Call Description

Her Strength: A Craft Experience

A Pop-Up Exhibition in the Craft Alliance Commons

For a limited time, our retail space is transforming. Her Strength: A Craft Experience is a curated pop-up exhibition that honors the resilient spirit, skilled hands, and enduring love of the women in our lives. We are moving beyond the shelves to create an "Open Commons"—a shared gallery space where art, community, and commerce intersect.

This isn’t a traditional gallery; it is a living tribute. As you move through our shop, you will discover a collection of works that celebrate "the female" in all her forms—from the quiet power of the matriarch to the bold creativity of the modern woman.

We have carefully integrated these pieces into our retail environment to show that art and craft are not just for museum walls—they are the fabric of our daily lives.

Why "Craft"? We chose the word Craft because it represents intentionality. It is the labor of love, the mastery of a skill, and the strength required to build something from nothing. It is a reflection of the very women we are honoring.

About Craft Alliance: 

Craft Alliance has been providing craft education in the Saint Louis metro for over 60 years. Located in The Maker District of  St. Louis, Craft Alliance is a hub for artists, enthusiasts, and students to explore, learn, and celebrate the world of contemporary craft. We offer studios for ceramics, print and paper arts, metals, fibers, glass, wood, an artists-in-residence program, robust community programs, and an exhibition program.

Key Dates: 

Call dates: December 26, 2025 - January 30, 2026

Exhibition dates: February 12, 2026 - May 31, 2026

Applicants notified by: February 2, 2025

Work delivered by: February 10, 2026

Work Returned: June 3-10, 2026

Sales: 

All work submitted should be available for sale. Any sales made during the exhibition will be transferred to the artist after Craft Alliance takes a 50% commission on the total sale. Please include the price of the work and account for the 50% commission in your CaFE account portfolio/artwork image details.

Shipping and Drop-off: 

Artists should make arrangements for works to arrive on site at Craft Alliance no later than February 10th, 2026.  Artists are responsible for shipping works to Craft Alliance and for insuring shipped work for its full value. Please include a pre-paid shipping label with the artwork for return. 

Application Requirements

Please submit:

• High resolution images of pieces for consideration
• A pdf containing a bio and artist statement explaining the craft and the women who inspired them.
• An entry fee of $10.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to artists 18 years and older.
• Open to works in clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood, paper, and other craft-based media or hybrid forms.
• Both functional and non-functional works are eligible.