Call Description

The Suffolk Art Gallery and Suffolk Art League are teaming up for their annual
spring exhibition, this year in partnership with the U.S.O., to highlight the abundant
creativity of active and reserve duty service members, their families, and veterans.
Beyond the call to serve our nation, many of our military are inspired by a powerful call
to share their diverse perspectives and ideas through art.

BEYOND THE UNIFORM
America’s 1.3 million service members are creative, innovative, and express their
individuality in countless ways. This exhibit celebrates the immense artistic talent of
Mid-Atlantic service members, their families, and veterans. During the celebration of
America250 in 2026, it is an opportune moment to highlight the wide-ranging abilities of
our dedicated military beyond the uniform.

STEPPING OUT OF FORMATION
We invite all active and reserve duty military, their family members, and
veterans ages 18 and up to submit artworks that consider the questions:
How has the military lifestyle impacted you? How has it informed your identity, themes
you explore, and/or the subjects (people, places, objects) you depict in your artwork?
Artwork does not need to be military-themed or limited to military life specifically to be considered. 

We welcome applicants to submit a wide variety of subject matter,
media, processes, and techniques that speak to their multi-faceted identities and
imagination.

Application Requirements

Entry Procedures: Each artist may submit up to three (3) works at no cost. Digital
images will be used to determine acceptance into the exhibit, and all entries must be
submitted online. No physical pieces will be accepted at the gallery for jurying.

Artists may submit up to three (3) images for
each work of art (2-D or 3-D). Images must be no larger than 5MB each.
 All works must be labeled (with title and artist name on back), framed if required,
and ready to display at time of delivery. A hanging wire must be attached to each
2D artwork at delivery. No clip-type or sawtooth hangers will be accepted.
Suffolk Art Gallery reserves the right not to display any selected work that fails to
correspond with the required presentation format and quality, including artwork
that differs from the submitted digital image.
 Please get in touch with the gallery BEFORE entering a large sculpture (more than 50
pounds). 3D works must be stable or have mounting hardware and installation
instructions. Pedestals will be provided as needed.
 

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility:
 Open to all active and reserve duty military, their family members, and veterans
in the Mid-Atlantic region, ages 18 and older.
 Submitted works must be originals completed within the last two years.
 Works must not have been previously displayed at the Suffolk Art Gallery.
 All styles and media are welcome. No installation art, video, or audio
enhancements will be accepted because of gallery limitations.
 Works generated by artificial intelligence (AI) will not be accepted.
Sale of Work: Suffolk Art Gallery and Suffolk Art League retain a 30% total
consignment of all works sold. All work must remain on display for the duration of the
show.
Awards: Best in Show - $500
Second Place - $300
Third Place - $200
Viewer’s Choice - $100