The Deines Cultural Center is excited to open submissions for the fourth annual Mystery, Magic & Macabre Juried Exhibition. We welcome artists who infuse thoughtfulness and creativity into their work, offering unique perspectives on the surreal, the mysterious, and the supernatural. Please note that artworks depicting graphic violence will not be considered.

Submissions will be accepted from artists across all mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media.

The exhibition aims to provoke thought, spark curiosity, and transport viewers to a dark and mystical realm. Selected works will be displayed at the Deines Cultural Center from October 13 to November 20, creating an immersive experience that celebrates the enigmatic and the extraordinary.

Artists will be notified on September 14th, 2024. All accepted work must be received at the Deines Cultural Center by October 5th, 2024. Pieces will be judged in person and awards will be announced at the opening reception on October 13th, 2024. Those who cannot attend will be notified via email on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. 

This year's juror is Barbara Waterman-Peters. Barbara Waterman-Peters, (BFA, Washburn University, MFA, Kansas State University, Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts, Washburn University) whose award-winning work is in museum, corporate, and private collections, is represented by several galleries, including the Jones Gallery in Kansas City, MO, the SNW Gallery in Manhattan, KS, Reuben Saunders Gallery in Wichita, and the Beauchamp Gallery in Topeka. She was a founding member of the Collective Art Gallery (1987-2014) and was a charter member of Circle of 7.  She has shown regionally, nationally, and internationally in more than 300 solo, invitational and juried exhibitions. 

Waterman-Peters taught at Washburn and Kansas State Universities and for Lassen Community College in California.  She has received a Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Achievement from the State of Kansas and the Monroe Award from the Washburn University Alumni Association. In 2011 she was awarded the ARTY for Distinguished Visual Artist from ARTSConnect in Topeka. In 2023 she received the NOTO Master Artist Award.

Waterman-Peters was the staff artist for the Washburn University Theater from 1999 until 2016. In 2010 she founded STUDIO 831, an artists’ space and gallery in the North Topeka Arts & Entertainment District (NOTO). She has served on numerous boards, most recently the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District Board. In addition, she was part of Heartland Visioning’s Quality of Life component and a curator, juror, and panelist for various arts institutions. Currently, she is part of the ARTS Leadership Roundtable.

She is co-founder of Pen & Brush Press with author Glendyn Buckley. She and Glendyn each received a Children’s Book Award from the Kansas Authors Club for their work on their second book, Bird. Their first book, The Fish’s Wishes, was placed on the KNEA’s Recommended Reading List. Their third book is Ting & the Canterbury Tales. Recently, she worked with poet Dennis Etzel, Jr on the exhibit and illustrations for the Two Ponders: A Collaboration project.

Working with other authors she has created cover art and illustrations for several books.

She writes articles about art and artists for TOPEKA Magazine and other publications.

Her poetry and creative writing have been published numerous times. One piece, “Winter Guests” was nominated for a Pushcart Prize.

Application Requirements

Apply online through the Cafe Call for Entries website. 

Eligibility Criteria

This call is open to artists 18 years or older living in the United States All 2d and 3d mediums will be accepted.

Entries must be original works of art completed within the last three (3) years and have not been previously exhibited in the Deines Gallery. All works must be for sale, and no entry previously sold may be borrowed for entry in the competition.

All two-dimensional works must be framed and wired for hanging – works without wiring will not be accepted or will be wired at the artist’s expense. No substitution, exchange, modification, or withdrawal of works is permitted after they are accepted.