celebrate local art and support the mission of the UrbanArt Commission

Canvas for a Cause: UAC 6x6 Art Show fundraiser

Canvas For A Cause is our annual fundraising event, supporting programs that connect artists and communities. Since its 2024 launch, it has advanced our mission to make art more accessible and transform spaces through creativity.

UAC distributes free 6x6" canvases to anyone who wants one, inviting them to create a piece of art that will later be included in a group exhibition, open to the public. The event brings together a wonderful mix of artists, including kids, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and various community groups, giving them a platform to express themselves artistically and highlighting the diverse voices that make up our community. Each participant’s unique perspective is honored, reinforcing the idea that art is for everyone.

Event Objective

Our goal is to celebrate local artistry, engage the community, raise brand awareness, and generate funds for UAC programs. Your donation can support free workshops that enhance artists’ skills and competitiveness for local and national opportunities, free exhibition space for solo or group exhibitions without any commission fees, a paid internship program, and more.

blue.png

Important Dates

  • Submission Deadline: August 20, 2025

  • Event Dates: September 12, 2025 - September 13, 2025

  • Event Times: 6:00 - 9:00 PM on Friday, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM on Saturday

  • Location: The Ugly Art Co.located at 635 Madison Ave

About the Event

Canvases are 100% free and available to anyone who wants one. Pick one (or more!) up from UAC and get creative! Even better: Host a craft party! Get your friends together and paint, collage, draw, sculpt, write ... All mediums are welcome, so long as they measure 6x6".

Canvas submissions are due by August 20th to be displayed in the 2025 exhibition.

Each work of art in the exhibition tells a story unique to the artist who crafted it. Together, these works reflect the diversity and creative spirit of our community.

In 2024, we received close to 200 donated works of art for our Canvas For A Cause event! In 2025, we hope to collect even more.

Join us! The event is free and open to the public, so feel free to invite friends and family!

How It Works

While the event itself is free, with a small donation of $25 or more, you can take home a canvas of your choosing!  For every donation of $25, you will receive 1 ticket voucher. Each ticket voucher can be exchanged for 1 canvas. See several works you'd like to claim? No problem! Donate more to receive more ticket vouchers!

 Additionally, you may choose to sponsor a canvas that will be delivered to a homebound senior participating in Meritan's Silver Bells program during the holidays. Your contribution will make twice the impact, bringing joy to those who need it most!

Artwork is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so be sure to arrive on time for the widest selection!

Event Highlights

bring home work of art

Beautiful 6x6 canvases, created and donated by talented artists, will be available for a donation of just $25. It’s first come, first serve—so arrive early to grab your favorite piece!

pay it forward

For another $25 donation, you can sponsor a canvas that will be delivered to a homebound senior participating in Meritan's Silver Bells program during the holidays. Your contribution will bring joy to those who need it most.

Why This Event Matters

For 26 years, UAC has been serving Memphis, bringing artists and communities together to transform public spaces through art. We’ve done over 160 art installations around the city and provided tons of financial support and exhibition space for local artists. This event is a big deal for us – it helps fund our artist fellowship, paid internships, free workshops, and more.

Thank You!

Thank you to our 2024 sponsors and community partners! We are incredibly grateful for the generous support of our sponsors and community partners! Without them, this event wouldn't be possible. Thank you for believing in our vision and helping us make a lasting impact on our community!