Art Trust returns, offering Ottawa County artists a chance to have their work displayed

OTTAWA COUNTY — Ottawa County, in collaboration with the Holland Area Arts Council, is accepting submissions for the annual Art Trust exhibition, a chance for local artists to have their work purchased for display in the county’s buildings. 

From the exhibition, the county and juror in tandem select several works, typically worth $3,500 in total, to be purchased for display in Ottawa County’s administrative spaces. Unpurchased works remain on display throughout the duration of the summer exhibit for purchase by businesses, organizations and the general public. 

“The Art Trust provides artists the opportunity to display their work in a public space, as well as a chance for their works to be purchased, displayed year-round and added into the greater archive,” explained Mara Tillman, exhibits coordinator for the Holland Area Arts Council. 

Adults who live or work in Ottawa County are eligible for entry, with up to two original submissions accepted. Artwork is encouraged to reflect the range of cultural traditions, activities and natural features of the county. 

Full guidelines and information about entry fees are listed on the Ottawa County website. This year’s juror has yet to be selected. 

Submissions should be dropped off 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. June 15-17 at the Administration Building’s Conference Room C at 12220 Fillmore in West Olive. The exhibition will take place in the Administration Building starting June 23; pick-up is scheduled for early September.

Since the Art Trust’s creation in 2018, Ottawa County has accumulated a collection of 87 works from local artists. 

“The idea for the Art Trust stemmed from a conversation with the Holland Area Arts Council about the need to fill our bare walls,” said Shannon Felgner, Ottawa County Communications director. 

Felgner noted that historically, preserving and promoting the arts has been a function of government entities — a task discussed by county administrators throughout the trust’s creation. She said the collaboration demonstrates that fostering creativity and supporting local artists is important to Ottawa County.

“Art preservations and trusts were at one time considered a civic responsibility,” Felgner said. “Over time, with changing budgets and priorities, many of these functions have left the public sector and are now private, nonprofits.”

This sentiment was echoed by Tillman, who feels there has been an “incredibly disheartening” decline in local gallery space. Tillman said the amount of happiness the Art Trust Exhibition generates each year is innumerable.

“Every year I have been a part of this show, I can't tell you how many times I have been told, ‘This is my favorite time of year,’ by those working in the Administration Building, as well as how many thank you's I get from artists.”

The exhibition has expanded throughout the years to include photography, small sculptures and textile work, however, Felgner said the biggest evolution has been the trust’s growth. The first show encompassed 56 entries from 31 artists — numbers that have more than doubled. The 2025 Art Trust exhibition included 144 works by 79 artists. 

The county hopes to strengthen connections with local artists and preserve a legacy of art for generations of residents to come. Referencing the courage often required for artists to share their work with others, Felgner says it is an honor for the county to host the Art Trust exhibition.

“Each year, the work has become more inspiring, diverse and reflective of the depth of talent in our community,” Felgner said.

Both Felgner and Tillman encourage local artists to submit their work to the Art Trust.

“It truly is an amazing opportunity, a wonderful way to meet people and, of course, share your artwork,” Tillman said. “This collection truly is a reflection of the beautiful Ottawa area and its creative community.”

— Contact ONN reporter Hailey Hentz at hhentz@ottawanewsnetwork.org.