A Sense of Play - A Union Street Gallery Open Call for Art

About the Open Call

The 'A Sense of Play' open call invites artists to submit works that explore the theme of play, including traditional forms like dolls, puppets, and board games, as well as alternative or intercultural interpretations. The exhibition aims to highlight how play fosters creativity, entertainment, exploration, imagination, friendship, and collaboration. All media types are welcome, provided they are viable for display. Union Street Gallery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers a unique space for artists to display their creations professionally and helps fund exhibits, classes, and workshops.

What is Offered

Exhibition opportunity at Union Street Gallery, prize money for top entries (First Place: $300, Second Place: $150, Third Place: $75), and opportunity for art sales with Union Street Gallery retaining a 30% commission.

Requirements

Submissions may be traditional or alternative explorations of the theme, including intercultural interpretations. All media of scale and materials viable for display are accepted. Submitted works may be solo or collaborative. Artists must clarify if public interaction with their work is desired. There are no size restrictions. Artists can submit 1 to 5 works, with a maximum of 3 works accepted per artist for display. Artwork must be ready to hang or display (framed, wired for hanging, special display materials provided by artist). Unframed canvas board, sheets of paper, or picture frames without hanging apparatus will not be included. Artwork must be finished and completely dry. Photographic submissions require one full and one detail image (JPG, PNG, TIF; max 2500 pixels longest side, 72-300 ppi/dpi). Video submissions must not exceed 400 MB. Complicated installations require written instructions and photos upon mailing or drop-off. Work that is unstable, unusually fragile, or does not meet installation requirements will be disqualified. Pieces deemed offensive or not of the highest quality will not be included. Artists are responsible for shipping costs both to and from Union Street Gallery and must provide a prepaid return shipping label. Union Street Gallery does not insure exhibited artworks. Artwork must remain for the duration of the exhibition if sold. Artists grant permission for Union Street Gallery to use accepted images for promotional materials, physical and virtual. Artists certify they hold copyright and work is original and does not infringe existing copyrights. If accepted work differs dramatically from submitted image, it may be returned.

How to Apply

Artists are invited to submit between 1 and 5 works through the Submittable platform. Each submission requires one full and one detail image (JPG, PNG, TIF; max 2500 pixels longest side, 72-300 ppi/dpi) and/or video (max 400 MB). Accepted works must be ready to hang or display upon arrival, including framing, wiring, and special display materials provided by the artist. All work must be accompanied by title, medium, size, price, and year. Labels securely attached to the bottom back right corner of the piece must include the artist's full name, address, title of entry, phone number, and email. Accepted artists will receive an email confirmation and are required to sign a form.