Call Detail

Call for Artists: 12 x 12 – "Unseen Forces" – A theme centered on invisible influences, such as
https://www.tmarigallery.com

Call Overview

Entry Deadline: 5/12/25
Application Closed

Entry Fee (Entry Fee): $35.00

Work Sample Requirements


Images | Minimum:Min. 1, Maximum:Max. 5
Total Samples | Minimum:Min. 1, Maximum:Max. 5
Call Type: Exhibitions
Eligibility: Regional
State: Illinois
Event Dates: 3/12/25 - 5/12/25

Call Description

T Mari Gallery invites artists of all mediums to submit work for Unseen Forces, a juried exhibition that delves into the hidden influences that shape our world. These forces—though unseen—are ever-present, guiding our emotions, memories, and perceptions. From the subtle pull of nostalgia to the power of collective history, from the invisible currents of nature to societal structures that shape our daily lives, this exhibition seeks to illuminate the intangible.

Artists are encouraged to explore how these unseen forces manifest in their work. Whether through personal narratives that speak to ancestral ties or childhood memories, abstract compositions capturing energy and movement, or social commentary on systems of power and influence, each piece should invite viewers to engage with the often-overlooked forces that govern experience.

This exhibition welcomes interpretations that range from the deeply personal to the universal, offering a space for artists to reveal what lies beneath the surface—the echoes of the past, the weight of the present, and the mysteries of the unseen.

Application Requirements

Size Requirements:

  • 2D works must be exactly 12 x 12 inches, including canvas, panel, or paper (if framed, the frame can exceed 12x12 but should not overpower the artwork).
  • Sculptures must fit within a 12 x 12-inch footprint (height is flexible but should be reasonable for display).  

Presentation Requirements:

  • All wall-mounted works must be ready to hang (wired or properly fitted with D-rings). No sawtooth hangers.
  • Unframed works on paper should be mounted on a rigid backing (mat board or similar).
  • Sculptures should be stable and, if necessary, include a base or clear display instructions.

Key Dates:  

  • Application Deadline: May 12, 2025
  • Notification of Acceptance: May 19, 2025
  • Artwork Drop-off: June 3, 2025
  • Opening Reception: June 7, 2025, 5-9pm
  • Exhibition: June 7th - June 22nd, 2025

Eligibility Criteria

 Eligibility:  

  • Open to artists of all levels, from emerging to established.
  • All mediums are welcome, including painting, drawing, photography, mixed media, textiles, digital art, and sculpture.
  • Work must be original and created by the submitting artist.

The jury will evaluate submissions based on:  

  • Concept & Originality – Does the work demonstrate a strong creative vision?
  • Craftsmanship & Execution – Is the work well-executed and professionally presented?
  • Interpretation of the Theme – How does the piece embody the idea of "Small Works, Big Ideas"?
  • Aesthetic & Emotional Impact– Does the work provoke thought, emotion, or dialogue?

Sales & Commission: 

  • All works must be available for sale.
  • Artists set their own prices and set up their own payment plan.
  • The gallery will take a 20% commission on all sales.