Call Description

Priority: International Juried Exhibition

Charles Adams Gallery invites artists worldwide to submit flat, unframed, two-dimensional artwork for Priority: International Juried Exhibition, juried by Leslie Moody Castro. This open-themed exhibition embraces the full range of 2D practices—across media, scale, and intent—while emphasizing immediacy, material presence, and global exchange.

In a time of increased nationalism, political division, and narrowing borders, Priority affirms the importance of maintaining international artistic partnerships. Whether artworks travel thousands of miles or come from just down the street, each submission represents an act of connection and dialogue. By welcoming works through the mail, this exhibition honors the democratic nature of sending and receiving art: individual pieces converging into a broader global conversation. Packaging elements and postal ephemera may be preserved and integrated into the installation as part of the visual and conceptual narrative.

Open to artists worldwide, Priority invites submissions of unframed, original flat 2D works in any medium, including but not limited to drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, collage, and mixed media. Eligible work must measure between 2" x 3" (A8) and 18" x 24" (B2) and we encourage you to use any materials in the creation, from paper to plexiglass. Envelopes and other packaging may be incorporated into the final presentation.

The exhibition opens on October 3, 2025, in conjunction with First Friday Art Trail, a monthly event that brings thousands of visitors to downtown Lubbock for a night of art, music, and community. Founded in 1982, Charles Adams Gallery is a cornerstone of the Texas contemporary art scene and a leading venue for contemporary art in the region and beyond.

Leslie Moody Castro: About the Juror

Leslie Moody Castro is an internationally recognized curator, writer, and cultural producer whose practice emphasizes collaboration, experimentation, and process. Her work fosters cross-cultural dialogue and inclusiveness in contemporary exhibition-making. Her curatorial insight and commitment to accessibility make Priority a rare opportunity for artists at all stages of their careers.

Leslie Moody Castro: Biography

Leslie Moody Castro is an independent curator and writer whose practice is based on itinerancy and collaboration. She has produced, organized, and collaborated on projects in Mexico and the United States for nearly two decades. She is committed to creating moments of exchange and dialogue within exhibitions, is a co-founder of Unlisted Projects Residency, and Co-Lab Projects, and in 2022 served as inaugural curatorial fellow and curator in residence at New Mexico State University and Casa Otro Residency, respectively. She has been awarded two grants from the National Endowment of the Arts for her curatorial projects and a fellowship from the Department of State for her research on borders. Moody Castro has participated in numerous residencies including the Narva Artist Residency, Estonia, The Galveston Artist Residency, Casa Lü Residency, Tepoztlán, MARSO CDMX, and Fountainhead, Miami. She has curated biennials including the Amarillo Museum of Art Biennial in 2021, The Texas Biennial in 2018, and co-curator of the Aurora Biennial in 2024.  Moody Castro was guest editor of Glasstire Magazine from 2021—2024, is the founder of AtravesArte and believes Mariachi makes everything better.

Awards

• Award details will be announced by mid-July and will include cash prizes. The juror will select all award recipients, including a Best in Show honoree who may be considered for a solo exhibition at Charles Adams Gallery in 2026.
• Winners will be announced during the opening reception on October 3, 2025.

About Charles Adams Gallery

Founded in the mid-1980s after Charles Adams returned to Lubbock from New York City, the gallery has played a foundational role in building the city's cultural core. In 2022, the gallery entered a new chapter under the new ownership of Zach Morriss, expanding to host twelve curated exhibitions annually, including juried shows showcasing regional, national, and international artists.

With over 30 affiliated artists and 5,000–9,000 visitors monthly, Charles Adams Gallery is a vibrant anchor of the Lubbock arts district and remains committed to accessible, high-caliber programming.

About First Friday Art Trail

Held rain or shine on the first Friday of every month, First Friday Art Trail (FFAT) is a free, self-guided public art event in downtown Lubbock. It connects the public with artists, musicians, and local businesses across a broad spectrum of creative venues. With live music, trolleys, and an ever-evolving range of exhibitions, FFAT draws thousands of visitors and helps position Lubbock as a hub for contemporary arts in Texas.

Charles Adams Gallery: Website | Instagram

Leslie Moody Castro: Website

First Friday Art Trail: Website | Instagram

Application Requirements

Media Accepted

All unframed flat, two-dimensional works are eligible, including but not limited to drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, collage, and mixed media. Works may be on paper, canvas, panel, metal, wood, or any alternative flat surfaces.

Artwork Requirements

• Dimensions must fall between 2" x 3" (A8) and 18" x 24" (B2).
• Both traditional works and mail-art formats (e.g., postcards, envelope-based works) are welcome.
• Works must arrive “exhibition-ready,” and artists must either
  a) include installation hardware,
  b) clearly note their preferred installation method, or
  c) accept that Charles Adams Gallery may install using clips, magnets, putty, or other non-damaging methods.
• Packaging materials such as envelopes may be included as part of the installation, at the gallery’s discretion.
• Artworks must be unframed.
• Must have been completed within the last five years.

Submission Requirements

• High-resolution image of each artwork
• Artwork details (title, medium, dimensions, and year completed)

Optional Submission Materials

• Artist statement (200 words max)
• Brief biography (150 words max)

Selection Process

Leslie Moody Castro will review all submissions. Selections will be based on artistic merit, originality, and overall impact.

Shipping Requirements

Accepted artists are responsible for all shipping costs to and from Charles Adams Gallery. All accepted artwork must be mailed to the gallery; we will not accept any hand-delivered artworks. Work must arrive in secure and reusable packaging. Charles Adams Gallery will not assume responsibility for work improperly or poorly packaged for shipping, nor any loss, theft, or damage that occurs during transit. However, if the artist’s intent is to see if their work is possibly damaged in transit, this must be noted upon acceptance and in the loan agreement.

ALL ACCEPTED WORK MUST ARRIVE BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2025 to SEPTEMBER 27, 2025.

After the exhibition, artists may choose to have unsold work returned at their own expense or may opt to donate the work to the gallery in lieu of return shipping. Unclaimed work will be considered abandoned two weeks after deinstallation.

If you wish to have your work returned, please use durable, reusable packaging. You will be charged a fee for replacing any packaging materials other than tape and you must provide pre-paid shipping label.

Pricing Requirement

All artwork must be for sale. Charles Adams Gallery retains a 40% commission in the event of a sale. Please price your work accordingly and accurately on your application.

Loan Agreement

All accepted artists will be sent a loan agreement by email. Participation is not confirmed until the signed agreement is returned.

Reproductions and Publicity

By submitting, you agree to allow Charles Adams Gallery to use images and submitted materials for promotional and press purposes related to the exhibition (only if your work is selected). You also agree that images of your work may be reproduced in the context of the exhibition, and its promotion by third parties such as journalists. Other images, documentation, and/or materials that may be requested of accepted artists. Artists always retain the rights to their artwork and all images of it.

Questions?

Please read the full guidelines carefully before contacting us with a question. If your answer is not found within the guidelines, please direct questions only to info@charlesadamsgallery.com

Eligibility Criteria

Open to artists aged 18 and older, internationally. Artists will be selected on the basis of the works entered. Works completed before 2020 should not be entered.

Entry Fee: $35 (plus $5 for each additional artwork). Application fees are non-refundable.