artist Certificates & Materials) — $400
Support printed materials that celebrate and recognize artists.
Awards & Prizes Sponsor — $250
Support artist recognition by funding awards.
Operational Support Sponsor — $250
Help bring the event to life behind the scenes.
Goodie Bag Sponsor — $200
Help create a memorable experience for attendees and artists.
Sponsor Booth Add-On — $50
Showcase your brand on-site during the event.
Flexible Donation — $10-$20
Interested in supporting in a different way? We welcome it.
After signing up, please email your logo and brand assets to Kathryn Ikle at [email protected]. For questions or custom sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kathryn Ikle at the email above.
Sponsor Benefits (Included with All Sponsorships)
- Logo placement on marketing materials and show collateral
- Social media promotion and recognition
- Visibility during the exhibition and opening reception
- Inclusion in event communications and acknowledgments
Catering Sponsor — In-Kind or $500
Provide food and/or beverages for the opening reception.
- Brand recognition at food and drink stations
- Opportunity to showcase your offerings to attendees
- Ideal for restaurants, bakeries, beverage brands, and caterers
Print Sponsor (Artist Certificates & Materials) — $400
Support printed materials that celebrate and recognize artists.
- Sponsor printed artist certificates and awards
- Logo placement on certificates (where applicable)
- Recognition as the official Print Sponsor across event collateral
Awards & Prizes Sponsor — $250
Support artist recognition by funding awards.
- Sponsor key awards (e.g., Best in Show, Juror’s Choice)
- Opportunity to present awards during the event
Operational Support Sponsor — $250
Help bring the event to life behind the scenes.
- Supports venue, marketing, signage, and production costs
- Recognition across event materials and communications
Goodie Bag Sponsor — $200
Help create a memorable experience for attendees and artists.
- Include branded items, samples, or promotional materials in event bags
Sponsor Booth Add-On — $50
Showcase your brand on-site during the event.
- Includes a table, two chairs, and designated space
- Opportunity to promote products or services
- Direct engagement with attendees and artists
*Must be selected in addition to a sponsorship.
Flexible Donation — $10-$20
Interested in supporting in a different way? We welcome it.
- Open to individuals, groups, businesses, and organizations
- Monetary or in-kind contributions accepted
- Recognition customized based on level of support
After signing up, please email your logo and brand assets to Kathryn Ikle at [email protected]. For questions or custom sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kathryn Ikle at the email above.
Volunteer Opportunities
We welcome volunteers to help bring the Nostalgia Art Show to life. This is a great opportunity to connect with the local arts community, support fellow artists, and be part of a fun, creative event.
Volunteer Roles May Include:
Volunteer Benefits:
Volunteer Roles May Include:
- Event setup and breakdown
- Greeting guests and checking in attendees
- Assisting artists during installation and deinstallation
- Monitoring the gallery space during the event
- Supporting the awards presentation and event flow
- Helping with merchandise, raffles, or information tables
Volunteer Benefits:
- Opportunity to network with artists, creatives, and community members
- Hands-on experience supporting an art exhibition
- Recognition as a volunteer in event communications
- A fun and engaging way to be involved in the arts community
Exhibition Team Opportunity
Interested in being more deeply involved in bringing the Nostalgia Art Show to life? Join our Exhibition Team to help shape and support the overall experience of the show—from planning to execution.
Exhibition Team members will assist with:
This role is separate from general volunteering and is intended for those who want a more hands-on role in shaping the exhibition. Space is limited. If you would like to be considered, please email Kathryn Ikle at [email protected].
Exhibition Team members will assist with:
- Judging artwork
- Coordinating awards and artist certificates
- Curation and placement of the show
- Supporting overall exhibition planning and execution
This role is separate from general volunteering and is intended for those who want a more hands-on role in shaping the exhibition. Space is limited. If you would like to be considered, please email Kathryn Ikle at [email protected].
Accessibility Accommodations
We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming experience for all participants and attendees. If you require accessibility accommodations to participate in or attend the Nostalgia Art Show, please let us know in advance so we can best support your needs. This may include accommodations related to mobility, visual or auditory access, sensory sensitivities, or other accessibility considerations. We will do our best to provide reasonable accommodations and ensure the event is accessible to everyone.
For accommodation requests or questions, please email
Kathryn Ikle [email protected].
For accommodation requests or questions, please email
Kathryn Ikle [email protected].
Final Note
This show is about memory, culture, and connection. We can’t wait to see how you bring nostalgia to life—through color, form, story, and imagination. Let’s make people feel something they remember!