Missoula Monster Project 2026 - Call for Adult Artists
Ends on
THE 12TH ANNUAL MISSOULA MONSTER PROJECT Seeking adult artists to create original Monster Art inspired by the work of Missoula kindergarteners!
ABOUT THE MISSOULA MONSTER PROJECT: The Zootown Arts Community Center (ZACC) and the Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS) Fine Arts Department are excited present the Twelfth Annual Missoula Monster Project (TWELVE years, WOW)! Originally conceived by a nine-year-old art student, this show is a collaboration between youth and adult artists, where the adults create “monster art” based on monsters dreamed up by kindergartners.
Kindergarten classes from 3 Missoula County Public Schools – Russell, Lewis & Clark, and Paxson – created original monster drawings for adult artists to reimagine. The ZACC is seeking artists to use their unique style to create a new piece of art inspired by the child's original piece. The original monsters will be shown side-by-side with the monster art recreated and donated by local artists in the ZACC Main Gallery this October.
The 12th Annual Missoula Monster Project raises funds to support arts education in both Missoula County Public Schools classrooms and ZACC classrooms through the sale of adult monsters! The proceeds will be split equally between MCPS Fine Arts department and ZACC's youth art education programs to help keep youth arts education within reach for all. We are asking artists to donate 100% of the proceeds of their monster artwork towards this cause.
The Missoula Monster Project begins with an extraordinary celebration on the First Friday in October (this year it's Friday, October 2). Mark your calendars so you can experience all the monster excitement – the opening is free and open to all!
RECEIVING YOUR MONSTER:
Once you apply, ZACC staff will send you an email through Submittable including:
– The first name and associated school for the child artist;
– An attached image of the child’s original monster art;
– Information about the Monster's personality, as provided by the child artist.
EXPECT A CONFIRMATION EMAIL WITHIN 2-3 DAYS OF APPLYING*. CHECK YOUR SPAM AS WELL AS YOUR MAIN INBOX (and remember to look for Submittable, not ZACC!).
Please be patient. It can take several days to email monster information to artists. Each monster is unique, emails are sent individually. You can log into your Submittable account and review your submission. (Menu > Submissions > Missoula Monster Project 2026 - Adult Art Call > Activity &/or Messages).
If you have not received your monster assignment via email and are not able to find it in Submittable after a week, please email lily@zootownarts.org
*Monster assignment emails will begin to go out on Monday June 29, 2026.
RULES FOR PARTICIPATION/ARTWORK:
By signing up for this project, you agree to adhere to the following project rules.
AGE: Participating artists must be 18 years or older. QUALITY: The Missoula Monster Project raises funds for a good cause and shows kids first hand it's possible to turn things from one's imagination into fine art. We ask that you please have fun while recreating your monsters, and to please make a quality piece that can stand the test of time in its new owner’s home.
- Please do not use trash or anything perishable to create your monster.
- Please do not use scotch tape or hot glue; these materials break easily.
- Please frame 2D paper monsters. Paper images with wire (or another less permanent hanging system) taped to the back of the piece will not be accepted.
PRICING: Do not include any information about pricing, the ZACC will price your monster for you.
SIZE REQUIREMENTS: Finished pieces must have a MAX dimension of 8”h x 8”w x 6”d, including frames/shelves. With hundreds of monsters hung on limited wall space, we ask that monsters stay within the required dimensions. *If an artist submits a monster larger than the provided dimensions, the ZACC reserves the right to turn it away or adjust the monster art to ensure it meets the requirements, including but not limited to trimming, reframing, cutting, adjusting, etc. (And we WILL do this!)
READY TO HANG: Monster art must be ready to hang. The hanging system should be tested so monsters can live on a wall or shelf in their new home for many years. If your monster is 3D* you must provide a shelf or build a hanging system that can attach to the wall and bear the weight of your piece. E.g. textile/felted monsters may have a loop stitched to their head/back.
MEDIA: 2D and 3D media are welcome! Examples of media used in the past include pen & ink, ceramic, paint, textile, felting, metalwork, sculpture, encaustic, jewelry, and more. Please do not use anything perishable, scotch tape, hot glue, or trash.
DEADLINE: Deliver monster artworks to the ZACC front desk between August 24 and September 7, 2026.
*Unless prior communication has occurred, if your monster is not received by 6 PM, September 7th, it will be reassigned to another artist for completion.
••Please be mindful of this dropoff window and do not drop monsters off early. We have limited space available, and true to nature they like to play tricks in our storage room!
REMEMBER, IT'S FOR THE KIDS: The child who drew the monster you are reimagining is so excited to see your work. By signing up, you have committed to this project.
IMPORTANT DATES OVERVIEW:
– Registration Deadline: July 27, 2026
– Drop Off Dates: August 24 through September 7, 2026
– MMP Opening: First Friday, October 2, 2026 / 5-8 PM