Call Description

What does the phrase “Winter in America” conjure up in your mind?  Robert Frost's Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening? Or perhaps the more metaphorical, dystopian view from poet Gil Scott Heron of a period of frozen dreams, frozen ideas, and frozen inspiration? Or a cultural decline, political malaise or chilling of free speech?

The seasons can reflect the march of time or signify an eternal natural cycle.  Is winter the end of the life cycle or mere hibernation before rebirth and a brighter spring?  Is it marked by extended darkness or bright sunlight reflecting off snow? food scarcity or comfort food? biting cold or warm crackling fireplaces and mulled wine and hot butter rum? the end of the road or a temporary halt and reset before a thawing warm and colorful rejuvenation? 

University of Bridgeport's Schelfhaudt Gallery is seeking artists' interpretations for this themed exhibit: Winter in America. This will be a juried show with first, second, and third best of show recognition.  Multiple media, painting, poetry, sculpture, video formats will be accepted.  The gallery can accommodate larger pieces of work.

Contact: Peter Schelfhaudt

pschel@bridgeport.edu

Exhibition Award: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place

Eligibility: The competition is open to all artists, national and international. All forms of painting, drawing, photography, graphics, digital, sculpture and multimedia are eligible. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older to apply.

Entry Fee: $25.00 entry fee for first five entries; $5 for each additional entry. The entry fee covers the online submission process.

Entry Deadline: 01/15/2026

Event Dates: 01/29/2026 - 03/08/2026

Work Submission Requirements: .pdf or .jpeg.; 10MB maximum.  Each piece should include a short blurb about the work, including

a) size

b) medium

Exhibition requirements: All work selected for exhibition must be ready for hanging with appropriate hardware.

Shipping: Artists will be responsible for shipping and insurance of artwork.

Commissions: Artwork will be offered for sale at 50%/50% commission structure.

Contact Email: pschel@bridgeport.edu

Application Requirements

Entry Fee: $25.00 entry fee for first five entries; $5 for each additional entry. The entry fee covers the online submission process.

Entry Deadline: January 15, 2026

Work Submission Requirements: .pdf or .jpeg.; 10MB maximum.  Each piece should include a short blurb about the work, including:

a) size

b) medium

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility: The competition is open to all artists, national and international. All forms of painting, drawing, photography, graphics, digital, and sculpture are eligible. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older to apply.