2026 Thematic Show: “Macro/Micro”
An AVA Member Group Show
Call Open/Submission Deadline- Monday, February 16th- Saturday, April 11th @ 11:59 PM
Delivery/Install Week- Saturday, April 25th-Wednesday, April 29th
Exhibit dates: May 1st-June 26th
Exhibit Reception: Friday, May 1st from 6-9 PM
Where: AVA Main Gallery and Landis Education Gallery
Prompt & Eligibility:
AVA’s annual thematic exhibit is an invitation for our member artists to apply their practice in response to a more conceptual prompt than our traditional oeuvre of group exhibits. For the theme “Macro/Micro”, artists are invited to submit works that play with the idea of scale, whether in size, concept or in subject matter. Think universe vs. particle, big vs. small, large format or wide angle lens vs. macro lens, tiny art, large scale works, large things made from small components, systems vs. units, scope vs. scale, a part vs. the whole, etc. A clarifying point, artists are welcome to submit work that simply responds to one aspect or idea in the prompt (for example, if the artist makes small work, they do not need to make large work for this call, and can submit small work that is best representative of their practice). These thematic calls function best when artists submits work that responds to the prompt but is filtered through an ongoing practice. Artists are, of course, also welcome to submit works created directly in response to the prompt or that explore both “macro” and “micro.” There is no additional fee for AVA members to submit. Membership will be verified by AVA staff upon submission. Please note that selections for this exhibit are at the curatorial discretion of the AVA gallery director and submission does not guarantee that your work will be included in the show.
For more information on membership visit: https://www.avarts.org/ava-access-membership-options
Limitations & Restrictions
1) All artwork must be hand made and original to the artist. AVA members may submit up to five works, produced in the last three years.
2) 2D works MUST be ready to hang at time of delivery (see diagram). 3D works must have a hanging system (if suspended) or a secure base. Absolutely NO loose works on paper will be accepted without an appropriate plan and means of display that must be approved by the AVA gallery director. No artworks including live animals or live vegetation will be accepted.
3) Due to the particular nature of this theme, there is no size limit for this show.
3) Works can be delivered to AVA during the allotted time frame prior to the exhibit. If the artist needs to ship the work to AVA, shipping and handling is the responsibility of the artist. The gallery director will contact artists about logistics for picking up work closer towards the time of the end of the exhibit.
4) AVA reserves the right to reject works that are misrepresented in the submission process or are not properly outfitted to display in the gallery.
5) AVA handles all sales transactions and receives a 30% commission from all gallery sales after processing fees (for works purchased by credit card).
Submission Requirements
1.) Submit images. Image(s) must be:
- Saved in .jpg format or .png (no .HEIC files)
- No added filters to the image
- File saved as artist’s last name and image’s title. Example: JONES_UNTITLED.jpg
-Image must be clear, centered and evenly framed. No keystoned images. No extraneous information beyond the artwork, empty wall or neutral backdrop (feel free to make use of AVA’s white room to photograph your work). Here’s a great youtube tutorial with pointers (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrsKycVp-bA)
The image(s) submitted will be used for an online gallery store on AVA’s website and should be the best, clear representation of the work possible. AVA will be creating an online store for this show.
3.) Include the below listing for each work submitted:
- Artist Name
- Title
- Medium (please be specific to your work, for example: instead of simply saying “mixed media,” say “mixed media: pen, acrylic paint and mosaic and paper clay on tree bark.” Yes that’s a silly example but you get the gist.)
- Framed dimensions (if applicable) or particular measurements for jewelry or garment work.
- Price
4.) Include preferred social media handles/links, website or contact info for promotion. These links will be included on the wall labels.
5.) We will be including brief one paragraph artist statements or and one paragraph biographies in the exhibit material for a digital catalog.
6.) If you would like to leave business cards at AVA during the exhibit, bring them with you at the time of delivery.
7.) Selected artists will be asked to provide a brief artist’s bio and statement to be included for a digital catalog with the show.
All materials should be submitted via the submission form link below. Contact AVA’s Gallery Director Tim Goldsmith via email with any questions. AVA’s staff is happy to help!
Submitting your work indicates that you have read and understand all guidelines and criteria contained within this prospectus. You understand that it will be your responsibility to deliver your work to the AVA Gallery ready for installation and on time, concurrent with any schedules given to you. All works are insured while on AVA’s premises.
For more information regarding this exhibit or other AVA programming, visit http://www.avarts.org or contact the Curator and Education Director, Tim Goldsmith, at tim@avarts.org or 423.265.4282.
No person will be excluded from participation in or otherwise subjected to discrimination in regards to services, programs and employment, provided by the Association for Visual Arts based on color, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion.