Call Description

Art is fundamentally an exploration of relationships. From the cave paintings of Lascaux to Pollock’s Male and Female, artists have long sought to express the interconnected nature of existence. Rather than viewing reality as separate and individual, art often reveals how we exist in constant relation—to people, places, objects, time, memory, and even art itself.

This theme echoes across cultures and philosophies. In Taoism, for example, Yin and Yang emerge only in relation to one another. Similarly, we are shaped and defined through our connections.

L7 Gallery invites submissions that explore this concept of relationality through painting, drawing, mixed media, and printmaking. We’re looking for work that reflects the dynamic and layered nature of relationship: visually, conceptually and emotionally.

We look forward to seeing your work.

Our mission at L7 Gallery is to provide contemporary artists an opportunity to present original work to an audience in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. By featuring an online presence in addition to a brick and mortar gallery site, we will be displaying artists' works to local, national and international audiences. The overall aesthetic of L7 Gallery is based on artistic imagination and personal expression. Consistency in style is not something we particularly value, so please feel free to submit a wide range of work if you feel that represents your best artistic efforts.

Awards: For this exhibition L7 Gallery will be awarding 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes of $500, $300 and $200 respectively. The Award winners will be announced opening night January 16, 2026. Winners need not be present to win, and will be notified January 17, 2026.

Location of Exhibition: Whatcom Art Center Bellingham, WA Shipping address will be provided to included artists after selection process.

Juror: We are proud to announce we will be working in collaboration with Juror Maria Porges. Her reviews, articles and interviews have appeared in many publications, including Artforum, Art in America, Sculpture, the New York Times Book Review, and Hyperallergic.com.  She is currently a full professor at California College of the Arts.

Timeline:

• Application Opens: 10/25/25
• Application Deadline: 12/15/2025
• Jury Dates: 12/16-18/2025
• Notification Date: 12/18/2025
• All Artwork Received by: 01/10/2026
• Exhibition Dates: Jan 16 - Feb 8, 2026

Artwork Drop-off: Wednesday, Jan. 7, 11-5 pm thru Sunday, Jan. 11, 11-5 pm. 2026

Artwork Pickup: Thursday, Feb. 12, 11-5 pm thru Sunday, Feb. 15, 11-5 pm 2026

Shipped Art Receiving Dates: 12/22/2025 - 01/10/2026

Application Requirements

Artist must be 18 years or older

Applications must be completed online through CaFÉ (Callforentry.org).

Artists can submit 1 to 3 images for consideration. 

Drawing, painting and mixed-media works (including oil, acrylic and watercolor) and hand done printmaking (etching, lithography or wood-lino cuts) are accepted. While there is no minimum size, maximum size is 48 x 48 ". All art will need to be wired and ready to hang, maximum weight being 20 pounds. (note: pastel, charcoal or other media that can be damaged by touch must be framed behind glass or similar protective shield).

Please include a one paragraph statement with your entry. 

Please note: Photography, sculpture, computer generated or AI artwork will not be accepted.

Eligibility Criteria

National