Call Description

The Upcycling Exhibition is a national juried exhibition that explores works of artists made from recycled and reclaimed materials. Each work must be constructed from at least 50% recycled materials.

2D and 3D works are welcome. There is no restriction on content and no overall theme other than Upcycling as the determining factor.

Work that has been previously displayed at TCA is not eligible.  All work must be the original creation of the artist and must have been created within the last 12 months.

PLEASE PROVIDE A STATEMENT ABOUT YOUR PIECE (OR WORK IN GENERAL)... ABOUT HOW USING RECYCLED AND RECLAIMED MATERIALS HELPS YOUR COMMUNITY.

ARTWORK:

Giclee reproductions printed on canvas are not permitted.  Entry MUST be original, entirely the work of the artist, and cannot have been previously shown at TCA. No art may be removed from the exhibit prior to the close of the exhibition on Saturday, February 7, 2026, including sold art.

JUROR: Linda Chappel

Linda Chappel is an adjunct instructor in Art and Art History at Tohono O’odham Community College in Sells, Arizona. She shows her art work regionally in the Southwest and was selected for the Arizona Biannual in 2024. Linda maintains an engagement with the Tucson community through working with several local arts organizations; including serving on the Board of the MexAm History Museum. In the last few years she worked with the Tohono O’odham college and community obtaining and administering three grant funded art projects.

Her formal studies began at the University of Madison, Wisconsin where she was fortunate to study sculpture with Dan Reitz, George Cramer and Truman Lowe.  She graduated from Madison with a degree in the Fine Arts in 1986. After graduation, she worked in Santa Fe and Seattle and showed in a number of galleries, including the O.K. Hotel and FLN in Seattle.  In 1992 Linda decided to further her studies and came to the University of Arizona at Tucson. In 1996, she was awarded an MA in Art History, specializing in Mexican art history and 19th C. landscape painting. Her art work utilizes her studies in Art History, research and inspiration from the environment. Camping, hiking and sketching out of doors is a vital part of her practice. Although she has worked range of media, her current work is primarily 2d printmaking, painting and mixed media. Her artwork focuses on landscape, wildlife and the myths that humans form to mediate our interactions with the environment.

AWARDS:

Best of Show:                $500 
Award of Excellence:     $300
Award of Merit:              $200
Honorable Mention:      $100
Honorable Mention:      $100

TIMELINE:
Monday, August 11, 2025: National call opens.
December 1, 2025: Submission deadline.

December 2 – December 7, 2025: Jurying Process

Week of December 8: Notifications to Artists

December 22 – December 26, 2025: Shipped art due.

Monday, December 29, 2025: Hand-delivered art due.

Friday, January 2, 2026: Opening Reception, 5-7pm

Monday, February 9, 2026: Art must be picked up.
Week of February 16, 2026: Shipped work returned.

PRESENTATION:

All artworks must arrive ready to hang or be displayed.  If framed, work must be suitably matted, (white, black, or neutral colors preferred), simply framed, and firmly wired. No sawtooth hangers.  TCA reserves the right to disqualify any selected entry upon arrival that does not meet the above requirements or is deemed unsuitable for display.

JURY/FEES

Payments are made at the end of the CaFE™ entry process either via credit card online or a check mailed to the art center. Jurying will be done on the basis of digital images in a jpg format only. Up to three works may be entered for consideration. 

Non-refundable fee 
$35

$5 each additional entry image up to 2 entries 

TCA Member Discount Code: TCA Members use code: Upcycle25 to get $5 off of your submissions. Non-Members who use this code will be automatically disqualified without a refund.

SALES:

All work must be for sale. TCA will retain a 40% commission.  Price work accordingly. 

DELIVERY/SHIPPING:
Artists are responsible for shipping to and from TCA.  Unsold work will be shipped back to the artist after the exhibition.

Artists must provide a preprinted PREPAID shipping label for the return of their artwork. 

Please, no Styrofoam peanuts.

Tubac Center of the Arts represents Tubac’s artistic heritage and identity.  We pursue excellence in serving as a venue for artistic expression, appreciation, and learning for those who create and enjoy art in southern Arizona.

Application Requirements

Artists must apply through CAFE and agree to all terms listed in the application.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible to any artist in the United States over the age of 18.