NEWSLETTER
Corning, NY – The Rockwell Museum is delighted to announce the return of a beloved holiday tradition: the 12th Annual Gingerbread Invitational. This fun, artful competition invites baking enthusiasts and community members of all skill levels to showcase their creativity in gingerbread form.
Each year, selected artists design imaginative gingerbread creations for display in a special holiday exhibition at The Rockwell. In 2026, the theme is Future Dreaming, inspired by The Rockwell Museum’s 50th Anniversary. To celebrate a half-century of art and imagination, we’re dreaming about what comes next. Gingerbread artists are invited to re-imagine a place, space, or landmark—real or fantastical; local, national, or international. Give it a bold, futuristic, or whimsical twist. What will our creative world look like 50 years from now? Museum visitors and community members will vote for their favorite creations; a winner will be announced in early January 2027.
How It Works:
- Application Deadline: Monday, October 19, 2026. Submissions must include a design sketch and follow all size and material specifications.
- Selection: Up to 12 submissions will be chosen to participate and notified the week of October 24 via e-mail.
- Honorariums: Each selected artist/team will receive a $50 VISA gift card at drop-off to help offset material costs.
- Exhibition on view: The exhibition will be on view Saturday, November 28 through Thursday, December 31, 2026. All visitors to the Museum can cast their vote for the Community Choice Award winner.
- Community Choice Award: The winning team will be awarded a $500 gift card and a one-of-a-kind ceramic trophy designed by local artist Colleen McCall.
Full application details and guidelines are available at www.RockwellMuseum.org/Gingerbread.
About The Rockwell Museum
The Rockwell Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, provokes curiosity, engagement and reflection about art and the American experience.
Founded in 1976, the Museum’s collection numbers nearly 3,000 objects and includes strengths in contemporary and historic Native American art, 19th-century landscape paintings, traditional bronze sculptures and a growing collection of modern and contemporary art. Housed in Corning’s former historic City Hall, The Rockwell is an active cultural hub and a unique place where locals and travelers alike connect with art and ideas through a dynamic roster of exhibitions, programs and events. The Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
The Rockwell Museum (111 Cedar Street) is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Museum’s campus includes the KIDS ROCKWELL Art Lab, featuring family-friendly activities, games and hands-on projects connected to exciting special exhibitions and the Museum’s collection of American artworks. The Art Lab is located around the corner at 36 E. Market Street and is open Thursday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the fall/winter season. One ticket provides access to both Rockwell locations.
Ticket discounts are available for local residents, students, groups and ages 55+; youth 17 and under are always free at The Rockwell.
Visit rockwellmuseum.org for more information.