Call Description

The We’re Doing It ALL Wrong® — 6th Annual Art Exhibition opens August 6, 2026, organized by the Edward A. Dixon Gallery.

The Concept
The Edward A. Dixon Gallery is seeking submissions for its annual juried exhibition, a unique challenge designed to force both artists and viewers to recognize, react to, and reflect upon the myriad ways humanity continues to fail itself. We are looking for work that exposes the systemic issues, hidden crises, and overlooked failures of our modern world—issues that often simmer beneath the surface of mainstream media.

Inspiration
Previous exhibitions pushed boundaries, featuring artwork that tackled complex and visceral subjects. As you consider your submission, reflect on the breadth of topics explored in the previous year:

• Environmental & Industrial Ethics: The devastating ecological impact of mass-production of material goods, corporate farming and the escalating urgency of climate change.
• Human Rights & Social Crisis: The controversies of immigration laws and enforcement, the epidemic of missing Native American women, the cycle of homelessness, and the persistent weight of social injustice.
• Systems of Control: The burden of sky-high pharmaceutical prices, the psychological manipulation of gaslighting, and our collective, increasing dependence on technology.

Submission Goal
We seek art that serves as a mirror. Whether your focus is on a global crisis or a private, hidden struggle, your work should aim to educate and provoke dialogue. We invite you to join this collective examination of where we are going wrong and how awareness might lead to change.

View the History
For a deeper understanding of the exhibition's tone and the caliber of work selected, please visit the online archives at weredoingitallwrong.com.

Another ambitious goal of the exhibition is to find a Signature Artwork, that while keeping to the exhibition’s theme, defines our current period in history from the artist’s point of view.  One art piece can tell so many stories and the goal is to find a piece that will speak to future generations and tell a story about our time.

Each artist must submit original Artwork except in the case of Digital Art or Photography.  Artwork submitted should speak to the exhibit’s title and description.  In-person gallery hours for the exhibition will be complimented by an online version of the exhibition.
 

JUDGES & AWARDS

Entries will be judged in part by, Ed Dixon, the owner and curator of the Edward A. Dixon Gallery.  Mr. Dixon is a long-time patron of the Arts, former record company executive, blogger and owner of the Downtown Dayton gallery for over 8 years.

In addition, entries will also be judged by two other industry professionals.  Prior year's jurors included Artist/Activist Devon Horton (Bellevue, KY), Photographer Stacy Kranitz, Professor Judith L. Huacuja, PhD., sculptor Erin McCarthy (Boston, MA), artist & gallery owner, Amanda Wirig (Minneapolis, MN), artist Jamaal Durr (Dayton, OH), art professor & artist Ann Kim (Dayton, OH), artist Toby Gotesman Schneier (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) and Dayton Art Institute Chief Curator, Jerry N. Smith (Dayton, OH)

Award Categories Include:

• Best in Show
• 2nd Place
• Signature Artwork

Application Requirements

ENTRY FEE
Each artist may submit (1) artwork for the entry fee of $25 and up to (2) additional entries of $10 each.

ENTRY SPECIFICATIONS
Wall art (paintings, drawings, fiber art, photography, etc) and 3-D artwork are accepted for submission.  Wall art must be framed if appropriate and be wired and ready to hang. (No sawtooth hangers.)  3-D wall artwork must come with its own method and hardware for hanging.  There are no stated size limits this year.

Non-Wall art (sculptures, etc.) There is no actual size limit other than it must be able to fit through a standard size door.  The gallery can provide pedestals, but any other equipment or hardware needed for installation must be provided by the artist. It is preferred that three-dimensional (non-wall) art be able to stand own its own.

Images submitted of artwork must adhere to Café submission requirements.

Judging will begin in June and Artists will be notified if they are selected for the exhibition no later than June 19th.
 

SHIPPING

Accepted work may be hand delivered to the Edward A. Dixon Gallery:
222 N. St. Clair Street - Suite B
Dayton, Ohio 45402
July 24th through July 27th from 2 - 5 pm
Contact the gallery with your ETA.

Shipped artwork must be sent via UPS, FedEx, DHL, USPS or other pre-approved carrier and must arrive between July 20th and July 24th at:

We’re Doing It All Wrong®
c/o Edward A. Dixon Gallery
222 N. St. Clair Street - Suite B
Dayton, Ohio 45402

Email the tracking information to info@eadgallery.com.

*** Artists are responsible for all shipping and insurance costs to and from the gallery for accepted work.  The gallery will insure artwork during the exhibition.
 

Pickup or Return Shipping:
Artists who hand delivered their artwork, may pick up their unsold artwork beginning on September 27, 2025 from 3pm - 6pm.  Contact the gallery if other arrangements need to made. Remaining unsold artwork will be shipped over the following week.

COMMISSIONS
Artist agrees to allow submitted artwork to be available for sale with a 40% commission on all sales going to the Edward A. Dixon Gallery.  Not For Sale (NFS) artwork will also be accepted.

Application questions, contact: info@eadgallery.com.

Eligibility Criteria

All artists 18 years and older are eligible to enter. The call is open to artists in the United States.