Big Orange Monster: An Emergency Collage Exhibition

About the Open Call

You mix fear (yellow) and anger (red) and you get a Big Orange Monster. What’s the emergency? There are a lot of Big Orange Monsters on the loose. Monsters only have power if you are afraid of them. So let’s create a space where we can slay our fear of Big Orange Monsters. Art helps us exorcise our demons. Monsters can be glorious and wonderful or horrible and evil. Let’s not cast aside the good Big Orange Monsters because some other Big Orange Monsters are well…unpleasant. Kolaj Institute invites collage artists to make a big orange monster collage for an exhibition at Kolaj Institute Gallery in New Orleans that will take place in September and October 2025. A selection will be featured in a small publication. The exhibition is being curated by Ric Kasini Kadour. Collage must have a Big Orange Monster, however the artist wishes to interpret that instruction. We invite artists to consider various readings of monsters. Dates of Exhibition: 10 September to 18 October 2025. Opening Reception: Second Saturday, 13 September 2025, 6-8PM. Gallery Hours: Thursday-Saturday, Noon-6PM. Other Events During the Exhibition include Collage the Tarot Workshop and Collage Artist Meet-Up. By participating in the “Big Orange Monster” exhibition, Artist grants Kolaj Institute and Kolaj Magazine permission to publish images of the work in print and online. Artist retains copyright to the work. Kolaj Institute will exercise care and respect to this artwork; however, Kolaj Institute and its associated personnel are not responsible for damages incurred during transport. The artist agrees that all works are uninsured, hereby releasing Kolaj Institute from liability for any and all claims arising out of loss or damage. This document shall constitute a release of Kolaj Institute from any liability in connection with the work.

What is Offered

Exhibition of accepted work at Kolaj Institute Gallery and potential feature in a small publication.

Requirements

Collage artists are invited to submit. The collage must meet the following specifications: No larger than 16″x20″; Unframed; shipped flat or in a tube. Limit one collage per artist. Must arrive no later than 4 September 2025. Envelope must say 'Big Orange Monster' inside. Analog collage is preferred. Digital collage with an inherent material sense will be accepted. Prints and reproductions will not be accepted. The curator reserves the right to exercise their discretion. Collage must include a 'Big Orange Monster', however the artist wishes to interpret that instruction.

How to Apply

Artist must complete the online submission form found at https://forms.gle/eqcHF25ux9rhSqFE6. The form will ask for Your Name and Address, the Title of the Work, the Materials, Dimensions, and Year of the Work. It also includes an Artist Interview section requiring an Artist Bio, a description of the Big Orange Monster in the artwork (minimum 3-5 sentences), reasons for wanting to participate, and what monsters are important to you, and what you want the viewer to take away from your artwork. Artists must confirm understanding of artwork submission specifications and indicate if they would like to donate their work or have it returned. Ship artwork to: NOHCATTN: Kolaj Institute/Big Orange Monster, 2372 Saint Claude Avenue, Suite 260, New Orleans, LA 70117 USA. Work must arrive on or before 4 September 2025. If the artwork is larger than 10″x8″ and requires return, the packaging must be reusable. Those with artwork not meeting specifications or with questions are invited to EMAIL the curator an image for consideration.