Open Call: 30th Friends of Polish Art Fine Arts Competition

Artists are invited to submit their work to the 30th Friends of Polish Art Fine Arts Competition, presented in partnership with the Polish Institute of Culture & Research. This milestone event celebrates three decades of artistic excellence and continues to showcase a diverse range of creative voices.

Call for Entries

All visual art media are welcome. Artists working in painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and other visual disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Submission deadline: August 17, 2026

Exhibition Details

Selected works will be exhibited at the Galeria on the Orchard Lake Schools campus:

Location:
3535 Commerce Rd
Orchard Lake, MI 48324

Key Dates

Opening Reception: September 12, 2026
Closing Reception: October 24, 2026

About the Exhibition

This annual competition highlights the richness and diversity of visual arts while fostering connections within the artistic community. The 30th edition marks a special anniversary, offering artists an opportunity to be part of a long-standing tradition of cultural expression and excellence.

Questions

For more information, please contact: Elijah Majeski, PICROL Galeria Manager emajeski@picrol.org

May 9, 2026 – Tour of the Highlights of the Modern Collection at the Detroit Institute of Arts

Hello FPA Members & Friends,

Join Friends of Polish Art for a docent-guided tour of the Highlights of the Modern Collection at the Detroit Institute of Arts on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Enjoy a curated experience through one of the nation’s top art museums alongside fellow members and friends. The event is free and open to all.

Please arrive by 11:30 a.m. at the John R Group Entrance (east side). The tour begins promptly at 12:00 noon and lasts about one hour.

Kindly confirm your attendance using our contact form by Monday, May 4.

April 12, 2026 – Friends of Polish Art Święconka

Please join us at the FPA Swieconka being held at the American Polish Cultural Center in Troy on Sunday, April 12. At this year’s traditional Polish Easter dinner, we will acknowledge and celebrate 60 years of artistic performance by the Wawel Folk Ensemble in both song and dance.

See invitation/flyer for program details (Polish Easter dinner, award presentation, dance performance and basket raffle). Reservations can be made by returning the completed “reservation form” located in the bottom half of the invitation.

December 13, 2025 – Friends of Polish Art Wigilia

Friends of Polish Art Cordially invites you, your family and friends to it’s annual Wigilia.

  • Saturday, December 13, 2025
    American Polish Cultural Center
    2975 E. Maple Road, Troy, Michigan

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Cash bar 5:00 – 5:45 p.m. Sharing opłatek at 6 p.m.
Traditional Christmas Eve meal at 6:15 p.m., followed by singing Christmas carols, awards, prizes, “share the wealth” and basket fundraisers (cash only, no checks or cards accepted).

Wigilia Invitation (PDF)

Szopka Competition 2025

SUBMISSION DATE: Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16, 2025, 12:00 to 4:00pm
FPA AWARD PRESENTATION: Sunday, December 7, 2025 – 2:00 pm
VIEWERS CHOICE AWARD PRESENTATION: Sunday, December 7, 2025 – 2:30 pm
Submission and presentation location is at The Polish Art Center.

Szopka Competition Details

Create Your Own Szopka – Free Workshop on September 13, 2025

Friends of Polish Art invites you to a hands-on cultural experience for all ages – the Free Szopki Building Workshop, taking place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the American Polish Cultural Center in Troy, Michigan.

This workshop is open to everyone: children, parents, retirees, students, and community groups. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a curious beginner, all skill levels are welcome!

You’ll receive materials and templates to begin creating your own Szopka – a colorful, miniature rendition of a traditional Polish nativity scene, rich in history and folklore. Feel free to bring your own embellishments to personalize your creation, and don’t forget a pair of scissors!

  • All materials are provided.
  • The event is free, though donations to help cover material costs are appreciated.
  • Location: American Polish Cultural Center – 2975 E Maple Rd, Troy, MI 48083 (Hall 3)
  • RSVP by September 10, 2025

This is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Polish culture, connect with others, and create something truly special. Bring your creativity—and your friends!

Friends of Polish Art invites you to Święconka 2025

Join us as we celebrate The Golden Voices of The Club Filarets and honor their 60, 40, and 20-year member anniversaries with a traditional Polish Easter dinner, singing, a dance performance, and a basket raffle.

Saturday, April 26, 2025
American Polish Cultural Center – 2975 E. Maple Rd, Troy, MI 48083
Doors open at 4:00 PM | Program at 4:30 PM | Dinner at 5:15 PM
Cash bar available
Raffle tickets: Cash only

Ticket prices:

  • Members: $40
  • Non-Members: $45
  • Children: $20
  • Sponsor: $75
  • Patron: $125

RSVP by April 19, 2025

December 21, 2024 – Beading Workshop

Join Us for the First Beading Workshop with Friends of Polish Art!

Are you ready to explore the beautiful art of beading while celebrating Polish heritage? Friends of Polish Art is excited to invite you to its First Beading Workshop, a special hands-on event for all skill levels!

Led by the talented Charles Pelshaw, this workshop will provide an engaging and creative experience suitable for youth, adults, retirees, and everyone in between.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, December 21, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Metropolitan Museum of Design Detroit
905 Henry Street, Detroit, MI 48083
(3rd Floor – elevator accessible)

What to Expect:

  • Materials Provided: All the supplies you’ll need to start your beading project will be available.
  • Bring Your Tools: Don’t forget to bring scissors and a phone/camera for reference photos. Feel free to bring any additional items that could help spark your creativity!
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, everyone is welcome to join this inclusive and supportive environment.
  • Donations Appreciated: While the workshop is free, we kindly accept donations to help cover material costs.

Important Notes:

  • Limited Spots Available: Attendance is capped at 20 participants, so RSVP soon to secure your place!

December 14, 2024 – Friends of Polish Art Wigilia

Wigilia Invitation (PDF)

Szopka Competition 2024

  • Szopka Competition Submission – Saturday, Nov. 16 –  Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024
  • Award Prizes for Szopka Competition – Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024