Tattoos in the US have seen a cultural shift over the past generations; from the Baby Boomer to Gen Z. This exhibition looks at the shift and welcomes the gradual social embrace of the tattoo industry and how it is beginning to become a form of not only body art, but that of contemporary fine art. This call is aiming to center the tattoo as artwork as well as the tattooist and what they may create outside of their studio practice. Whether that be flash sheets, photography of their tattoos or additional work, digital art, 2D and 3D work. Let’s take the time to see the tattoo artist not only as someone willing to break the social mold, but celebrate them as multimedia fine artists. 

Artwork and media to be submitted for this exhibition can be seen below, as well as artists who have live models that may be a representation of their work who would like to participate in the opening reception on July 11th from 6-9pm. If you have a model, there will be a separate question in the application for you to provide further details. 

Artworks Center for Contemporary Art (ACCA) is the largest studio artist community in Northern Colorado dedicated to advancing contemporary arts. With desirable studio and gallery space, artists are free to work solo or take advantage of collaborative opportunities. We are a non-profit 501 (c) 3 and rely on the generous support of donors, patrons, and artists like you.

Before completing your application, please review the eligibility criteria and terms of submission. To complete the application, you will need to gather all relevant information about the pieces you are submitting.

Application Requirements

1. Artwork must be your original work. Reproductions of your artwork and reproduction prints on wrapped canvas, are not eligible. Giclée prints of photographs or digital media are eligible. AI generated work will not be accepted. 

2. Artwork must be created within the past 5 years (2020 - 2025).

3. Artwork must not have been previously shown at ACCA.

4. Framed and/or 2D work must be ready to hang with a hanging wire or D-rings and should not exceed 3 feet at its width and weigh less than 70 lbs.

5. Sculpture should not exceed 3 feet in any one direction.

6. This call is also open to artists who have live models who would be interested in sitting/ participating in the opening exhibition. This will be the responsibility of the artist to contact this model and receive consent to them participating. The model will need to sign a consent form to act as a live “sculpture” for the opening exhibition and must be over 18 to do this. If the artist or model would like more information, please email galleries@artworksloveland.org

7. No Artwork Substitutions: Delivered artwork from the invited artists must be the specific art pieces selected in the jury process. No substitutions for other art pieces are allowed. Images and information provided in the CAFE application must be representative of the work. Accepted work may be refused if the quality or information does not meet standards.

For specific questions regarding eligibility please email  galleries@artworksloveland.org

Submission Guidelines:

1. Non-refundable entry fee of $20 for up to 4 pieces.

2. Artist statement should be no longer than 200 words speaking about your piece and process. 

3. Images may be JPG files only. New media files must fit requirements set by the Call For Entry site. 

4. Crop images to exclude framing and background.

5. Images must represent the work exactly.

Delivery and Return of Accepted Work:

1.As a non-profit art center, ACCA does not provide shipping stipends. The artist is responsible for shipping costs both to and from the exhibition. 

2. Shipped work should arrive no later than July 3rd, 2025. Artists must provide a pre-paid return shipping label. Ship work in sturdy, reusable crates, cartons or boxes. Work will be returned in the container and materials in which it arrived.

3. Artwork may be hand-delivered June 30th, 10am-6pm, July 1st, 10am-1pm, July 2nd, 10am-2pm

4. ACCA provides insurance for artworks while on premises.

5. ACCA is not responsible for damage or loss during transport.

6. ACCA does not have art storage facilities. Artwork not picked up by local artists after 5 days of the closing will be considered abandoned and deemed the property of ACCA--unless artists make arrangements beforehand.  

Contact galleries@artworksloveland.org for more information or questions pertaining shipping. 
 

Installation Requirements:

All artwork must be ready to hang or install in a professional manner. Frames, mats, and wiring must be of professional quality, in good condition and substantial enough for the weight of the artwork. Saw-tooth hangers are not accepted because they are not stable and difficult to level. Maximum weight of any 2D art work or relief is 70 lbs. Fragile work must be labeled and include protective materials as needed along with included installation instructions. Work may be refused if ACCA is unable to install, hang professionally, or properly protect the artwork from standard wear and movement.

Work that has multiple components must be accompanied by a diagram and/or instructions, or the artist may be asked to personally install more complicated pieces. 

For 4-D and other time-based media, if your audio or video is publicly available online, please enter a URL link to embed the audio in your CaFE portfolio, such as Youtube or Vimeo  

Important note for 4D or time-based artists: Accepted artists must provide equipment to display the work (video monitors are preferred; projectors are difficult to hang from the ceiling in the gallery however projectors may be easily placed on a pedestal that we provide). Headphones are required--works cannot disrupt viewing of other artist's works. Please provide video or computer monitors and/or other playback equipment at the time of drop off/delivery. Questions? Please email galleries@artworksloveland.org

IMPORTANT DATES:

Application deadline: Friday, June 13th, 2025

Artists Notified: Week of June 16th, 2025

Exhibition dates: July 11th- August 30th, 2025

Artwork Delivered by: June 3rd, 2025

Opening Reception: Friday, June 11th, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Artist Talk: TBD 

Flash Tattoo Sale and Fundraiser: Aug 8th, 5pm (NOTT)

Sales:

ACCA takes a 40% commission on anything sold during the duration of the exhibition. Price provided on the CAFE application cannot be changed ACCA will pay local and state sales taxes. If artwork is sold, artists will receive payment after the close of the exhibition. Artwork does not need to be for sale to be selected for the exhibition, but is encouraged. 

Questions? Please email galleries@artworksloveland.org

Application Requirements:

1-4 total images/media of artist's artwork. Submissions can be of 4 different artworks or fewer if detail  shots are needed. This event is accepting:
Images - Minimum: 0, Maximum: 4

Video - Minimum: 0, Maximum: 4 
Audio - Minimum: 0, Maximum: 4

Total Media - Minimum: 1, Maximum: 4

Eligibility Criteria

1.All artists 18 years and older may apply. 

2. All media are eligible. Please refer to size restrictions.

3. All applications must be completed online through CaFE; no emailed submissions or late applications will be considered.

4. Artist must be a current resident of the state of Colorado.