Embrace: Expect the Unexpected

SDA’s 2024 International Exhibition in Print

This year's Exhibition in Print celebrates artists who accept the challenge of embracing the unexpected. Navigating both the positive and negative elements of change is challenging, yet adaptation can spark exponential growth and knowledge.

Accepting mistakes and imperfections, embracing identities and true selves, and confronting difficulties head-on can yield remarkable transformations. At the same time, the embrace from a creative community—whether physical or metaphorical—can provide a positive and supportive system that propels artists and their creations.

This call seeks works addressing an unexpected outcome or change, whether in the creative process or one’s own life. “Expect the Unexpected” can encompass embracing one’s true and multifaceted identity, the simple yet meaningful act of embrace, and the boldness required to take risks.

Artists working in all media are encouraged to apply.

JOURNAL OVERVIEW: Artist Youngmin Lee and Surface Design Journal Managing Editor, Lauren Sinner, will co-jury this exhibition, selecting work for inclusion in a comprehensive print and digital edition of the Fall 2024 Surface Design Journal. The publication will include full and detailed images as well as artist statements and juror reflections addressing the context of the work in the exhibition and its place within the evolution of broader trends in contemporary textile and fiber-based arts. 

Artists whose work is selected will receive one complimentary print copy of Surface Design Journal. 

JUROR BIOS: 

Youngmin Lee is a textile artist uses bojagi tradition and techniques to create her work. Her interest in textiles led her to study Clothing and Textile in college and received an MFA in Fashion Design in South Korea. She has researched bojagi making and techniques and endeavor to apply her findings to both in traditional and contemporary art. She actively works on preserving the bojagi tradition that embodies the philosophy of recycling and up-cycling, as the works are made from pieces of fabric leftover from other projects. She is working closely with Asian American community with community engaged projects and workshops. She founded the Korean Textile Tour in 2017 to introduce Korean traditional textile art and culture to bridge broader audiences.  Youngmin’s works have been exhibited and collected internationally. Her new book, Bojagi: The Art of Korean Textiles with Techniques and Project, is coming in 2024.

Lauren Sinner is a multidisciplinary artist, curator, teacher, writer, and comedian based in Portland, Oregon. She is currently the Managing Editor of Surface Design Journal, Digital Media Manager at Portland Art Dealers Association, Mentor to MFA candidates, and independent contractor to many arts organizations throughout the country. She received her MFA in Applied Craft + Design from the joint program between the Oregon College of Art and Craft and the Pacific Northwest College of Art in 2016

Application Requirements

ENTRY PROCEDURE: Entries are to be submitted online through CaFÉ           

The following information is required for submission: 

1. Name, address, telephone, e-mail.

2. Up to 3 artworks - maximum 2 images per artwork - 1 overall image and 1 detail of each artwork.  Six images total may be submitted per entrant. Jurors request one overall and one detail of each full original artwork. 

3. Images - full and detail - JPEG only; Upload options for image files:

• File format: JPEG only
• File dimensions: 1200 pixels or larger on longest side
• File resolution: 72 ppi/dpi (standard web resolution)
• File size: 5 MB maximum

NOTE: Uploaded images are scaled by the system and two monitor versions are created: a small 100-pixel thumbnail and a large 700-pixel image. These images are available for preview in your portfolio after uploading.

4. A brief artwork statement (up to 1,000 characters). 

• Since this is a blind jurying process, please do not include identifying information in the statement such as your name.
• Please note that the artist statement should address the artist's overall practice.
• Within each artwork submission, there is a description field which should include additional information about the specific piece of artwork (i.e. method, concept, etc.). Artists are highly encouraged to complete the description field as it provides important context for the juror.

PHOTOGRAPHIC GUIDELINES: As this call is for an exhibition in print, the quality of photographic documentation will impact the assessment of your work for inclusion in the Journal. All backgrounds should be neutral or grayscale unless color is part of the work. 

NOTE: Selected artists must provide print quality images of juried work at 300 dpi, 6x8" min, jpg or tiff.

AWARDS: Seven award winners will each receive an expanded, 3-page spread.

IMPORTANT DATES: 

• May 31: CaFÉ Call for entry
• June 1–30: Jurying process
• July 8: Artist notification of acceptance
• July 18:  Selected artists provide text/ images/captions for publication
• August 19: Design Phase for Journal begins
• Mid October Publication of Journal

Eligibility Criteria

ELIGIBILITY AND ENTRY FEE: 

• This exhibition is open to all artists, with discounted entry fee offered to SDA members and students.
• Artists may enter up to three artworks. 2D and 3D works are eligible, as is documentation of time-based media, performance, or conceptual work. Only photographic documentation of work will be considered.
• Work must have been completed since January 1, 2022.
• Work executed under classroom/educational guidance or supervision is not eligible.
• Artists who have been included in prior EIPs are encouraged to apply, but submitted work should show a progression or be from a different body of work.

Information about SDA membership is available at the SDA website: https://www.surfacedesign.org/members/member-benefits/

Join today to enter at the SDA member price and  and get 10% off your membership with the code SDAEXHIBITS

• $30 entry fee for SDA members, up to 3 artworks
• $45 entry fee for non-members, up to 3 artworks
• Student members and non-members can use the coupon code STUDENT24 for $10 on respective entry fees.