Margaret Saylor, Monotropa uniflora, Indian Pipes

2026 Philadelphia Flower Show

February 27 - March 8, 2026
PHS theme:  TBD
Pennsylvania Convention Center
1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA  19107

PROSPECTUS

​“Rooted in Time: Unearthing 250 Years of American Flora & Fungi”
A celebration of native plants and fungi—above, below, and beyond.

This exhibition invites artists to explore the enduring legacy of America’s native flora and fungi over the past 250 years, revealing both their visible forms and the hidden worlds that support them. From delicate wildflowers to intricate mycelial webs, this theme honors the full life cycle and ecological significance of the species that have shaped our landscapes and cultural identity. We encourage illustrations that not only capture above-ground beauty, but also illuminate the underground architecture--roots, rhizomes, corms, bulbs, and fungal networks—that nourish, connect, and inspire. These unseen structures are powerful symbols of resilience, interdependence, and the timeless richness found just beneath the surface.
 
2026 Requirement: 
It is required that all members with work that is accepted into the Flower Show volunteer their time to support PSBI during the Flower show open hours for any of the following activities:

• Demonstrations
• Cocoon
• Set up
• Tear Down

We will work with you if you are unable to fulfill your volunteer requirement.
 
Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to all PSBI members in good standing (dues fully paid for the current fiscal year) as of January 1, 2026. Entries by members with unpaid dues will not be accepted.

Subject Requirements:

• Plants must be native to the USA and include root systems, rhizomes, corms, bulbs, and/or fungal networks.
• The plant should be depicted in its natural state.
• Single color flat backgrounds only. Natural variations in vellum are acceptable.
• No man-made objects or constructions in composition.
• Photographs used as references must be taken by the artist.

• Previously exhibited work will be accepted if it has not been in any previous PHS Flower Shows.
• Work must be two-dimensional, executed in any media with the exceptions of original digital, photography and collage.

 
Here are some suggested resources:

• Native Plants | Department of Conservation and Natural Resources| Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• List of U.S. state and territory flowers - Wikipedia 
• List of U.S. state and territory trees - Wikipedia
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The Botanic Garden of Texas

 
Botanical Nomenclature:

• It is required that all artwork must be submitted using the Latin plant name in the form of Genus species ‘Cultivar.’ At minimum the plant name must include the specimen’s genus.
• The botanical judge will be looking for identifiable characteristics of the specific genus species and cultivar if known.  Entries may not be accepted if Latin plant name is not identifiable with the plant specimen represented in the artwork.
• Please refer to botanical nomenclature on PSBI website.

 
Entry requirements:

• $35 entry fee covers 1 or 2 paintings per artist (limit 2 paintings per artist).
• Entry payment in the form of a check must be received by the Treasurer by close of entries, January 11, 2026.

 
Submissions:

• Artists must submit their entry information and artwork image electronically.  This can be done through the submissions page in the Members’ section of the PSBI website or directly through EntryThingy.com.  Artists are responsible for establishing their own, secure, EntryThingy account.  There is no charge for creating an account.
• In addition to contact and painting information including common name, Latin name (Genus species ‘Cultivar’), and final framed size (H x W), artists must upload an electronic image of their unframed piece. 
• Images files must be in a JPG format and named Artistlastname.FirstInitial_Genus_species.jpg. Following ASBA recommendations, the longest dimension of the digital image should be 8” at 300dpi.
• Digital Entry submission will close at 11:59 pm on January 11, 2026.

Framing Requirements:

•  Paintings must be framed in a simple light-weight plain wood, gold or silver toned frame. “L” shape preferred. No colored frames or complex molding will be accepted.
• No metal frames.
• Frame molding width not to exceed 2“and should be appropriate for the dimensions of the piece.
• Minimum frame size 12”x12”.
• A hanging wire with D-ring or other flat wired hangers (no screw eyes) must be attached to the frame.  Wire under hanging tension must allow 2” from the top of the frame to cover the hanger hook.
• Bottom corners MUST have frame bumpers attached.
• White or off-white main mats, thin liner mats of any color acceptable.
• Glass or acrylic glazing will be accepted.
• PSBI retains the right to refuse an entry at drop-off if framing is inadequate or does not follow guidelines.
• Link to Framing Requirements doc on the website (TBD)

 
Jury Process:

• Jury evaluation and scoring is scheduled, January 12-16, 2026.
  •  Jurors: 
    • Artistic Juror: TBD
    • Botanical Juror: TBD
    • PHS Juror: Seth Pearsol – PHS, Director of Design, Shows and Events

• There are three criteria for scoring: Botanical Accuracy, Technical Execution, and Artistic Merit.
• A PSBI panel will make the final decision on acceptance based on scoring and final presentation of framed original artwork.

Notification:

• Tentative acceptances and regrets based on digital submissions scheduled to be sent via email - January 23, 2026.
• Tentatively accepted artwork (based on digital submission) must be framed and delivered/collected no later than February 8, 2026   
• Final acceptances and regrets based on framed original artwork submission – February 13, 2026

Drop-Off Instructions and Packaging:

• Follow up information will provide locations and times for artwork collection.
• Artists Entry Form must be completed and delivered along with artwork (visit the 2026 Flower Show Member Page on the PSBI website. This form is fillable on your computer before printing out, or you may print out the form and fill it in by hand).
• Artwork must be wrapped securely in adequately protective envelopes.
• To purchase gallery pouches, visit Frame Destination (https://www.framedestination.com/search.html?q=gallery%20pouch) or ArtPak (http://www.artpak.net/).
• All packaging must collapse flat.
• All packaging must have the appropriate labels (See 2021 Flower Show Entry Form)

• No paintings may be removed until the show is over.

 
Insurance:

• PSBI carries insurance to cover a major loss of artwork including but not limited to theft, destruction of the artwork by fire or vandalism; destruction of the artwork due to major accidents such as dropping or water leaks from roof or plumbing.
• Normal wear and tear to frames, glazing and matting such as soiling, scratching or chipping are not considered major losses.
• All entry forms must include an insurance valuation. Any entry received without a valuation will be listed as NFS with a value of $100.
• All claims must be submitted to the PSBI Show Producer within five days of the end of the show in order to be considered. 

Sale of Works:

• Artwork does not need to be for sale.
• Sales of art will be arranged directly with artists who agree to a 10% donation to benefit the PHS Charity. Procedures for handling this will be provided.
• The PSBI Flower Show committee will select the PHS Charity of Choice.

Pick-up:

• Artists will be notified of pick-up arrangements.

​If there are any questions, please feel free to contact PSBI Flower Show Producers:
Kathy Gilmartin, phone: (908) 578-3867;  [email protected]
Karen Horwitz, phone (609) 502-9590; [email protected]