Historic Playing Cards

Carnegie Library.jpeg

We are pleased to announce that we have received a grant from the Historic Preservation Fund from the Kansas State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) to create a Historic Newton Playing Card Deck. This project will be a collaboration between Choose Newton and local artists. The deck will feature 54 original art pieces of historical aspects of Newton. Each artist will be responsible for creating 4 original art pieces to be included in the deck.

The idea for this project came from Tacoma, Washington, You can learn more about their project and see the full deck of playing cards. We are excited to see all of the artwork that will be created for Newton's project. If you are interested in submitting artwork for the project you can see the details and application below.

Apply to be an Artist for this Project

Concept Submission Details

  • Concept submissions must be submitted online by end of day Monday, January 26, 2026
  • While no size is required for concept design submissions, please keep in mind that these will eventually be printed on a standard playing card deck in portrait orientation
  • Concept submissions will be accepted from any artist without discrimination regardless of age, gender, race, religion, disability, or national origin
  • Preference will be given to Newton and Harvey County artists, but it is not required
  • We encourage you to imagine the designs in any way you choose. We are excited to see your original artwork and vision of these historic locations and aspects of Newton.
  • All artwork will be reviewed by a committee of City Staff, Local Artists, Kansas State Historical Members, and a Printing Professional

Timeline

  • Submissions are due by Monday, January 26, 2026
  • Announcements made by January 30, 2026
  • Final artwork due be May 22, 2026

Entry Procedures & Restrictions

  • Artists must be eighteen (18) years of age or older
  • Entries must be original artwork
  • A completed application must be submitted online with a digital submission of all concept designs
  • You can submit as many concept designs as you would like, but must submit a minimum of 4
  • One artist will design the box, back of card design, and 2 jokers

Final Artwork

  • All artwork must be submitted in computer-generated vector format but does not need to be digital art that was produced originally. Art can be drawings, paintings, computer generated, etc.  
    • If you need help submitting a vector file, please let us know at least one month before final submission
  • You will retain the rights to your art, but must grant permission for your art to be used for this project
  • We will not sell the decks of cards, but will pass them out as community gifts and swag
  • We will also produce a poster of all cards
  • Your cards will be featured at the Carriage Factory Art Gallery in an exhibit about this project

Compensation

  • You will be reimbursed a total of $1,000 for 4 original art pieces
  • An initial payment of $250 will be given once you are selected
  • The remaining $750 will be reimbursed once all final artwork has been submitted

If you have any additional questions please reach out to Jen Lehman at ChooseNewton@NewtonKansas.com. 

Apply to be a Part of this Project

 

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