The Hearst Center for the Arts is excited to announce the return of its highly anticipated biennial exhibition, First Fifty, with this year’s theme: Made in 2025. This unique event offers artists in the Cedar Valley the opportunity to showcase their freshest creations for the Hearst’s gallery exhibition in a non-competitive setting.
Artists eager to participate should mark their calendars for Thursday, May 22, 2025, when doors open at 9:00 a.m. for artwork drop-off. The first fifty artists in line with eligible artwork will secure a spot in the exhibition. Participants can line up outside the Hearst facility any time before the 9:00 a.m. open time.
A free public reception will be held on Thursday, June 12, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., inviting art enthusiasts, collectors, and the community to celebrate the creativity of these selected artists.
How to Participate:
- Artwork must be created in 2025 and brought in by the artist.
- Pieces must be ready to hang or display (framed works should have proper hardware, videos should be on a portable drive, and 3D works should include display instructions).
- Submissions must be non-perishable and fit through standard doors.
- Collaborative works are welcome!
This exhibition is about immediacy, inclusivity, and celebrating contemporary artistic voices. The Hearst invites participants and visitors to foster a respectful and welcoming environment, ensuring that creativity and dialogue thrive in a space of mutual respect. We encourage all artists and attendees to uphold a standard of inclusivity by avoiding expressions of hate speech or behavior that could create an unsafe atmosphere for viewers of all ages.
Join us in making First Fifty Exhibition: Made in 2025 a vibrant showcase of artistic innovation and community engagement. We look forward to seeing your work!
For more information about the event, please contact Cory Hurless at cory.hurless@cedarfalls.com or 319-273-8641.
The Hearst Center for the Arts is part of the City of Cedar Falls’ Community Development Department, located at 304 W Seerley Boulevard, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613. The center’s hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.