Event Dates: September 17–October 29, 2026
Opening Reception: Thursday, September 17 , 4 - 5:30PM

Deadline for Apps: May 13, 2026 (See Calls Below)

This fall, The Rye Arts Center once again transforms Purchase Street in Downtown Rye into an open-air art experience. This year's edition runs longer than ever before, stretching from September 17th through October 29th, with a special opening reception planned for the evening of the 17th. Residents and visitors alike are invited to experience art woven seamlessly into the fabric of everyday life, all autumn long. This year’s event is thoughtfully timed to coincide with beloved local happenings—such as the annual October window painting— creating exceptionally vibrant opportunities to celebrate local creativity while amplifying visibility for both artists and local merchants.

Art for Purchase is a public art project that reimagines storefronts as intimate stages for local and regional artists, cultivating a rich dialogue between creativity, commerce, and community. As you browse shop windows or linger along the sidewalk, you'll discover unexpected moments of inspiration—artworks that spark reflection and delight amid the hum of daily routines. These works don't just beautify; they invite conversation, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the role art, and local artists, play in shaping cultural identity and supporting local vitality.

By showcasing original art in the heart of Rye's commercial district, the initiative brings together artists, business owners, and the broader community in a shared celebration of creativity and local enterprise.

Buy
Artwork

Purchasing artwork is a meaningful way you can support both local artists and The Rye Arts Center. Artists retain 70% of the sale, while The Rye Arts Center retains just 30% of proceeds.

The Rye Arts Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring creativity and building community through the arts. Proceeds from Art for Purchase support accessible arts education and programming for all!

Selection Process

This year, participating businesses will be part of artist selection—Businesses will review artist submissions digitally through a closed process, using the images, bios, and links provided by the artists to make their decisions. Artist and business pairings will be announced by The Rye Arts Center in late May.

Please note that submitting a complete application does not guarantee selection by a business and/or further participation in Art for Purchase. All application fees are final and will support the mission of The Rye Arts Center.

Call for Artists

  • Upon payment for your application, you will be sent a form where you can include the following materials:

    1) A short bio (100–150 words)

    2) 5–8 artworks (title, medium, size, price -each work can be no larger than 18”x24”)

    3) Links to your website or social media

We are seeking artists working in all mediums—painting, photography, mixed media, and more—to participate in this public art project. Whether you’re an emerging talent or a seasoned creator, Art for Purchase offers a unique platform to share your work with a broad and directly engaged audience.

PART 1: Apply here: https://buy.stripe.com/aFa28r39876L8af1NadUY04

  • Costs: $50 non member / $30 RAC Member

  • RAC Members can use promo code “ARTISTMEMBER20” 

PART 2: After payment, a link will be provided on the confirmation page. Click the link provided to finish your application and upload examples of your art!

Call for Business

  • Upon filling out the form below, you will be asked to prepare and submit:

    1) A business description (100–150 words)

    2) Your logo (PNG, SVG, or PDF format)

    3) Links to your website + socials

    4) Installation requirements and available placements for artwork

We also invite local businesses on Purchase Street to serve as hosts: turning a section of their storefronts into miniature galleries. Hosting an artist transforms your storefront into a destination. Connect your brand with one of Rye's most celebrated cultural initiatives and welcome new customers through your door. 

Apply Here (no fee):https://forms.gle/5VoHjjxkuwXBQEey8

How You’re Promoted

Art for Purchase — Participate

New audiences

Put your work in front of the steady foot traffic moving through Downtown Rye's busiest retail corridor.

Sales opportunity

Every displayed work is available for purchase — your storefront window becomes a gallery where buyers find you.

Community presence

Collaborate with a local business host and become part of a celebrated community arts initiative across Rye.

Your promotional reach

Website feature

Listed on The Rye Arts Center's website with links to your work and your host storefront's location.

Social media

Featured across Instagram and Facebook before and throughout the event.

Email campaigns

Included in e-blasts and newsletters reaching thousands of local subscribers.

Print & digital materials

Named on professionally designed posters, flyers, and walking maps distributed throughout Rye.

Press coverage

Highlighted in press releases, local media, and community event listings.

Storefront signage

Branded materials provided at your display location to draw attention to your work.

Increased foot traffic

Draw in art lovers and curious passersby who might not have stepped through your door otherwise.

Brand alignment

Associate your business with a beloved community tradition and signal your investment in Rye's cultural life.

Extended visibility

Nearly two months of sustained attention — the longest run in the event's history — means more chances for customers to discover you.

Your promotional reach

Website feature

Your storefront listed on The Rye Arts Center's website alongside the artists you host.

Social media

Your business spotlighted across Instagram and Facebook for the duration of the event.

Email campaigns

Mentioned in e-blasts and newsletters to thousands of engaged local readers.

Print & digital materials

Featured on walking maps, posters, and flyers that guide visitors directly to your location.

Press coverage

Included in press releases and local media coverage reaching the broader Rye community.

Storefront signage

Branded Art for Purchase signage provided — a visible signal to every passerby that something special is inside.

Press